Turkish Angora Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest longhaired breeds, a fine-boned, elegant cat from the region around Ankara with a silky coat, a plumed tail and tall, tufted ears. Under all that grace is a lively, clever cat that loves to be up high and in the middle of whatever you are doing. If your Angora has started scratching at an ear or holding one at an odd angle, those elegant ears deserve some attention.

Read on for how the breed's ears are built, which changes to watch for, what tends to cause problems, when to involve your vet and how to clean the ears of a cat that may not hear you coming.

Angora ears: tall, tufted and close-set

Breed standards describe the Turkish Angora's ears as large, pointed, wide at the base and set closely together high on the head, with tufts of hair at the tips and furnishings inside. Combined with the coat and the breed's famous white color, that adds up to a few practical points:

• Ear tufts and furnishings. The longer hairs that sprout from the tips and the inside of the ear are part of the breed's look. They can also catch dust, litter and bits of shed coat right at the opening.
• A fine, silky coat with little undercoat. The coat lies smooth and is less prone to matting than a Persian's, but it does shed, and loose strands can settle inside the ear.
• Light coats show everything. On a white Angora, brown wax and dark debris stand out clearly against pale fur and pink skin, which makes early changes easy to see.
• White cats and hearing. As in other breeds, white cats, especially those with one or two blue eyes, can be born deaf in one or both ears. This kind of deafness is present from birth and is not caused by ear cleaning, but it does change how you approach your cat.
• An energetic climber. Angoras like the tops of bookcases and doorframes, and they move fast. Expect dust from high places and the odd scrape on the ear flap.

Tufted ears are not unique to the Angora. Our Maine Coon guide covers another breed with lynx-style tips and heavy ear furnishings.

Signs to watch for in a Turkish Angora

A quick look while your cat is resting is often enough to catch problems early. Pay attention to:

• Wax or grime clinging to the ear furnishings near the canal
• Black, dry, crumbly debris inside the ear
• Redness, flaking or small scabs on the pale inner flap
• A sweet, sour or musty odor
• Head shaking, ear rubbing on furniture or scratching with a back paw
• One ear drooping or rotating outward more than the other
• A change in balance or a head tilt, which is never normal

Typical causes of ear problems

Ear mites. These parasites are a frequent cause of itchy ears in cats, particularly kittens and cats that mix with other animals. They pass readily from one pet to another. Your vet can identify them and recommend treatment for the household. Our article on keeping your cat away from ear mites explains how they spread.

Debris caught in the tufts. Hair at the ear opening can hold onto dust and shed fur. When that mixes with wax, it can irritate the skin.

Yeast and bacteria. Both live on normal skin and can overgrow if the ear is inflamed or waxy. Your vet can check a swab to see what is going on.

Allergies. Allergic skin disease often affects the ears first. On a white cat, redness inside the flap may be one of the earliest things you notice.

Polyps. Inflammatory polyps are benign growths most often found in young cats. They can cause discharge, head tilt or a drooping eyelid and need a vet's attention.

Our overview, recognizing and treating your cat's ear infection, explains how vets approach ear problems in general.

When to see your vet

Angoras are quick and independent, and they can hide discomfort well. See your vet promptly if you notice:

• 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

If you think your cat's hearing has changed, mention it to your vet too. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or homemade oil blends, which can irritate the ear and are unsafe with a damaged eardrum. Never insert cotton swabs into the canal.

Cleaning routine for a Turkish Angora

A look at the ears every few days and a gentle clean about once a week, or whenever the tufts look grimy, works for most Angoras. Follow your vet's advice if your cat has a history of ear trouble.

1. Approach where your cat can see you. This matters most for a deaf cat. A gentle touch on the shoulder or a light tap on the floor tells it you are there.
2. Look into both ears. Part the tufts with a fingertip. If you spot blood, open sores or pain, stop and contact your vet.
3. Clean the flap and furnishings by wiping away visible wax and discharge with a cotton ball or tissue.
4. Slowly fill the ear canal with cleaner. If your cat will not sit for the bottle, soak a cotton ball and squeeze the liquid in.
5. Massage the ear base gently for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Allow a good head shake, then dry the outer ear and tufts with a cotton pad.
7. Reward with a treat or a short climbing game.

Handling note: A deaf or hard-of-hearing cat relies on sight and touch, so keep your movements slow and visible and avoid surprising it from behind. A light towel wrap, a quiet room and short sessions help any Angora. Stop if your cat becomes upset.

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.

Turkish Angora ear FAQ

My white Angora is deaf. Does that mean its ears are unhealthy?

Not necessarily. Inherited deafness in white cats involves the inner ear and is present from birth. The outer ear can still be perfectly healthy. Keep up regular checks and cleaning as for any cat.

Should I trim the ear tufts?

There is no need. The tufts are a breed feature. Simply wipe them clean when they collect debris.

Is a Turkish Angora the same as a Turkish Van?

No. They are separate breeds. The Turkish Van is larger and usually white with color on the head and tail, but basic ear care is similar.

How do I know if my cat's hearing has changed?

Watch for a cat that no longer turns toward familiar sounds or startles more easily. Hearing changes can have several causes, so check with your vet.