Why Your Cat Shakes Its Head: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Cat head shaking is usually a sign of a medical issue. Whether it's an ear infection or a more serious condition, it's important to quickly identify the cause so your cat can find relief. Here are some reasons for head shaking in cats and when you should consult your veterinarian.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Heads?
Cats usually shake their heads when their ears itch or hurt. This behavior can be frequent or occasional, and cats may also scratch their ears. Several medical conditions can lead to itchy or painful ears.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are the leading cause of head shaking in cats. Caused by an excess of yeast or bacteria, these infections can lead to intense itching and pain. The ears may appear red and have excess debris or discharge, sometimes with a foul odor.
Ear Mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are external parasites more common in cats than dogs, though they are rare in indoor cats. These microscopic mites live and reproduce in the ears, causing intense itching and making your cat shake its head for relief. Dark debris, which may have an unpleasant odor, often appears in the ears.
Allergies
Allergies in cats may arise from contact, inhalation, food, or insects (especially flea bites). These allergies often result in intense itching around the head, neck, and ears, causing head shaking.
Polyps
Cats may develop ear polyps, also known as feline inflammatory polyps. These benign growths originate from the surface of the middle ear, outer ear, or nasal cavity. The presence of a polyp can cause cats to shake their heads and scratch their ears. Additional signs of a polyp vary depending on its location but may include:
Sneezing
Head tilt
Drooping eyelid
Abnormal eye movement
Noisy breathing
Nasal or ocular discharge1
Insect Bites
Cats, as natural predators, are prone to insect bites, particularly on the face and paws. Some cats may have a reaction at the bite site, including swelling, inflammation, itching, hives, and head shaking. Though rare, an anaphylactic reaction can occur, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Foreign Materials
Though rare, cats can get foreign material in one or both ears, especially outdoor cats during exploration. Items like seeds, dirt, and foliage can enter the ears and cause irritation or inflammation.
Ear Hematoma
An aural (ear) hematoma, or "pillow ear," occurs as a result of excessive head shaking rather than a cause of it. If a cat (or a dog) shakes its head hard enough, small blood vessels within the ear flap (pinna) may burst. This causes the ear flap to fill with blood and appear puffy, like a pillow.
Head Tremors vs. Shaking Head
Head shaking is different from head tremors (or head bobbing). A cat shakes its head in response to itching or discomfort. Head tremors are involuntary and may resemble a subtle seizure, appearing as if the cat is bobbing or trembling. Possible causes of head tremors in cats include:
Oral/dental problems
Feline infectious peritonitis
Brain tumors
Devon Rex myopathy, a breed-specific, hereditary condition that causes muscle weakness2
Other neurological or neuromuscular conditions
If you think your cat is experiencing head tremors, see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Cat is Shaking Their Head
Contact your veterinarian if your cat frequently shakes its head for more than a day or two. The vet will examine the ears using an otoscope to check for inflammation and debris and determine if the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is intact. This is crucial, as some ear medications can be toxic to the inner ear. The vet may also take samples of ear debris or discharge to check under a microscope for yeast, bacteria, and ear mites.
If your cat's head shaking is mild and the ears are not red, try gently cleaning the ears with a cat-safe ear cleaner. Dampen gauze or cotton balls with the cleanser, then gently wipe away visible debris. Avoid putting liquid directly into the ear unless advised by your vet. Liquids can worsen the issue if the eardrum is damaged.
Treatment & Prevention
Treatment for your cat depends on the underlying cause of head shaking and examination findings. Often, the veterinarian will recommend ear cleaning before using medications.
Ear infections are typically treated with medicated ear drops applied once or twice daily for five or more days.
Ear mites can be treated in several ways. Your vet may apply a topical product to the skin or ears, administer injections, or prescribe oral medications.
Polyps can only be effectively treated via surgical removal.
Insect bites are often treated with antihistamines or steroids to treat the inflammation.
Allergies may be treated with antihistamines and other anti-itch medications while your vet tries to determine the underlying allergen causing the problem.
Fleas require treatment with an effective flea-control product.
You may be able to prevent head shaking in cats by keeping their ears clean and bringing your cat to the vet for routine wellness exams. Be sure to contact your vet if your cat is shaking their head as they may be able to identify and treat the problem before it makes your cat very ill.
