If you own a cat, you know the importance of clean cat ears. When these stay clean and tidy, cats can avoid a lot of significant issues, such as ear mites and infections.
Cleaning your cat’s ears is one of many responsibilities to protect your best friend's health. While cats are natural groomers, a helping hand can be very useful. A bit of extra care is always much appreciated.
With that, we’re here to share all about cat ear cleaning, from the benefits to when and how to do it.
Should You Clean Your Cat's Ears?
Yes, you should. Cats depend on their ears for their amazing hearing abilities. If these are dirty, they won’t be able to make full use of these special tools. Plus, dirty ears can lead to more issues that can interfere with your cat’s happiness.
Prevent Infections
A cat’s ears can be infected by bacteria and fungi if not properly maintained. Wax buildup or trapped debris creates an ideal environment for these microorganisms, which can lead to painful ear infections. Cleaning helps remove this buildup, reducing the risk of infections.
Avoids Ear Mites
Ear mites are common parasites that cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. They stay in the ear canal, where they feed on earwax and skin oils. These parasites also don’t go away on their own, which means they can exist in your cat’s ear canal until they are handled properly.
While these parasites are more common in outdoor cats, indoor cats can also be affected.
Improves Comfort and Health
When cats have a lot of earwax, dirt, or debris in their ears, they can feel irritated and uncomfortable. A massive buildup can have the potential to cause long-term discomfort, prompting them to shake or tilt their heads uncontrollably.
Detects Potential Problems
Knowing how to clean cat ears also helps you check for potential issues. This can be anywhere from minor scratches to severe redness. When you catch these issues early on, you can take better steps to improve your cat’s comfort.
When to Clean a Cat’s Ears?
Generally, we recommend cleaning your cat’s ears as needed, as many cats won’t need too frequent cleaning sessions. Here are some signs that your cat’s ears need cleaning:
Visible Wax or Dirt. A small amount of wax in your cat’s ears is perfectly normal. The wax helps trap dust and debris, keeping the ear canal clean. However, when wax builds up excessively or appears dark and crumbly, it can signal the need to clean cat ears.
Unpleasant Smell. If you notice a foul smell coming from their ears, this may indicate a bacterial or yeast infection. This is your cue to clean their ears.
Frequent Scratching or Itching. Ear cleaning is recommended if you see your cat scratching or pawing at their ears. You might also see them rubbing their ears against furniture.
Head-Shaking or Tilting. Cats often shake their head to relieve discomfort in their ears. If this behavior becomes frequent or vigorous, it’s worth checking their ears for any underlying issues.
Redness or Swelling. If the inside of your cat’s ear looks red or swollen, it could be a sign of irritation, inflammation, or infection. Cleaning will help, but this will mainly require treatment in many cases.
Discharge. Any unusual discharge should be a sign for cleaning. If you see any dark brown or orange discharge, pus, or blood, then it’s time to clean your cat’s ears.
Behavioral Changes. Sometimes, changes in your cat’s behavior can be a subtle indicator of ear issues. A normally playful cat may become more withdrawn or irritable when dealing with something in their ears.
Do Cats Feel Better After Ear Cleaning?
Yes, cats generally feel better after having their ears cleaned, especially when it has been too long since their last cleaning. This is also true for cats with ear issues or infections, as cleaning can help treat the issue and promote recovery.
However, unnecessary cleaning can be harmful for them, so only clean their ears as needed or when instructed by our veterinarians.
How Often Should You Clean a Cat’s Ears?
Generally, cat ear cleaning can be done every few months. It all depends on the specific breed, health, and lifestyle. Some breeds, including Scottish Folds and Sphynx cats, may need more frequent cleaning due to their ear structures and earwax production.
Additionally, long-haired cats will need more frequent ear cleaning because they have extra fur that can catch dirt, debris, and bacteria. Plus, the long fur can also accumulate moisture. Outdoor cats will also need more attention for their ears.
If you need help, you can always ask our vets about the best schedule for your cat’s ear cleaning.
How to Clean Cat Ears
Before you proceed with cleaning, it’s recommended to consult with us first so we can guide you on the products to use and the safest technique. Plus, we can also check for any ear issues beforehand.
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Prepare everything that is needed for the process. It’s good to have all the things ready right away so you don’t have to put your cat down to fetch the materials. Place them near you but away from your cat’s reach. Some of the things you will need include:
Vet-approved ear cleaning solution
Cotton balls, gauze, or pads
Towel
Treats
Never use hydrogen peroxide or cotton swabs inside the ear canal, as they can be harmful. All of these will be available at our pet pharmacy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cat
After you have gathered all the needed materials, make sure to prepare your cat. Start by finding a quiet place for your cat. Next, gently wrap your cat in a soft towel to keep them still while you clean. This will prevent any accidents during the process. If your cat is comfortable, you can begin.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Gently place your cat on your lap and hold its ear flap. Apply a few drops of ear-cleaning solution as per the product instructions. Make sure that the bottle’s top doesn’t touch the ear canal.
Step 4: Massage the Base of the Ear
Slowly massage the base of your cat's ear with your fingertips. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds to help the solution spread and soften up the wax and debris inside the ear. By doing so, you can easily remove them afterward.
Step 5: Let Your Cat Shake Their Head
Give your cat a moment to shake their head naturally after the massage. This helps dislodge any loosened debris or excess cleaning solution that may be inside the ear. Keep some cotton balls or gauze ready to catch the solution or debris that might come out and sit in your cat's ears.
Step 6: Wipe Away Debris
Gently wipe off the visible debris from the part of your cat's ear flap with a cotton ball or gauze. Don’t push too deeply into the ears, and remember to do this slowly. You can take your time and make sure your cat is still comfortable.
Step 7: Give a Treat
The last step is to give your cat a treat for a job well done. This will also help them associate this activity with something positive, helping create a less stressful expectation for the next ear cleaning.
“Ear care may seem minor, but it plays a major role in preventing infections and keeping your cat comfortable.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean cat ears is a simple yet meaningful approach to keeping them healthy. When done right, you can give your cat a comfortable pair of ears ready for any adventure that comes their way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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