Cauliflower ear isn’t just a boxer’s problem. It can also appear in cats and is relatively common, especially in stray and feral cats.
My sister just adopted a cat with a weird wrinkled ear,” says Karen. “We have no idea what caused it, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. Was he born that way, or did he get hurt at some point? The condition Karen refers to is called cauliflower ear, also known as “wrinkled ear”. It is relatively common, especially in stray and feral cats. And while it may sound strange, it’s relatively harmless in the long run.
What happened?
Cauliflower ear pathology is fairly well known. According to veterinarian Dr. Martha Smith, it is actually a scarring of the auricle. This scar tissue forms when the ear heals from an injury.
When the injury first occurs, adds Dr. Shana Savikko of the American Animal Hospital Association, the pinna of the ear swells with blood and other fluids, causing a lump, usually inside the ear. Of the cat. The lump may or may not be sensitive to touch. It will generally not drain on its own; instead, the cat’s body will eventually reabsorb the fluid, forming scar tissue that causes the ear to become deformed. The amount of wrinkling varies depending on the severity of the injury.
Veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus says an injured ear can be drained, but scar tissue will still form and the ear will never return to its original smooth shape. Of course, if the lump is large or painful, take your cat to the vet so they can drain the fluid and relieve the pain.
In very severe cases, the blood-filled lump may expand and block the ear canal; the resulting scar tissue can also block the ear canal by twisting the ear. In these cases, surgery can fix the blockage, although it cannot remove the crease.
Causes may vary
The initial root injury of “crumpled ear” is usually self-inflicted – unlike the cauliflower ear common to boxers. Many veterinarians say it can be caused by a rapid shaking of the head, usually triggered by itching in the ears. An injury can also occur when the cat scratches the itch and cuts and breaks the capillaries in the tender tissue with its claws. Itching can come from a variety of sources, including allergies and dust mites. Of course, cat fights can also lead to injuries that can lead to cauliflower ear, one reason why this condition is seen more often in stray or feral cats.
Sometimes the cause of cauliflower ear can be a bit more complicated. Veterinarian Dr. John Symes is convinced that this is a symptom of a serotonin deficiency likely caused by a food allergy. This deficiency manifests as a clotting disorder that allows blood to flow into the ear, enlarging a wound at the initial site of trauma. To avoid this potential source of cauliflower on the cob, Dr. Symes suggests feeding cats a diet free of likely allergens — gluten, corn, soy, and dairy.
The good news is that cauliflower ear by itself won’t hurt or upset your cat. You can help prevent it by nipping the mites in the bud if they occur, doing what you can to keep your cat allergy-free through diet and other measures, and not letting it fight with other felines. If, like Karen’s sister, you’ve adopted a cat that already has a wrinkled ear, relax and enjoy its unique appearance!
