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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
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Check the cat’s ears. Note that you can only see the outer part of the ear; You cannot see inside the ear canal or eardrum because they rotate horizontally where the ear part meets the head. [1] X Kirk and Bistner’s Manual of Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Procedures Research Resources . Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- 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.
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Gently grasp the tip of the ear. Gently turn the earlobe from the inside out until you can clearly see the inside. Look into the cat’s ear canal as deeply as you can. Do this step with both ears. [2] X Research Source
- You should test your ears in a well-lit area, such as near a window or under a bright light bulb in your home.
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Determine if ear cleaning is necessary. You can tell if your cat’s ears are perfectly clean when they are light pink in color, with very little earwax and dirt, and no debris or odors. [3] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- 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.
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Take your cat to the vet if you notice anything unusual. It’s normal for cats to have earwax and dirt on, in, and near their ears. However, any discharge in and around the ear is unusual. [4] X Kirk and Bistner’s Manual of Emergency Veterinary Treatment and Procedures Research Resources . Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- 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
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You need to make sure your cat is comfortable. Some cats don’t like people cleaning their ears, and they may resist. Take the cat to a quiet room with no other pets. You will need a second person to help you hold the cat while you clean its ears. [7] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
- 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.
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Buy an ear cleaner. Good lotions are usually mildly astringent and dry quickly. You can purchase an ear cleaner at your veterinarian’s office or a reputable pet supply store. [8] X Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Emergency Veterinary Procedures and Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- 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.
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Store the ear cleaner at room temperature before use. Will this step help the cat feel comfortable? We humans don’t want to put a cold cleaning solution in our ears. And so are cats! [10] X Kirk and Bistner’s Manual of Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Procedures Research Resources . Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
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Put a few drops of the cleaning solution in your cat’s ears. Use the appropriate dosage as recommended on the instructions printed on the label. Only one ear should be cleaned at a time. Massage the base of the ear for 20-45 seconds for complete cleaning. [11] X Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Emergency Veterinary Treatment and Procedures. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
- 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
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Leave the cat alone for a minute or two. Have them shake their heads to remove any remaining earwax or dirt. [14] X Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Emergency Veterinary Procedures and Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
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Wet a cotton ball or gauze and gently wipe the cat’s ears. You should not insert the cotton pad or gauze too deeply into the horizontal part of the ear canal; Otherwise, the earwax and dirt trapped inside cannot fall out. [15] X Research 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.
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After cleaning the ears, you should praise, pet, and reward the cat. This will help calm them down and will cooperate during the next cleaning.
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.
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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.
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