How to Properly Clean Your Cat’s Ears
Some cats need more ear care than others. Just like people, some cats are more prone to ear wax and ear infections. Ear issues can vary by breed and genetics just like dental and eye issues. Cats with small ears like Persians, Scottish Folds and the “curl” breeds are more prone to needing some help with ear maintenance. Cats with diabetes, immune suppressing issues like FIV, and allergies are all more likely to have problems with their ears. In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions to properly clean your cat’s ears. Get ready to learn the best way to keep Kitty’s furry ears clean.
Properly cleaning your cat’s ears is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Adding ear cleaning to Kitty’s at-home grooming routine keeps them clean, healthy, and free of problems such as infections or mites. Generally, checking your kitty’s ears out once every week or two will be enough. You want to make sure Kitty’s ears look healthy and clear, free of dirt, excess wax, debris, odor, parasites, growths or infection. You’ll be able to tell when Kitty’s ears need some attention. Cleaning Kitty’s ears every 2-3 months is a good rule of thumb unless you have a cat prone to dirty ears or show cats.
A cat’s ear canals are L-shaped. This makes it impossible for cats to get the material out of it without our help in cleaning. It is also the reason not to use cotton swabs in Kitty’s ears.
Related Post: Interested in learning more about Kitty’s ears? Read this post.
Contents
How to Clean Your Cat Ears with Cleaning Solution
Gather your supplies before you gather up Kitty. It may make the ear cleaning experience more pleasant for your furbaby if you warm the solution to body temperature by setting the bottle in a cup of warm water. You’re not looking to make it hot, just not cold.
You will need:
- A solution formulated to clean a cat’s ears. Not everything on the market is safe to use on your cats.
- Cotton balls or make up rounds
- Kitty’s favorite treats
- A towel and gloves if Kitty is difficult. Less is more when it comes to restraint.
Sit in a comfortable position with Kitty in your lap, just as you do for her nail trims. Tilt Kitty’s head slightly to the side and gently pull back the ear flap so you have access to his ear. Apply the drops to Kitty’s ear, and massage the base of the ear for 10-20 seconds, then let him shake his head (duck, so you don’t get the gunk all over you.)
Wipe out the debris and excess moisture with cotton rounds, cotton balls, or gauze.
You don’t want to fish around with a q-tip down in the ear canal, let the cleaner do the work. You can really hurt Kitty with a swab as well as pushing the wax and dirt down where it can cause bigger problems. Save the swabs for the crevices and folds in the outer ear if you need them to clean out a lot of dirt.
Use some more solution on a cotton ball or pad to clean Kitty’s ear flap. If your feline has a lot of fur in her ears, we call that her ear furnishings, this might be a little more difficult.
Give her a treat and praise her for cooperation. Then repeat on the other ear.
Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears with Wipes
If your furbaby isn’t particularly prone to ear problems, you might not need to use a solution. Wipes might be enough. I use wipes for my show cats since I know the judges are going to look in there but the cats don’t need a full on ear cleaning every week.
If you are going to use wipes to clean your cat’s ears, don’t just grab a baby wipe for this job. Human’s skin pH is much different than a cat’s. Those wipes for humans can be up to 200 times too acidic for your feline friend’s delicate ears. Ask your vet or groomer for recommendations or look for something at your local pet supply store. Make sure the product you choose is formulated for cats.
To clean your cat’s ears with wipes, seat them in your lap just as you would if using a solution. Open up the ear by gently pulling the ear flap back. Wipe out the inside of the ear flap and the outer ear folds. Use a fresh wipe and do the other ear.
Home Remedies for Taking Care of Kitty’s Ears
Home remedies for cleaning your cat’s ears abound. But not all are as safe or effective as we might like.
Things to keep in mind when choosing something to clean your cat’s ears. The cats’ L-shaped ear canal makes it difficult for liquid to evaporate. The warmth and moisture can lead to bacterial infections or yeast infections. Commercial ear cleaners are formulated to clean and dry Kitty’s ear canals.
Avoid any water-based product or product mixed with water because it will not evaporate the way you want. Vinegar and water is often suggested but it isn’t a good option because it won’t dry. Plus it will sting if Kitty has any scratches or wounds. Peroxide and alcohol can also damage Kitty’s sensitive ears. Mild oils such as olive oil, mineral oil or coconut oil can be used to clean your cat’s ears but it is very messy.
Keep in mind that just because something is natural does not mean it is safe for cats. Cats are sensitive to many things that you think are harmless that are actually toxic such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and aloe.
Applying the wrong solution to your cat’s ears could damage them and lead to balance problems, hearing loss, or infections. I would definitely run any natural remedy you’re considering past your vet before using it.
Summary
Cleaning your cat’s ears is an important part of their regular grooming. Not only does it keep your pet clean and healthy, but it can help protect them from the buildup of earwax and debris that can lead to bacteria and infection. With a few simple steps and basic supplies, you can easily incorporate this task into Kitty’s regular grooming routine. Your furry friend will thank you for taking the time to ensure their ears are as clean and healthy as possible.
Best Products to Use to Clean Your Cats’ Ears
There are a lot of ear cleaning products on the market. These are my favorites.
Zymox Ear Cleaner is my top choice for any ear cleaning solution. It is enzyme-based, suitable for all ages, gentle, and effective.
Vetericyn Ear Cleaner is another favorite product of mine. I use most of the product line. This rinse is non-sensitizing and non-irritating so your pet won’t suffer a burning or stinging sensation.
Virbac Advanced Ear Cleaner: Ignore all the dog pictures and dog stuff. This effective, non-irritating, neutral and drying solution will clean your cat’s ears well too. I’ve used it personally with my Fireball who had chronic ear problems and it works.
Opula Ear Wipes These are the wipes you’d find in my grooming bag in the show hall. I like the fact that they’re in a jar instead of a pouch because they don’t dry out or leak all over my bag. They are soft, non-irritating, even if I use them multiple times over a weekend, easy to use and get my cat’s ears show ring ready.
