Himalayan Cat Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Those blue eyes and the dark-tipped ears are what first draw people to the Himalayan. Underneath the striking colorpoint pattern, though, is essentially a Persian: the same round head, flat face, plush long coat and small ears set low on the skull. That means the "Himmie" shares the Persian's ear-care needs, with a few twists that come from its coloring and its heavy double coat.

Below you will find what makes Himalayan ears tricky, the clues that something is wrong, the usual causes, the situations that call for your vet and a weekly routine that works with all that fur.

What sets Himalayan ears apart

The Himalayan was developed by combining the Persian body type with the pointed coloring of the Siamese. The result looks unique, but ear-wise it inherited mostly from the Persian side.

• Tiny, rounded, low-set ears. They are short and sit wide apart, often hidden by the long fur of the cheeks and ruff.
• Brachycephalic head shape. The shortened face and skull can come with narrow ear canals, so wax does not have much room before it causes a blockage.
• Darker points on the ears. Seal, chocolate, blue or lilac fur on the ear flaps can make it harder to spot brown wax caught in the hair near the opening. You have to part the fur and look at the pale skin underneath.
• A thick double coat that sheds heavily. Loose undercoat drifts everywhere, including into the ear flap, where it mixes with wax and forms clumps.
• Mats in the ruff and behind the ears. The long neck fur tangles easily, and knots near the ear base pull on sensitive skin.
• A laid-back personality. Himalayans are usually gentle and easygoing. That makes handling easier, but it also means a quiet cat may not show discomfort until a problem is well along.

Because the two breeds are so closely related, our Persian ear guide is a useful companion read. If your cat has the same flat face in a short coat, see the Exotic Shorthair page instead.

Clues that your Himalayan has an ear problem

With a calm cat and a lot of hair, the early signs are often subtle. Look and sniff for:

• Brown or black buildup on the pale skin inside the flap once you part the colored fur
• Dry, dark granules that look like coffee grounds
• An unusual smell coming from one or both ears
• Redness or swelling at the opening of the canal
• Shaking the head, pawing at an ear, or flattening the ears more than usual
• Scratching hard enough to leave clumps of fur or small scabs near the ear
• Hiding, sleeping more or avoiding being picked up

Why Himalayan ears get into trouble

Ear mites. Mites are one of the most common reasons a cat scratches its ears, particularly kittens and cats that mix with others. They spread easily between pets in the same home. If mites are suspected, your vet can confirm it and prescribe an appropriate treatment for every cat in the household.

Buildup in narrow canals. When wax, loose undercoat and dander collect in a tight space, the ear stays warm and stuffy.

Yeast or bacterial overgrowth. These organisms are normally present in small numbers, and they take advantage of a waxy or irritated ear. Identifying which one is involved is a job for your vet.

Allergies. Environmental and food allergies can show up as itchy ears, an itchy face or overgrooming. Our article on allergies in dogs and cats explains the common triggers.

Inflammatory polyps. These benign growths can form in the middle ear or throat and push into the ear canal, most often in young cats. They are a vet issue and may need to be removed.

Mats and grooming gaps. Knotted fur near the ears traps moisture and irritates skin, especially during heavy seasonal shedding.

When to see your vet

Home care is for ears that look healthy apart from ordinary wax. Contact your vet if you notice any of these:

• Pain: your cat flinches, cries out, hides or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• A drooping eyelid, or the third eyelid showing, on one side of the face
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (this can be a blood blister called an aural hematoma)
• Discharge with a bad smell
• A pink or fleshy lump visible at the ear opening, which can be a polyp
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse, or symptoms that do not improve or keep coming back

Avoid home remedies like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and kitchen oils. They can irritate the canal and are risky if the eardrum is damaged. Keep cotton swabs out of the ear canal entirely.

A weekly ear and coat session for Himalayans

Pick one relaxed time each week, perhaps after a meal when your cat is sleepy, and pair ear care with a thorough brush of the ruff and cheeks. Do a quick visual check every few days during shedding season. Your vet may recommend a different schedule if your Himalayan has a history of ear issues.

1. Brush out the ruff. Clear loose undercoat and small tangles around the neck and behind each ear before you start.
2. Part the colored fur. Look at the skin of the inner flap and the canal opening in good light. Stop and call your vet if anything looks sore or bloody.
3. Remove what you can see. Wipe visible debris and discharge with a cotton ball or tissue.
4. Fill the canal slowly with a cat ear cleaner. For a cat that fidgets, soak a cotton ball and squeeze the liquid into the ear.
5. Massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Step back for the head shake, then dry the outer ear with a cotton pad.
7. Finish with a treat or a favorite toy.

Make it easier: Work in a quiet room with the door closed. A loose towel "burrito" keeps paws out of the way. If your cat becomes stressed, take a break and try again later rather than pushing through.

About EcoEars Cat: EcoEars Cat is a botanical cat ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA. As directed on the label, wipe away visible debris, slowly fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your cat shake its head and dry the outer ear. Use it twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is for cats only and should not be used on broken skin, if there is blood, or if the eardrum may be damaged.

Himalayan ear FAQ

Why is it hard to see wax in my Himalayan's ears?

The colored points on the ear flaps can hide dark wax caught in the hair. Gently fold back the flap and part the fur so you can see the lighter skin underneath.

Do Himalayans need more ear care than Persians?

About the same. The two share the same head and ear shape, so the routine is similar. The main difference is that pointed coloring can make problems a little harder to spot.

Can I use a dog ear cleaner on my Himalayan?

Use a product labeled for cats. Some dog formulas contain ingredients that are not suitable for cats.

My Himalayan is shedding heavily. Should I clean the ears more often?

Check them more often. If you see extra fur and debris collecting at the opening, a cleaning may help, but more frequent cleaning than your cat needs is not better. Ask your vet if you are unsure.