Please give your advice on this?

Question

I have pure breed,pure white Rag Doll 21.2lbs and she's deaf,can't here anything only goes by vibrations when you walk and what not,she had to stay at my parents for a bit while i had to go somewhere else,never mind where i went,she was there for a month i got her back 3 days ago and she seems deleriuse or something and flicks her ears and shakes her head,i'v looked in her ears and didn't see mites or anything,but her eyes are glassy and all she does is sleep,please don't write take her to the vett.What should i do?C an i clean her ears with my q-tips?Thankyou.Oh she'll be 4yrs old soon.

Answer 1

Using Q-tips in her ears would not be a good idea since you do not know why she is bothered by her ears and shaking her head.

Problems could be ear mites or an ear infection. Mites are microscopic, but some say they can be seen as white flecks against a dark background. One of the classic indications of ear mites is a oily, coffee ground looking residue in the ears.

An ear infection can be yeast, bacterial or both. An infection can only be diagnosed by your vet by making a stained slide of some of the wax in her ears to be examined under a microscope. If her ears are infected, they may also feel warmer that usual. Put your fingers next to her ear on the side of her face.

If you cannot take her to the vet, look at her ears if she will let you and call your vet. See if you can speak to a vet or a vet tech and explain what her ears look like and that she is deaf. They may be able to recommend something, at least a cleaning solution for you to try first.

I would not get anything over-the-counter unless your vet recommends a particular product.

If cost is the problem..and it definitely has to be a factor..check on Care Credit. This is a credit card for medical expenses only. My Care Credit account has saved me many times now when I've had an emergency with one of my cats! You can apply online and see what vets accept this credit card in your area.

I hope she feels better! My diabetic cat has recurring infection in just one of her ears and I know how miserable she is when it flares up!

Purrs and prayers for you and kitty.

Answer 2

Don't push into the ear with a Q-Tip, if there's a wax blockage in there, then there's an ear infection under it and compacting the wax further down increases the painful pressure already inside.

The vet can remove the was buildup and relieve the pressure without damaging the ear drum. You'll get antibiotics for it too, if that's the problem. Ear infections are very painful.

However if it's not the ear but actually head damage (she may have jumped and fallen), you will need to have the vet look at the cat carefully. They'll watch the pupil dialation and look for bruises or cracked bone.

Either one would only cost you the price of a vet checkup, about $35. She's in pain right now so actually should be taken in as soon as possible. Glassy eyes are a sign of extreme pain.

Answer 3

I have had a multi cats & dogs household for decades now. One thing for sure, cats and/or dogs eyes do not become "glassy" looking because they have contracted fleas or mites. Nor do the felines or canines become delirious, listless, or sleepy because of the latter. If you are afraid to bring your cat to a Vet, because you cannot afford it - then pick up the phone and start calling everyone you know and ask to either borrow the money or make arrangements to work it off (housecleaning etc). Also phone the different Vets in your area and explain the cats' situation. They will also want to know if she's eating, urinating and pooping well. Yes Vets are expensive but your cat might be suffering quite a bit - and most animals deal with pain by withdrawing and sleeping. Also you did not mention if she was excessively scratcthing herself. But do not "hope for the best" and then continue to allow her to go without bonafide medical help.

Answer 4

There's something seriously wrong with her and putting q-tips in her ears is not a good idea. It sounds like a lot more than a hearing problem and if you don't take her to the vet, you may not have your pure-bred Rag Doll much longer.

Answer 5

No, don't clean her ears with q-tips. You should never put q-tips inside an ear, even your own... only the outer ear.

You could try putting drops in her ears. There could be an infection, so some kind of antibacterial drops may clear it up. Really should take her to the vet if you're worried.

Answer 6

She probably has mites, even though you didn't see them. Treat her with over the counter mite medicine.

She might be acting funny because cats are sensitive, and changes often mess with their constitutions. You might want to take her to the vet just to make sure she's ok. If she didn't drink enough water while she was staying with your parents, she's probably dehydrated, and that's bad in a cat. It will make them listless and feel awful.