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Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits, but there is one area that often requires some extra attention – their ears. Just like humans, cats can accumulate dirt, wax, and even mites in their ear canals. Regularly cleaning your cat’s ears is an essential part of their overall grooming routine and can help prevent ear infections and discomfort. However, cleaning a cat’s ears can be a delicate and potentially challenging task, requiring patience and a gentle hand. In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to properly and safely clean your cat’s ears, ensuring their health and happiness.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.
This article has been viewed 99,858 times.
Most cats are capable of cleaning their own ears. Their grooming habits are so meticulous that they can clean the entire back of the ear and even the earlobe. However, cats sometimes still need assistance in cleaning this part. This is also an opportunity for you to regularly check your cat’s ears to detect potential problems inside the ears to prevent them from becoming more serious.
Steps
Check Cat’s Ears
- Grooming during a time when your cat is in need of attention or is sleepy is the easiest and least annoying. When they are in an energetic or playful state, there is a risk that they will resist and scratch when you touch them.
- You should test your ears in a well-lit area, such as near a window or under a bright light bulb in your home.
- If the cat has clean ears, this is a sign that the cat is capable of cleaning its own ears. Note that you do not need to clean them when the ears are completely clean.
- Green or yellow and red pus, dark red or black discharge are all unusual. Unusual discharge on your cat’s ears is a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, or a tick infestation. Then you need to take your cat to the vet immediately. [5] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Unusual smell coming from the cat’s ears
- Redness or swelling around the ear. [6] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- The cat has problems with balance or constantly tilts its head.
- If you only see dirt or earwax, you can clean your cat’s ears at home.
Ear Hygiene
- Cat handlers should only use light force. If the force is too strong, the cat will not cooperate well and try to get out.
- If the cat refuses to cooperate, you can “wrap” your cat by covering its body (including its limbs) with a thick towel.
- If the cat becomes too agitated during the cleaning process, then you need to stop. You don’t want them scratching or biting your skin.
- You can make your own cleaning solution if you need it urgently. A mixture of one part white vinegar and one part rubbing alcohol will be effective if used sparingly. Be aware that if your cat is scratched or infected, this solution can make them uncomfortable. [9] X Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Emergency Veterinary Procedures and Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- Do not use water to clean because it can be left in the cat’s ears and create conditions for yeast to grow.
- You can use a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide or olive oil to clean the outside of the ear.
- Apply firm but gentle force while rubbing the base of the ear. Do not rub vigorously as it may damage the eardrum. The principle while cleaning the ears of cats is to remove dirt and earwax, instead of getting into the ears. [12] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Give the full dose as directed by your veterinarian or the instructions that come with the cleaning solution. Otherwise, the cat’s ears will not be cleaned properly. [13] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- Do not use a cotton swab to clean your cat’s ears unless recommended by your veterinarian. [16] X Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Emergency Veterinary Procedures and Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- Do not clean too deeply into the cat’s ear canal. Doing so can damage the ear canal tissue and even puncture the cat’s eardrum. If the eardrum is perforated, the cat will exhibit pain (ear scratching, meowing, etc.), loss of balance, or sitting with its head tilted to one side. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Warning
- Several diseases and conditions can plague cats’ ears. Plagues include ear mites, ticks, fleas, bacterial infections, yeast infections, foreign bodies (such as plant antennae), and, very rarely, tumors. The most common ear problems in cats are otitis externa, an infection of the outside of the ear in front of the eardrum. If you are concerned about the condition of your cat’s ears, you should consult your veterinarian.
- Bleeding after cleaning is not normal. If you see blood around your cat’s ears after cleaning, you need to take her to the vet immediately.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.
This article has been viewed 99,858 times.
Most cats are capable of cleaning their own ears. Their grooming habits are so meticulous that they can clean the entire back of the ear and even the earlobe. However, cats sometimes still need assistance in cleaning this part. This is also an opportunity for you to regularly check your cat’s ears to detect potential problems inside the ears to prevent them from becoming more serious.
In conclusion, cleaning a cat’s ears is an essential aspect of their overall health and well-being. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your cat’s ears can help prevent infections, remove excessive wax buildup, and maintain good ear hygiene. Remember to approach the process patiently and gently, using cat-specific ear cleaning solutions and appropriate tools like cotton balls or wipes. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or difficulties during the cleaning process. By incorporating regular ear cleaning into your cat’s grooming routine, you can contribute to their overall comfort and ensure their ears stay healthy and infection-free.
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