Why are my cat's ears hot to the touch?

Updated 22/02/2024

Have you ever given your kitty’s head a little scratch and noticed, “Wow, my cat’s ears are hot”?! You can rest assured they’re not blushing with embarrassment, but there are several reasons why a cat’s ears might feel warm to the touch. From perfectly normal explanations to situations that might require a closer look, we’re taking a look at the most common answers to “Why are my cat’s ears hot?”.

Why are my cat’s ears hot?

1. Your cat’s body temperature is naturally higher

Cat ears are hot for a variety of reasons, but the most simple explanation is that our purr pals have higher body temperatures than we do. If you were worried about your furry feline, we hope that’s music to your ears! While humans have an average body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), our furry felines are a couple of degrees warmer, usually around 101.0°F to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.1°C). So don’t be surprised if their ears feel a little hot in comparison to your own. 

2. Cats release excess heat through their ears 

Another reassuring explanation is that it’s part of their natural cooling system. When they’re hot, veins in a cat’s ears expand to cool them down, and when they’re cold, their veins retract to conserve body heat. So that’s why my cat’s ears are hot after snoozing in the sun! It may also be to cool down after exercise.

3. Your cat has a fever 

Much like in humans, warm ears on cats can also indicate a fever. If this is the case, it won’t be their only symptom - keep an eye out for the following:

• Warm stomach and underarms 
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased drinking
• Behavioral changes
• Lethargy and weakness
• Shivering
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased grooming

How do you tell if a cat has a fever, for sure? You’ll need to use a special pet rectal thermometer to be absolutely certain; anything above 103°F (39.5°C) indicates they have a fever. And while a mild fever may get better all on its own, if the fever persists for more than 24h hours or reaches 104°F (40°C), take your cat to the vet immediately. It's usually better to get a vet check in any case to be safe as fevers can reflect a seriously ill cat.

4. Your cat has ear mites

Questioning “What else could make my cat’s ears hot?”. The annoying answer: ear mites. Tiny parasites that set up residency in your furry friend’s ears, ear mites are particularly common in young kittens and outdoor cats, and many felines will get ear mites in their lifetime. In addition to warm ears, here are the signs your kitty cat has ear mites: 

• Excessive scratching at the ears (this is typically what makes cat ears feel hot to the touch)
• Shaking of the head
• Inflammation in and around the ears
• Black debris similar to coffee grounds found inside the ear

Some pet parents may choose to tackle the mites with a natural remedy, but it’s best to take your furry friend to the veterinary clinic to get them treated. Not only are ear mites highly contagious to other pets, but they can also cause secondary infections if not dealt with. 

5. Your cat has an ear infection 

If you’re wondering “Why are my cat’s ears SO hot?”, an ear infection could be the answer. 50% of cat ear infections are caused by ear mites, but bacteria and yeast can also be the culprits.

Symptoms of an ear infection include: 

• Inflammation of the ear canal
• Scratching the ears and surrounding area 
• Red ears 
• A dry nose 
• Head shaking or tilting 
• Discharge
• Loss of balance 

Ear infections are serious and can cause your kitty cat to lose their hearing altogether if left untreated. If you or your cat sitter suspects an infection, it’s important to get your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible to avoid it spreading. Your vet will likely clean your cat’s ears and prescribe a course of medication.

6. Your cat has allergies 

Cats can be allergic to all sorts, from pollens and grasses to molds, foods, and fleas. Allergy symptoms include the following:

• Warm cat ears
• Sneezing
• Excessive licking or scratching
• Watery eye discharge
• Hot, itchy rashes on the skin

If you think your kitty cat’s struggling with allergies, your vet may be able to test them for certain allergies and prescribe special medication. 

So, are cat’s ears supposed to be warm? While hot ears can be a sign of a healthy cat, it’s important to monitor them for additional symptoms and take your feline friend to the vet if you have any concerns. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.