Cat owners often overlook or put-off routine ear care for their cats. Many owners worry that they will hurt their pet when cleaning their cat’s ears but not performing regular ear cleaning can lead to several ear problems.
Common cat ear problems include mites, bacterial infections, fungal or yeast infections, allergies, cancer, and dirt or wax build-up that can lead to hearing loss.
How to clean cat ears safely:
1. Always try to clean the ears of a happy cat. Don’t attempt a cleaning immediately after a bath, a visit to the vet, or when your pet is feeling stressed.
2. Prepare yourself and ready any supplies needed. Arrange a towel, cotton balls, and feline ear cleaner (if you are using this product) so they are easy to reach and use.
3. To make it easier on you and your cat, wrap her snugly in a towel with only her head exposed. This will help eliminate wriggling and potential scratches. Sit with your cat on the floor, a bathroom works great, and if you can hold her firmly with one hand while you work with the other, fantastic. If not, try holding her between your chest and legs as you sit back against a cabinet, wall, or tub.
4. Hold the tip of the ear between your forefinger and thumb. Gently roll it up to look at the inner part of the ear. Check for redness, lumps, or discharge. Light brown wax is normal but any that is black or red indicates a potential problem and you should place a call to your vet.
5. If using a feline ear-cleaning product such as EarCleans, place 5 to 10 drops into the ear and then massage the base of the ear for about 20 seconds. Using this kind of product is helpful to cats that routinely have excessive wax and dirt build-up.
6. Massaging the base of the ear will loosen wax and dirt. Clear away any wax and dirt by gently swabbing the ear lobe and cartilage with a large cotton ball. Most vets recommend owners refrain from using cotton-tipped swabs. Swabs can accidently be inserted too deeply where they can cause damage to your cat’s ear.
7. Repeat procedure on the other ear.
8. End the cleaning with positive reinforcement by offering your cat a favorite treat and some extra lap time.
When cleaning your cat’s ears be on the lookout for excessive dirt and wax build-up, foul odors, blood, lumps, and redness or inflammation. If you notice any of these conditions, call your vet for advice.
If her ears look very dirty inside when you are cleaning and she has been scratching and shaking her head more than normal, your cat might have ear mites. If you suspect ear mites, take your cat to the vet for an examination. Keeping a kitty free of ear mites will help prevent ear infections and potential hearing loss.
If you are a first-time cat owner, have your vet or another animal professional show you the correct and safe way to clean your new kitty’s ears.
Clean cat ears help equal a healthy cat. Make weekly ear inspections and cleanings part of your pet care routine as soon as you bring your new family member home. Ear cleanings are important health care for your cat. Ear cleanings can help keep serious infections and other problems at bay allowing your pet a happier and healthier life.
