Why do cats like my ear wax?

What does it mean when a cat has a lot of wax?

When it builds up in the ears, it can appear to be dirt or dried blood. A kitty naturally produces a little wax, but those with systemic inflammation from allergies can start producing more ear wax than usual, according to the All Feline Animal Hospital.

Why are cats attracted to earwax?

Angela’s query led to a bunch of grossed out responses and some rather insightful ones as well. Another user posted that cats are attracted to earwax because it contains animal proteins.

Why does my cat lick my earwax?

Another aspect of the theory as to why cats like to lick your earwax is that they think they are grooming you. According to TheJakartaPost, Cats spend about one quarter of their lives preening themselves. They also like to groom each other and, yes, even their humans. Grooming is something that cats learn from kitten-hood.

What does abnormal ear wax look like in cats?

Abnormalities in ear wax can point to a variety of ailments, including pesky ear mites — yikes. Feline ear wax looks slightly different than human ear wax. According to the Feline Advisory Bureau, ear wax in healthy cats is darkish brown, not too dissimilar to the appearance of dried blood.

What to do if your cat’s ear wax is brown?

Brown Ear Wax Buildup in Cats 1 Kitty Ear Wax. Your kitty’s ear wax, also called cerumen, is naturally brown in color. … 2 Examining Those Ears. Brown waxy buildup in your kitty’s ears should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause. 3 Cleaning the Ears. … 4 Considerations.

What does it mean when a cat has ear wax?

Kitty Ear Wax. Your kitty’s ear wax, also called cerumen, is naturally brown in color. When it builds up in the ears, it can appear to be dirt or dried blood. A kitty naturally produces a little wax, but those with systemic inflammation from allergies can start producing more ear wax than usual, according to the All Feline Animal Hospital.

What causes brown waxy buildup in a cat’s ears?

Brown waxy buildup in your kitty’s ears should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause. She also needs to check for any signs of a secondary infection that might have formed. Your vet will look into your kitty’s ears with an instrument called an otoscope to examine his ear canal.

What is earwax and why is it in my ear?

Earwax is essentially a coating inside of the ear canal that grabs the pesky debris (like dust, dirt, and dead cells) that makes its way into our ears. It can even kill harmful microorganisms!

Why do cats like earwax?

When this dulled sense of taste is combined with a heightened sense of smell, cats find earwax irresistible as they can pick out the scents of the animal proteins they’re so familiar with, while not being put off by the taste. However, is there something else at play here, too?

Is there animal protein in human earwax?

The earwax we produce contains animal proteins called antimicrobial peptides. Scientists have, in fact, identified 10 of these in human earwax. These animal protein types also exist in cat food as byproducts and from meats that cats eat, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Why do cats like inside each other’s ears?

Ever wonder why cats like inside each other’s ears? Theoretically, it could be that they are trying to lap up some of each other’s earwax. Their earwax also contains animal proteins.

Why does my cat eat earwax?

These animal protein types also exist in cat food as byproducts and from meats that cats eat, such as fish, beef, and chicken. Because cats – like humans – have an intrinsic way of knowing what is nutritious for them, earwax fills this particular need for them nicely.

Why does earwax come out of my ear?

Of course, our human bodies do not always work as they are supposed to. Our bodies might make too much earwax, which leads to it secreting out of the ear.

What does feline ear wax look like?

Feline ear wax looks slightly different than human ear wax. According to the Feline Advisory Bureau, ear wax in healthy cats is darkish brown, not too dissimilar to the appearance of dried blood. Healthy ear wax in felines is usually very moderate and not too conspicuous, according to the ASPCA.

What does it mean when you see mite wax in cats ears?

The reason the mite wax is darker is that it’s mixed in with dried blood and skin from the damage the mites are doing to your cat’s ears. If you see wax and the ears are also inflamed, this likely means mites. Wax in a pink or pale pink ear is probably not indicative of mites.

Is it normal for a cat’s ear wax to be abnormal?

To keep your kitty in good health, pay attention to anything unusual you notice about her, whether it pertains to her breathing, walking, eyes, or even her ears. Abnormalities in ear wax can point to a variety of ailments, including pesky ear mites — yikes.

Why does my cat have wax in his ears?

What Is Cat Ear Wax? Most cats do not get wax in their ears, although it can happen. Often when you do see a dark and smelly wax buildup it indicates another condition, such as a yeast or fungal infection, ear mites, or other irritations in the ear.

Is it normal for cat ear wax to be brown?

Often when you do see a dark and smelly wax buildup it indicates another condition, such as a yeast or fungal infection, ear mites, or other irritations in the ear. If your cat’s ears look healthy with pale pink skin and some light brown wax, this is normal.

How do you get rid of ear wax on a cat?

You can also use a cat-safe sunblock on their ears and nose. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. An ear cleaner is often recommended as the mainstay of treatment if the ears have an obvious build-up of wax. Medicated ear drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, treat an infection, or kill certain mites.

Why does my cat’s ear wax smell bad?

It also will smell bad. The reason the mite wax is darker is that it’s mixed in with dried blood and skin from the damage the mites are doing to your cat’s ears. If you see wax and the ears are also inflamed, this likely means mites.

Is it normal for cats to have ear wax in their ears?

Ear wax itself is normal in a cat, but if you see any of the above symptoms, such as head shaking and scratching, your cat may have ear mites. Wax in both normal cats and cats infected with mites is brown.

Do cats have earwax?

Do Cats Have Earwax? As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection.