Table of Contents
Believe it or not, you don’t always have to clean your cats’ ears. Many cats are perfectly fine without any cleaning at all. However, some cats are prone to build-up or ear infections.
So ear cleaning can be an important part of your cats’ hygiene requirements in this case. If you want to clean your cats ears but are unsure of how to go about it, or what you need, then you have come to the right place, because we have everything that you need to know in one place!
When to clean your cats’ ears
There are a few scenarios in which you may want to clean your cat’s ears. For one, if you happen to notice a buildup of dirt or wax, or perhaps your cat seems irritated and is continuously scratching at their ears, this might mean that they have ear mites.
Cleaning your cats’ ears, even periodically, can be a great way to maintain good cat health because it will either prevent larger issues from occurring or will allow for more immediate treatment of issues.
What do I need?
If you do wish to clean your cats’ ears regularly, then you will want to have a few supplies at the ready. For one, you may need to buy a specific cat ear cleaner. These can be expensive but are typically discounted online or through pet stores. You will also need a dropper. A dropper will allow you to easily drop liquid into your cats’ ears.
Cotton balls or soft tissues might also be a good purchase because they will clean the inside of the cats’ ears in a soothing way. The final thing you need is a container of warm water. Warm water is soothing on the cats’ ears, and also helps to clean dirt easier than cold water.
How do I do it?
Cleaning your cats’ ears in an effective way is a process that contains a few important steps.
- Take the ear cleaning solution and warm it in water in a container.
- Swaddle your beloved cat in a towel or blanket and put him/her on your lap in a comfortable position.
- Add 2-3 drops of the warm cleaning solution into the round opening of the cats’ ear canal, and massage the base of the cats’ ear to move the liquid around.
- Do the same with the other ear
- Leave your cat be for a few minutes, during this time, they will likely do a great deal of head shaking, which helps to dislodge dirt and debris from deep within the ear canal and move it into the outer surface.
- After a few minutes, use clean cotton balls to wipe away oil and dirt from the inside and outside of the ear. If you want to swaddle your cat again, feel free, or try to accomplish this step without the towel or blanket.
- Treat your good boy/girl accordingly.
FAQs
Are there any over-the-counter cleaners available for cats?
There are over-the-counter ear cleaners that are safe for cats, but it’s good to check with your veterinarian first to determine which specific cleaners are best, depending on your cat’s health.
How do I give my cat ear drops for their ear infection?
If the tip of the bottle touches your cat’s ear, wipe the tip off with a clean cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast. Continue to hold the ear flap, and gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds. This allows the medication to coat the entire ear canal.
What can I do if my cat has fluid in their ear?
Massage the ear base for five to ten seconds, and then let your cat shake the solution out. Wrap gauze around your finger to clean excess liquid out of the ear canal, and don’t worry, your finger can’t go in far enough to cause damage.
How can I clean my cats’ ears without hurting them?
There are a number of things that you can do to ensure that you won’t hurt your cat. It is all about keeping them comfortable. Some cats do not like having their ears cleaned at all, and can put up a struggle. If you are to clean your cats ears, obtain a liquid ear cleaner. A good ear cleaner is mildly astringent and quick drying. Bring the ear cleaner to room temperature before use to ensure that your cat stays comfortable during the process.
Does cleaning a cats’ ears take long?
Not at all, it just depends on how comfortable your cat is with having their ears cleaned. If they put up a fight, that might make the cleaning process take a long time!