While holding your cat’s ear flap gently but firmly with one hand, hold the ear cleaning solution in your other hand.Grasp the tip of the ear flap (pinna), pulling back slightly to expose and straighten the ear canal.Wrapping or swaddling your cat in a towel may help keep her calm if she is resistant to having her ears cleaned. Sitting in a comfortable position, hold your cat in your lap.Your cat may have an ear infection or a ruptured ear drum. If your cat’s ears are red, inflamed, or painful, consult with your veterinarian prior to cleaning. Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your cat’s ears should be cleaned. However, it is recommended to clean your cat’s ears if you notice discharge or an odor when examining the ear. Most cats have healthy, clean ears and never need to have their ears cleaned. While it is important to clean your cat’s ears when needed, over-cleaning may cause irritation in the ear canal and this can lead to infection. Do all cats need to have their ears cleaned? In addition, the use of cotton tip applicators can push debris further into the canal. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®), due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your cat are all that is needed. What do I need to clean my cat’s ears?Ĭleaning your cat’s ears does not require any special equipment. Your veterinarian can help you decide which ear cleaning solution is best for your pet. Certain cleaners are better at removing wax build-up. Some ear cleaners have antibacterial or antifungal ingredients to help prevent ear infections. Cleaners with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol can cause irritation within the ear canal, especially if the canal is inflamed or ulcerated.
It is highly recommended to use a good quality ear cleaner. This material can lead to itchiness and ear infections if not removed. The structure of the cat’s ear canal makes it difficult for material trapped deep within the horizontal canal to be expelled without the assistance of cleanings.
Most cats are fine without it, but for those who are prone to wax build-up and/or ear infections, ear cleaning can be an important part of your cat’s hygiene needs. Ear cleaning is not usually necessary in cats.