Ragamuffin Cat Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Ragamuffins have a reputation as some of the most easygoing cats around. Many happily flop into a lap, tolerate being carried and greet guests at the door. That laid-back nature is a real gift when it comes to ear care. The catch is that a cat this mellow may give only subtle hints when an ear starts to bother it, and its medium, slightly rounded ears sit in a plush coat that can hide wax.

This guide explains what owners should watch for in Ragamuffin ears, the usual causes of ear irritation, the symptoms that need a vet and a gentle at-home routine that takes advantage of the breed's calm personality.

Ragamuffin traits that affect the ears

The Ragamuffin was developed from Ragdoll lines and is now recognized as its own breed. It is a large, solidly built cat that comes in many colors and patterns, often with white. Several of its traits are relevant to ear health.

• Medium, slightly rounded ears. The ears are set as much on the sides of the head as on top, tilt slightly forward and carry moderate furnishings. That fur can hold wax and dust right at the entrance.
• A soft, rabbit-like coat. The semi-long fur is silky and dense. It is often described as less prone to matting than many longhaired breeds, but areas that rub, such as behind the ears and under a collar, can still tangle.
• A big, heavy body. Ragamuffins are slow to mature and end up substantial cats. A heavier or older cat may not groom the back of its head and ears as thoroughly as a lean, agile one.
• A mostly indoor lifestyle. Their trusting nature means most Ragamuffins live indoors, which limits exposure to outdoor debris. Mites can still arrive with a new kitten or a visiting pet.
• Light or dark ears. On white or cream cats, wax and redness show up readily against pale skin. On darker cats, you may need to part the fur to see the skin.
• Quiet tolerance. A cat that goes limp in your arms is not necessarily a comfortable cat. Calm breeds can hide discomfort well.

Keeping the ear furnishings in place is fine; they are part of the coat. Simply clean around them when wax collects.

Subtle signs in a mellow cat

Ragamuffins rarely make a fuss, so changes from your cat's usual routine are the main thing to watch. Notice if your cat:

• Stops seeking out laps or flinches when its head is stroked
• Shakes its head or scratches one ear more than the other
• Has brown, sticky wax gathering in the furnishings
• Has dark, crumbly debris in the opening, which can point to mites
• Has a smell coming from the ear
• Has red, puffy or scabby skin on the inside of the flap
• Holds its head at a slight angle or carries one ear lower
• Develops tangles or scabs at the base of the ear

What causes ear problems in Ragamuffins

Ear mites. Mites spread through close contact between animals and are especially common in kittens. They usually cause marked itching and dark debris. Have your vet confirm the diagnosis; the whole household may need treatment. See our tips on keeping your cat away from ear mites.

Wax collecting in the furnishings. Fur at the ear opening can hold wax in place, and a less active cat may not shake it loose.

Allergies. Itchy ears and face are a frequent sign of skin allergies in cats. Your vet can help track down possible triggers.

Yeast and bacteria. These tend to overgrow in ear skin that is already irritated. A vet will check a sample before choosing a treatment.

Aural hematoma. Repeated head shaking or scratching can rupture small vessels in the flap, and the ear swells with blood.

Polyps. Inflammatory polyps are benign growths most often found in young cats. They can lead to one-sided discharge, a head tilt or a visible lump in the ear.

Sun-damaged ear tips. Cats with white ears that love sunny windows can develop sore, crusty ear tips. Any crusting or sores on the edges of the ears should be checked by your vet.

To learn how vets diagnose these issues, read recognizing and treating your cat's ear infection.

When to see your vet

A calm cat can mask a lot. Call your vet if you see 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

Home remedies such as peroxide, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and oils do not belong in a cat's ear, and neither do cotton swabs.

A lap-friendly ear routine

A weekly look at the ears during brushing suits most Ragamuffins. Clean when you see wax in the furnishings or at the opening, and ask your vet how often to clean if your cat has a history of ear trouble.

1. Settle in together. Many Ragamuffins are happy to lie on your lap or beside you on the couch. Lay a towel underneath to catch drips.
2. Brush behind the ears and along the collar line to loosen any tangles.
3. Fold back each ear and inspect it. If you see blood, swelling or broken skin, stop and contact your vet.
4. Wipe the visible ear with a cotton ball or tissue.
5. Fill the canal slowly with a cat ear cleaner, or use the soaked cotton ball method if your cat is unsettled.
6. Massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
7. Allow a good head shake, then dry the outer ear with a cotton pad and offer a treat or a cuddle.

If your cat is less relaxed than usual: Even a docile cat can object when an ear is sore. Wrap it loosely in a towel, move to a quiet room, keep the session short and stop if your cat seems distressed.

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.

Ragamuffin ear FAQ

Is a Ragamuffin the same as a Ragdoll?

No. The two breeds share ancestry, but the Ragamuffin is a separate breed that accepts a wider range of colors and patterns. Ear care is much the same for both.

My Ragamuffin goes limp when I hold it. Does that mean its ears don't hurt?

Not necessarily. Many Ragamuffins relax completely when held, whether or not something hurts. Watch for head shaking, scratching, odor or a cat that avoids being touched on the head.

My cat is heavy and doesn't groom well behind its ears. What should I do?

Brush that area for your cat a few times a week and check the ears at the same time. Ask your vet whether your cat's weight is healthy, since a leaner cat can usually reach more of its own coat.

Do longhaired breeds like the Siberian need the same ear care?

The basics are the same. The Siberian has a thicker, layered coat that sheds more heavily, so it tends to need more fur removed from around the ears during molting season.