Cats exhibit a range of intriguing behaviors, and their fascination with earwax is certainly among the more peculiar ones. However, this behavior is more common and less bizarre than you might imagine. For many cats, an attraction to earwax is perfectly normal, driven by its scent and nutrient content. Yet, a sudden increase in interest in ear discharges could also be a signal of underlying health issues that warrant attention.
What Exactly Is Earwax? The Science Behind the Snack
Earwax, while often considered unpleasant, is not as revolting as commonly perceived. In fact, when you break down its components, it’s quite benign and even possesses nutritional elements. Specialized glands located within the outer ear canal play a crucial role in the production of earwax.
Ceruminous glands secrete a modified type of sweat that contains properties designed to combat bacterial and fungal infections, while sebaceous glands contribute an oily component. As skin cells on the surface (keratinocytes) naturally die off in the deeper ear canal, they are shed and migrate outwards, eventually exiting the ear. This combination of dead skin cells, hair, fatty acids, and a small amount of cholesterol creates a protein and energy-dense substance that may be quite appealing to your feline companion!
Decoding the Feline Fascination: Why Cats Are Drawn to Earwax
Several factors contribute to your cat’s interest in this unusual snack.
The Irresistible Taste of Protein
Cats are inherently drawn to meat, and anything with a similar nutritional profile is likely to pique their interest. This isn’t merely a preference; cats’ ancestors in the wild were obligate carnivores. They required meat to meet their nutritional needs for survival, a biological imperative that remains true for domestic cats today. While domestication has led to some digestive adaptations, a protein-rich, meat-based diet continues to offer significant health benefits for our feline companions.
Beyond their love for meat, cats possess a remarkable ability to detect other food sources that are high in protein and fats. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why your cat might perceive earwax as a tempting and readily available snack. It appears your cat’s instincts are sharper than you might have thought!
The Alluring Aroma: A Cat’s Super Sense of Smell
Cats utilize scent to identify other cats, animals, and humans, and it plays a vital role in their communication.
Cats possess an incredibly refined sense of smell. In fact, their olfactory system is so advanced that it’s estimated they have 100 times more scent receptors in their noses compared to humans. For cats, smell reigns supreme among their senses.
Scent is crucial for bonding with their mothers and companions, locating food and prey, and detecting potential dangers. Through their keen sense of smell, they can identify new protein sources, including earwax, which some cats find particularly irresistible.
While their sense of smell is exceptional, their sense of taste is comparatively less developed. Cats have significantly fewer taste receptors than humans, and consequently, they don’t experience flavors in the same way we do. Interestingly, their limited taste buds mean they cannot detect sweet flavors. However, they exhibit heightened sensitivity to proteins – when they consume protein, their brains react positively. Thus, whenever your cat tastes earwax, their brain is likely to receive pleasurable signals.
Grooming and Bonding: Ear Licking as Social Behavior
Grooming is an essential behavior for cats. If your cat chooses to groom you, especially by licking your ears, consider yourself fortunate – it signifies acceptance, a desire for closeness, and a feeling of safety in your presence.
Allogrooming, the act of cats grooming other members of their social group, serves multiple purposes within a cat colony. Grooming another cat’s ears can be a display of reassurance and affection, mirroring the way mother cats groom their kittens. It can also indicate dominance, where a higher-ranking cat grooms a subordinate’s face and head. Grooming is a peaceful and secure method of establishing hierarchy.
Therefore, if your cat frequently licks your face, neck, and ears, it’s likely a sign of affection or a way to communicate with you. The presence of tasty earwax is simply an added bonus in their grooming endeavors!
When Earwax Interest Signals a Problem: Recognizing Ear Disease
If your cat suddenly develops an intense interest in grooming another pet’s ears, it could be a sign of an underlying ear problem in that animal. Ear infections, while less common in cats than in dogs due to the structure of their ear canals, can still occur. Kittens are particularly susceptible to ear mites, which can lead to a buildup of dark, crumbly earwax.
Often, ear diseases like otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear canal) or infections alter the scent of the ear. This altered odor might attract your cat, leading to excessive licking. The cat with the ear issue might also be more receptive to this grooming, as it could provide some relief from pain and itchiness.
Common symptoms of ear disease in cats include:
- Red and inflamed ears
- Unusual or foul odor from the ears
- Frequent head shaking
- Tilting the head to one side
- Excessive scratching or rubbing at the ears
If your cat exhibits these signs, it’s crucial to have them examined by a veterinarian. A vet can thoroughly assess the ear canals using an otoscope. If ear disease is diagnosed, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. It’s also vital to prevent your other cat from continuing to groom the affected ear, as this could worsen the infection and potentially lead to the ingestion of ear medications, which can cause drooling and nausea.
Redirecting the Behavior: How to Discourage Earwax Eating
When addressing unwanted behaviors in cats, redirection and positive reinforcement are more effective than punishment.
When a cat is driven by a strong instinctual behavior, it can be challenging to stop them completely. Instead of direct attempts to stop the earwax licking, try redirecting their attention towards more acceptable and rewarding activities. Introduce new toys or puzzle feeders to engage their interest. Smelly treats can also be highly effective in diverting their focus. Some cats are particularly fond of textured licking mats, which encourage them to spend time licking canned cat food or treats from the textured surface.
If you’ve noticed your cat nibbling on cotton swabs (Q-tips), this is a potential concern. Cotton swabs, earplugs, or anything carrying the scent of protein-rich earwax can be appealing to cats. However, these small items pose a risk of intestinal obstruction if ingested. The best approach is to eliminate access to these objects entirely by disposing of used cotton swabs in a trash can with a secure lid and storing earplugs in a closed case.
Furthermore, cats should be prevented from licking another cat’s or a person’s ears if ear cleaning solutions or medicated ear drops have been recently applied, to avoid the ingestion of these substances.
Conclusion: Earwax and Cats – A Normal (Usually) Feline Habit
As we’ve explored, eating earwax is generally a perfectly normal behavior for domestic cats. However, there are situations where heightened vigilance is needed, and redirecting your cat to other activities becomes important.
Always approach your cat gently and reassuringly when they engage in potentially harmful behaviors, and avoid scolding or punishing them. With consistent redirection and engaging alternatives, they are likely to discover more exciting ways to spend their time than licking ears!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is human earwax good for cats?
Human earwax does contain protein and fatty acids, giving it some nutritional value. However, the quantity a cat might consume is negligible and won’t contribute significantly to their diet. For many cats, the act of grooming and the connection it fosters can be mentally enriching and calming, which can positively impact their overall well-being.
Is it safe for cats to eat earwax?
Generally, it is safe for cats to eat earwax, and it shouldn’t cause them any health problems. However, exercise caution if they are licking an ear that has been recently treated with medication or cleaning solutions. Additionally, consuming earwax from small objects like cotton swabs or earplugs can be dangerous if swallowed, potentially causing choking or intestinal blockages.
Is it ok for my cat to groom me?
Being groomed by your cat can be a wonderful bonding experience, although it might not appeal to everyone. Cat saliva contains bacteria, so it’s advisable to discourage grooming if you have open cuts or skin sores. People with cat allergies should also avoid cat saliva, as the proteins in cat saliva are often the primary trigger for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
View Sources
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- https://icatcare.org/advice/allergies-to-cats/
- Verbrugghe, A., Hesta, M. (2017), Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Veterinary Science 4(4), 55
- Wright, T. (2015), Ear wax. British Medical Journal Clinical Evidence. 0504
