If your cat has a fever, their ears will likely feel hot to the touch. Other symptoms of fever in cats include increased thirst, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
Ear infections are a common problem in cats and can cause the ears to become hot, red, and swollen.
If your cat is exposed to excessive heat, they can develop heatstroke. This is a serious medical emergency and can cause the ears to become hot, red, and dry.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including hot ears.
Any type of inflammation in the body can cause the ears to become hot. This includes inflammation caused by allergies, bites, or injuries.
In rare cases, hot ears can be a sign of cancer. If your cat has hot ears and other concerning symptoms, such as weight loss, lethargy, or changes in behavior.
It's important to remember that sometimes hot ears are simply normal. If your cat is otherwise healthy and their ears are only slightly warm.