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As pet parents, we always worry when something feels different about our furry babies. You might be petting your cat and notice that their ears feel warm or even hot. This can be scary! If you’re asking yourself “Why are my cats ears hot?” Then, you’re at the right place! We’re here at Ecopetessentials to help you understand what’s happening and how to help your beloved pet. Cat ears can feel warm for many reasons. Some are normal, and some need a vet’s help. In this post, we will explain five reasons why your cat’s ears may feel hot and what you can do to help them. By the end of this post, you’ll understand when hot ears are okay and when it’s time to call the vet.
The first thing to know is that cats have a higher body temperature than humans. A cat’s normal temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees (about 38°C to 39°C). This is warmer than our 98.6 degrees (37°C). So your cat’s ears might just feel hot because they are naturally warmer than ours. Moreover, cat ears have many blood vessels close to the skin. This helps them control their body heat. When blood flows through these vessels, the ears can feel quite warm to our touch. This is completely normal! If your cat is acting normal, eating well, playing, and sleeping like usual, warm ears are probably nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on your pet and watch for other signs that something might be wrong.
Sometimes our cats show signs that make us worry. Hot ears can be a small problem or a sign of something more serious. Therefore, watching them closely helps us keep them safe and healthy. Here are some things to watch out for:
Cats can get too hot just like we do. When the weather is hot or your home is too warm, your cat’s ears will feel hotter than normal. Their ears help release extra heat from their body. If your cat is in a warm room, lying in the sun, or if it’s a hot day, this could be why their ears feel hot. Moreover, cats don’t sweat like humans do. Therefore, they use their ears, paws, and panting to cool down. Certain cat breeds with thick or long fur, such as Russian Blue and Maine Coon, tend to run hotter as compared to hairless cats and short-haired cats.
➺ What You Can Do: Make sure your cat has access to cool, fresh water at all times. You also have to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Give your cat cool places to rest, like tile floors or shaded areas. Always keep your cat indoors to protect them from extreme heat. Never leave your cat in a hot car, even for a few minutes. Consider installing a Wi-Fi thermostat in your home so you get alerts if the power goes out when you’re not home.
Your cat might have allergies that cause their ears to feel hot. Cats can react badly to things like certain foods, pollen from outside, dust in the home, or cleaning products you use. When a cat has allergies, their body gets inflamed, which makes parts of their body warmer. You might notice your cat scratching a lot, especially around their face and ears. Their skin might look red or irritated. Some cats also sneeze often or have watery eyes when they have allergies.
➺ How to Help: You can try to figure out what’s bothering your cat. Think about any new foods, products, or changes in your home. Sometimes switching to a different cat food can help. You also have to keep your home clean and use pet-safe cleaning products. Your vet can give your cat medicine to help with the itching and swelling.
One of the most common reasons a cat’s ears feel hot is because they have a fever. Fever can happen if your cat has an infection, like a cold, flu, or ear infection. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs.
Other signs of fever may include:
➺ Solution: Take your cat to the vet right away if you think they have a fever. The vet will check your cat’s temperature and find out what’s causing the infection. They might give your cat antibiotics like Clavamox or ampicillin for cats to fight the infection. Your vet might also give you gastrointestinal protectants like sucralfate or omeprazole to protect your cat’s stomach while they heal.
WARNING: You should never give your cat human medicine without asking your vet first, as many human medicines are dangerous for cats!
Sometimes the problem is right in the ear itself. Ear infections can make your cat’s ears feel hot, red, and sore. Your cat might shake their head, scratch their ears a lot, or have a bad smell coming from their ears. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, or allergies. These infections are uncomfortable and can get worse if not treated.
➺ Steps to Take: Take your cat to the vet if you think they have an ear infection. The vet will look inside your cat’s ears and might take a sample to see what’s causing the infection. They will give you medicine to put in your cat’s ears or pills to give them. You have to follow all the vet’s instructions carefully. Your veterinarian may want to see your cat back in five to ten days to make sure the infection is gone.
Heatstroke is very serious and can be life-threatening. This happens when your cat gets too hot and their body can’t cool down. Heatstroke is a medical emergency! Signs of heatstroke include:
➺ Things You Can Try: If you think your cat has heatstroke, get them to a vet immediately! While you’re getting ready to go, move your cat to a cool place. You can put cool (not ice cold) water on their paws and ears. Don’t use ice or very cold water, as this can make things worse. Some cats may have trouble breathing, so you need to give them space too.
If your cat had mild to moderate heatstroke, they usually get better and can go home. You’ll need to give them their medicines at home and bring them back to the vet for checkup visits. Your cat will need lots of rest at home. Your vet might want to do more blood tests in three days to check that your cat’s kidneys and liver are working well. Sadly, cats with very severe heatstroke may not recover. Some cats might need long-term treatment for kidney problems, heart disease, or brain problems. Cats that have had heatstroke before are more likely to get it again, so you must be extra careful to keep them cool. If your cat takes medicine for seizures, make sure they get it every day, as missing doses can cause problems.
While many causes of hot ears are mild, there are times you should seek veterinary care immediately:
In these situations, your veterinarian may recommend sending your cat to a veterinary hospital with advanced care like a ventilator or dialysis.
Now you know the answer to “Why are my cats ears hot?” Most of the time, warm cat ears are normal. But sometimes hot ears can mean your cat needs help. We hope this guide helps you understand what might be happening and what to do. As pet parents, our job is to watch our cats closely and get them help when they need it. You have to trust your gut feelings. You know your cat best. If something feels wrong, call your vet. At Ecopetessentials, we believe that informed pet parents make the best decisions for their beloved pets. Your cat is lucky to have someone who cares enough to learn about their health!
➥Are hot cat ears always a sign of sickness?
No, hot ears are often normal. Cats have higher body temperatures than humans, so their ears naturally feel warm to our touch.
➥How can I tell if my cat has a fever?
You can check for hot ears plus other signs like not eating, sleeping more, hiding, not grooming, or acting tired and sad. See a vet.
➥ Can stress make my cat’s ears hot?
Yes, stress can raise your cat’s body temperature slightly, making their ears feel warmer. Watch for other signs of stress or anxiety.
➥Should I put ice on my cat’s hot ears?
Never use ice on your cat. If they’re overheated, use cool (not cold) water on their paws and ears, then see a vet.
➥How hot is too hot for cat ears?
If ears feel burning hot, your cat is panting heavily, drooling, or acting weak, this is an emergency. Get to a vet immediately.
Isla Bennett loves Misty, her two-year-old British Shorthair. And she wants to help other pet parents make sustainable choices that are good for their pets and the planet. She writes about easy ways to care for animals using green products. Isla believes that happy pets and a healthy earth go hand in hand. Her goal is to make pet care simple, fun, and eco-friendly. She also gives you insights about different pet Breeds and traits!
