In general, most cats are excellent self-groomers and do not require routine ear cleaning. Their meticulous habits usually keep the inner and outer parts of their ears healthy and free of debris. However, there are some situations where you may need to step in.
Regularly checking your cat’s ears is a good practice. Here’s what to look for:
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A healthy ear should be pale pink, with minimal visible earwax or dirt.
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Signs that cleaning may be needed include excessive earwax (often dark, black, or brown), dirt, a foul odor, or redness and swelling.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first. They can determine if the issue is a simple buildup of wax or a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection, ear mites, or an underlying health condition. Your vet can provide a diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment or a safe ear cleaner to use at home.
How to Properly Clean a Cat’s Ears
Once your vet has confirmed that it’s safe to clean your cat’s ears, follow these steps carefully to ensure a positive and safe experience for your feline friend.
What You’ll Need:
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A cat-specific ear cleaning solution recommended by your vet. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals, as these can cause irritation.
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Cotton balls or gauze pads. Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) as they can push debris further into the ear canal or even rupture the eardrum.
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A towel to wrap your cat in.
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Plenty of treats and praise.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
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Get Your Cat Comfortable: Find a quiet, calm space. It can be helpful to have a second person assist you by gently holding or distracting your cat. You can wrap your cat in a towel, like a “kitty burrito,” to help keep them still.
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Apply the Cleaner: Gently hold your cat’s head and pull back the ear flap (the pinna). Hold the ear cleaner bottle close to the ear canal opening. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle and squeeze a few drops of the solution into the ear. Be careful not to insert the bottle tip too far.
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Massage the Ear: Gently but firmly massage the base of your cat’s ear for about 30 seconds. You may hear a squishing sound, which is the solution working to break up debris. This part is often enjoyable for the cat.
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Let Your Cat Shake: Allow your cat to shake their head. This helps to bring any loosened debris and excess solution to the surface. It’s best to do this in a place where you don’t mind a little mess!
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Wipe the Outer Ear: Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad to gently wipe away any visible dirt, wax, and excess solution from the outer part of the ear and the entrance to the ear canal. Do not wipe deep inside the canal.
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Reward and Repeat: Give your cat a treat and plenty of praise to create a positive association with the process. Repeat the steps for the other ear using a new cotton ball.
If your cat seems to be in pain or becomes overly stressed during the cleaning process, stop immediately and contact your veterinarian.