Significance

• According to veterinarian Holly Nash, the yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis usually resides in a cat's ear without doing any harm. But if it grows out of control, then they can cause a bad-smelling and painful infection.
  
  

Primary Causes

• Illnesses like allergies, tiny objects in the ears or too much moisture and hair can cause yeast infections. These plug up the ear canal and make a moist environment for yeast to grow uncontrollably.
  
  

Secondary Causes

• Cat yeast otitis can also be the result from the antibiotics used to treat other types of ear infections, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook;" by veterinarian Delbert G. Carlson.
  
  

Consideration

• Veterinarian Ron Hines claims that yeast ear infections in cats can be contagious. In a multi-cat household, all of the felines' ears need treatment.
  
  

Prevention

• Hines also states that the best way to prevent yeast infections in a cat's ears is to keep the ear as dry, clean and hair-free and as parasite free as possible. This will help keep any yeast spores from rapidly reproducing.