Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cats shake heads and itch ears, vet says no problem. Allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 21 lbs

Both cats have been shaking their heads and itching their ears for about 2 months now. Had their ears checked, nothing is wrong with them. Clean as whistle, no mites, I was told "their ears just itch". I don't buy it. It doesn't just randomly start with fall time in both cats. Could they have allergies like humans?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 26th, 2018

It could be allergies. Even if the vet didn't see mites, I would recommend that both cats be treated with a topical parasiticide like Revolution that will treat ear mites and fleas (the other common itch). Other possible causes for itch include food allergies and environmental allergies. Some pets can be allergic to lots of things that don't cause itching, but when they start to build-up in the body they reach their itch threshold. You can talk to your vet about a dose of zyrtec or claritin to try. But some pets can be managed by staying on flea preventatives and a diet for allergies.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 15th, 2019

    Allergies (both environmental and food) can cause itchy ears without discharge. You should also have her ear canals examined by a veterinarian to see if a foreign object or polyp is down in her ear canal and causing the head shaking. I hope this helps.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my dog or cat shaking? When should I see a veterinarian?
Concerned your pet is shaking? Veterinarian Todd Cecil discusses common causes like hypothermia, metabolic disorders, and seizures. He recommends a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?
Is your hermit crab battling recurring mites? A certified veterinarian explains why these persistent mites keep coming back and how to effectively address them. Get expert advice!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?
Concerned about a worm in your new chick's water dish? A certified vet discusses possible parasites and recommends a fecal exam for your young chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored