How To Clean A Cat’s Ears

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Some cat owners forget to clean their pet’s ears, but ear care is extremely important and should not be overlooked. Learning how to clean a cat’s ears will help prevent health problems, deal with a number of ear problems and ear infections, and save money on vet bills.

There are several reasons why I regularly check and clean my cats’ ears. It gives me the opportunity for regular inspections to check for infections, earwax build-up, ear mites and other potential problems. If you spot any issues during these routine inspections, you’re more likely to avoid serious complications down the road.

Ear problems are one of the most common health problems in cats. This is because unbeknownst to many pet owners, cats actually have very sensitive ears that are prone to various health problems. Early detection and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of hearing loss and alleviate your cat’s discomfort.

It takes about 30 seconds to check your cat’s ears and about 5 minutes to clean them. Even if you have multiple cats (like me), this will take a little while each month and will benefit your pet’s overall health and well-being. Plus, it will get easier over time as your cat gets used to the process and you become more skilled at cleaning her ears.

1. Preparation

The first step to learning how to clean a cat’s ears is preparation. Make sure the area around the ear is completely dry and that any tangles or tangles around the ear are well groomed. You don’t want to inconvenience your cat while cleaning her ears, or your pet won’t be very receptive to it next time.

You will also need to gather the necessary supplies. You should buy a quality cat ear cleaner that is made especially for cats. You will also need cotton balls. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you NEVER use cotton swabs (such as cotton swabs) to clean your pet’s ear.

Note: The reason cotton swabs are not good for cleaning cats’ ears is that they can be pushed too deep into the ear very easily. Unlike cleaning your own ears, if you push it too far, you won’t feel it and you will do damage. You don’t really want to get inside the inner ear. This can lead to permanent damage to your cat’s ear and hearing.

2. Inspect the ear

Once the grooming is complete and you’ve prepared the necessary supplies, it’s time for an initial ear inspection. This is a very quick process, but also the most important step before learning how to clean a cat’s ears.

Start on feel the ear flap and the area around the ear with your bare hands. You should look for lumps, lesions, swelling, redness, discharge of any kind, or anything else that doesn’t look right.

If you notice anything unusual, call your vet immediately. I explain the importance of this in my video, because most owners think that a thorough ear cleaning will help solve any problems. However, cleaning a cat’s ear when there is already a problem can make the problem worse.

If you don’t see anything out of the ordinary, you can start the ear cleaning process.

ALSO: 21 Strange Cat Behavior – What It Means And How To Respond?

3. How to clean a cat’s ears?

After confirming that your cat’s ears look healthy, move on to the cleaning process.

1. Fill the ear with cleaning solution

The dispositions and temperaments of cats can vary widely. Some cats can just lay in your lap while you clean their ears. Others will fight a much bigger battle. As I show in my video guide, wrap your cat in a towel if she struggles while holding it.

To get started, access your cat’s ear by tilting her head slightly to the side. Pour a small amount of cat ear cleaning solution (just enough to fill the ear canal) straight into your pet’s ear. Your cat will immediately want to shake her head, so be sure to brace yourself.

2. Massage the ear

Start rubbing the base of the ear in circular motions, gently and slowly. This will help the solution break through any wax buildup. Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. When you’re done, have your cat stand up and shake her head. Don’t worry, this is a natural instinct that your cat will do without hesitation.

3. Wipe the inside

After your cat shakes her head, she will break down a lot of the wax and pull it out of the duct. Gently wipe the inside with a cotton ball. You don’t have to wipe the ear completely clean. Just wipe it gently until you’ve removed most of the dirt and wax.

4. Do not dry the ear!

The process stops here. A cat’s ears are designed to dry themselves, so you don’t have to worry about getting every drop of solution.

Note: While this technique for cleaning a cat’s ears is important, choosing an effective cat ear cleaning solution is just as essential. DO NOT confuse cat ear cleaners with cat ear infection treatments (used for a specific health problem). These products contain different ingredients and cannot be used interchangeably.

4. How often do you clean cat ears?

When I talk about cleaning a cat’s ears, the most common question I always hear is: How often should I clean my pet’s ears? The answer depends on many factors. It can be from every 2-3 weeks to every 2-3 months.

Your cat’s breed, age, activity level, coat type and level of wax production all determine how often her ears need to be cleaned. In general, the ears should be inspected at least once a week to make sure there is nothing abnormal.

A short conversation with your vet will help you find the right answer to this question. On average, most cats should have their ears cleaned once every 3 months, but your cat may need it more or less often. Talk to your vet to decide on the best schedule for your feline companion.

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