Siberian Cat Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Siberians are sturdy, round-faced forest cats from Russia, wrapped in one of the thickest coats in the cat world. Their medium-to-large ears have rounded tips, lean slightly forward and are often decorated with tufts and furnishings. On a relaxed, affectionate Siberian, the ears are easy to admire and just as easy to overlook, because so much fur surrounds them.

In the sections below you will find what makes Siberian ears prone to collecting debris, the signs of a brewing problem, the most common causes, the symptoms that need a vet and a simple care routine you can tie to grooming.

Why Siberian ears need regular checks

This is a breed shaped by long, cold winters, and its coat and build show it. Several traits influence ear health.

• Rounded ears with a forward tilt. The ears are wide at the base with rounded tips and tip slightly toward the front. Furnishings inside the ear and fur around the base can hold wax close to the opening.
• A dense, layered coat. The Siberian coat is often described as having three layers: protective outer guard hairs, a middle layer and a soft, downy undercoat. It sheds heavily with the seasons, and loose fluff tends to gather in and around the ears.
• Mats in friction spots. Fur behind the ears and along the collar line rubs constantly, which can create tangles that tug on the skin near the ear.
• Agile jumpers. Despite a solid, muscular body, Siberians leap and climb with ease, reaching dusty spots high above the floor.
• A curiosity about water. Some Siberians enjoy playing with dripping taps or water bowls, which can leave the head damp.
• Easygoing temperament. Many Siberians are mellow and people-loving. A cat that puts up with a lot may not complain much about a sore ear.

Siberians come in many colors, including colorpoint coats, sometimes called Neva Masquerade. On a pointed cat the darker fur on the ears can make brown wax harder to see, so part the fur and check the skin.

Signs your Siberian may have an ear problem

Gently fold each ear back and look past the furnishings into the opening. Things that suggest trouble include:

• Brown or black wax clinging to the furnishings or the inner flap
• Gritty dark specks, especially in a young or newly adopted cat
• A noticeable odor from one or both ears
• Red, warm or swollen skin inside the ear
• Repeated scratching at the ear or the side of the neck
• Head shaking or holding the head slightly tilted
• Matted fur at the ear base, sometimes with irritated skin underneath
• A usually social cat choosing to stay out of reach

Causes of ear trouble in Siberians

Ear mites. A very common cause of itchy ears in cats, particularly kittens and cats from multi-cat homes. They usually leave dry, dark debris. Your vet can confirm mites and treat all of your pets at the same time if needed.

Allergies. Allergic skin disease in cats often involves the ears and face. Your vet can help you look for environmental or food triggers. Our article on allergies in dogs and cats covers the basics.

Fur and wax buildup. Seasonal shedding can pack loose undercoat into the ear, where it holds wax against the skin.

Yeast and bacteria. When ear skin becomes inflamed, organisms that normally live there can overgrow. A vet will take a sample to see which ones are involved.

Foreign objects. Siberians with outdoor or catio time can pick up plant material that works into the ear canal.

Aural hematoma. Strong head shaking or scratching may burst blood vessels in the ear flap, leading to a puffy swelling that needs a vet.

Inflammatory polyps. These benign growths occur mostly in young cats and can cause discharge from one ear, a head tilt or balance problems.

When to see your vet

A mellow Siberian may tolerate a lot of discomfort before it shows. Book a visit if you see:

• 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 putting peroxide, vinegar, alcohol or oils in your cat's ears, and keep cotton swabs away from the canal.

A simple Siberian ear routine

Plan on a weekly ear check during brushing, with extra attention during heavy shedding seasons. Clean only when you see wax or fluff building up, and ask your vet about a schedule if your Siberian has had ear infections before.

1. Start with the coat. Brush behind the ears and along the neck to loosen shed undercoat and work out small tangles before they become mats.
2. Check the ear. Fold the flap back in good light. Stop and call your vet if you see blood, swelling or very sore skin.
3. Clean the visible part with a cotton ball or tissue, lifting out wax and loose fluff.
4. Fill the canal slowly with a cat ear cleaner. If your cat fidgets, squeeze the liquid in from a soaked cotton ball.
5. Massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Let your cat shake, then dry the outer ear with a cotton pad.
7. Finish with a reward, such as a treat or some lap time.

Handling tips: Many Siberians settle well on a lap. For cats that squirm, wrap them in a towel with just the head out. A quiet room, short sessions and plenty of praise help. If your cat becomes distressed, stop and try again later.

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.

Siberian ear FAQ

What is the difference between a Siberian and a Norwegian Forest Cat when it comes to ears?

Both are thick-coated forest breeds with furnished ears. The Siberian has a rounder head and rounded ears that tilt forward, while the Norwegian Forest Cat has a triangular head with ears set more on the sides. Their care routines are nearly identical.

My Siberian is a colorpoint. How do I see wax on the dark ears?

Part the fur inside the flap and look at the skin itself. Owners of other pointed breeds, such as the Himalayan, use the same trick.

How do I deal with mats behind the ears?

Work small tangles apart with your fingers or a comb, holding the fur near the skin so you don't pull. Large or tight mats close to the skin are safest left to a groomer or your vet. Never cut near the skin with scissors.

Should healthy Siberian ears smell?

Healthy ears have little or no odor. A strong, sour or yeasty smell is a reason to have your vet take a look.