There are some pet behaviors that owners may find endearing — licking, pawing and chewing, to name a few. However, there are some behaviors to look out for, as these may indicate something more serious. Excessive licking could be a sign of allergies or anxiety. The same goes for pawing at themselves, which can either be harmless or signify an eye infection and even excessive chewing could be a sign of oral pain. Then, there is headshaking in cats. If you have noticed your cat frequently shaking their head, they might need deworming medication due to a medical problem.
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Yes and no, says Dr. Paola Cuevas, veterinarian, MVZ, and behaviorist. Just like with licking, pawing or chewing, any behavior that is excessive is something to watch.
"A head shake here and there is totally normal behavior, just like we sometimes roll our necks or stretch our arms without having any pain or discomfort," Dr. Cuevas explains. "However, If you have noticed your cat started to frequently shake their head, this is a clear indication that something is not right."
"The most common reason why cats shake their heads is because they are experiencing pain or discomfort in their ears," Dr. Cuevas says. "If this is the case you will often see that the cats are also scratching their ear area."
Inflammation of the ear could be due to a few reasons and will require medical attention in most cases. An inflamed ear, red and swollen ear canal, waxy debris or a smelly discharge are other symptoms to look out for, according to Dr. Cuevas.
Medical issues that might cause ear pain include bacterial infections, yeast infections, allergies or ear mites.
Any kind of discharge coming out of your cat's ears could indicate an infection — not just liquid discharge.
"Some of the possible reasons might be bacterial infections, ear mite infestations, and yeast overgrowth, which will need specific treatments," Dr. Cuevas explains.
Even indoor cats can get ear mites, the most common of which is Otodectes cynotis. These mites live in the ear canal and feed on the thin layer of skin in your cat's ear. Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, also weighs in.
"Ear mites are tiny parasites that can infest a cat's ears, causing irritation and itching," Dr. Savageau explains. "Head shaking is a common response to this discomfort."
Dr. Savageau adds that head shaking is usually any kind of reaction to pain or discomfort, no matter the exact cause.
"Skin conditions, such as dermatitis or skin allergies, may affect the ears and lead to head shaking as a way to alleviate itching or discomfort," she says, adding that it can also indicate headaches, allergies or even behavioral issues.
"Head shaking can sometimes be a response to pain or discomfort, including headaches," Dr. Savageau says. However, it can be challenging to diagnose headaches in cats, and other signs of pain or illness are typically present.
"Cats can [also] be allergic to various environmental factors, including pollen, dust or certain foods. Allergies may lead to itching and discomfort. Mosquito allergies, which results in scabbing and crusting along the ears, will make them shake their head."
Headshaking in cats can also indicate trauma, seizures or foreign objects in the ear canal.
"It is very important to differentiate between a cat’s voluntary head shaking and involuntary head movements, which would be pointing toward cats suffering from neurological conditions," Dr. Cuevas says. "Seizures are other forms of involuntary movement that might also include head shaking, however, other parts of the body will also be affected," specifically the legs.
In the event of a seizure or involuntary movements, Dr. Cuevas recommends seeing a veterinarian immediately.
To keep track of how often your cat is shaking their head, a collar with a bell can come in handy. It will ring every time your cat exhibits this behavior, alerting you to a potential issue. Also included below are some over-the-counter remedies for ear mites and other causes of itchiness.
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Stephanie Osmanski writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
