Most cats are experts at keeping their ears clean, but if your cat friend is susceptible to persistent ear ailments, you’ll most likely need to intervene. Learn how to identify if your cat’s ears need cleaning and the correct steps for cleaning cat ears with minimal tension.
When to Clean Your Cat’s Ears
Cleaning cat ears should be done on a scheduled basis. Ears that are healthy and tidy are light pinkish with little ear wax visible. Check your cat’s ears daily to see whether they need to be cleaned.
Cats have sensitive ears and use them to keep a close eye on you. Grooming your cat’s ears, either frequently or infrequently, is another technique to guarantee that your four-legged buddy is happy.
Cleaning Cat Ears at Home
Although many cat owners can manage to clean their cats’ ears themselves, some choose to consult a vet. This is a subject of individual choice and the cat’s partnership. One advantage of seeing your veterinarian before venturing out on your own is that they may show proper practice. If your doctor suggests ear cleanings for your cat, another alternative is to schedule a session with a skilled animal groomer.
Preparation for Cleaning Cat Ears
Some cats enjoy being groomed, while others are vehemently opposed to a cat massage session. Your and their degree of tolerance to the cleaning process will determine the method you use to clean your cat.
If cleaning cats’ ears is something you have never done previously, or if your cat is a little irritable, make sure you fully understand how to clean your cat’s ears and the equipment you’ll need to do so carefully and effectively.
You’ll need cotton or gauze balls and an ear cleaning liquid prescribed by your veterinarian to clean your cat’s ears. Never insert a Q-Tip into your cat’s inner ear, as this could cause harm or force dirt deeper into the eardrum.
Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears
To clean your cat’s ears yourself, follow this step-by-step guide.
•Select a Good, Peaceful Room
To prepare for your cat’s ear examination, take your cat to a calm environment with minimal noise. If you have extra animals, keep them away because your cat may already be agitated and unwilling to go through the ear cleaning procedure.
•Choose the Best Time
Although some cats may be willing to be cleaned up and inspected, your feline buddy may protest and become restless. It is ideal to begin the inspection while your cat is weary, sleeping, or comfortable. A joyful cat may become overly stimulated, but an angry one may begin clawing or attacking. If you are carrying them, keep your grip relaxed, so the cat does not become startled.
•Relax Your Cat
You may have your specific hold for keeping your cat relaxed and steady, but here are a couple more to try:
Place your cat in your lap to make it comfortable, and softly embrace your cat’s head.
Wrap a towel over your cat, maintaining their sharp bits inside and head peeking out.
Get a family member who could hold your cat gently while you clean their ears.
•Ear Examination
First and foremost, pull your cat nearer to the light so you can clearly see the inside of her ear. Carefully grasp the cat’s outer ear and pull it outwards and inside-out to look into the ear. You won’t be able to see the inner part of the ears, but you can study the outside.
•Cleaning the Ears
For cats, always use a veterinarian-prescribed ear cleaning solution. Begin by seeping a minimal amount of ear cleaning liquid into your cat’s ear, enough to fill the canal but with no overspill.
Stroke your cat’s ear carefully for a few moments until the solution flows deep into the inner ear. Clean away excess fluid with a cotton swab and clean the outer ear. Repeat the same method with your cat’s other ear.
If you are unclear or unwilling to take your cat’s ear hygiene into your own hands, get guidance from your vet. As long as your feline friend isn’t in pain, you can skip this grooming procedure entirely and let them clean their ears.
What to Look Out for When Cleaning Cat Ears
Something may be wrong if you see your cat scratching, clawing, or itching her ears, bending or jerking her head, or demonstrating a lack of balance or posture at any moment. Unpleasant scents, secretion, redness, swelling, and evidence of deafness should also be considered indications for veterinary inspection. Schedule a trip to a veterinarian to get your cat examined.
Essential Considerations When Cleaning Cat Ears
Please remember that this is merely a piece of general advice for routine cat ear cleaning. Even after a good cleaning, if you observe irritation or soreness around your cat’s ears, you should seek guidance from your local veterinarian. A veterinary care provider should always treat ear infections and damaged inner ears.
Cat Ear Cleaner
Here are some cat ear cleaning solution that will prove to be helpful in cleaning your cat’s ears.
Formulated by veterinarians, this cat ear cleaner will gently eliminate ear wax build-up, dirt, discharge, and debris. It can also help stop infection, itching, and irritation, as well as deodorize and acidify your cat’s ears.
This VetWell Ear Cleaner product is completely safe for daily use, it won’t sting or burn the ear canal.
The PetMD advanced veterinary formula will help to clean your cat’s ears from dirt and wax. The cucumber melon scent will reduce the odor and leave a pleasant and fresh scent instead.
Each disposable wipe is 2.25 inches, designed for easy ear cleaning. Your cat will prefer these ear wipes to any other ear flush or ear drops.
The cat ear cleanser from Nutri-Vet will remove dirt and dissolves wax, it will as well stop itching caused by eczema, fungal infections, or insect bites.
Formulated by vets with high-quality ingredients, it is a gentle solution to clean and soothe your cat’s ears. You can get this ear cleanser for your cat for just $4.49 at Amazon.
Regular ear maintenance is the most excellent method to avoid ear diseases and mite outbreaks. It’s a wise option to get into the practice of peeking inside your cat’s ears when you get the chance. When you’re stroking your cat, please spend a moment to check on her ear condition, which only takes a few seconds.
Over-cleaning your cat’s ears can also raise the chance of an ear infection, so stick to your vet’s advice on how frequently you should clean your cat’s ears.
