Most cats are able to keep their ears clean. These felines are so meticulous in taking care of their hygiene and cleanliness that they can even get behind and inside the auricle. But sometimes they need help, especially to clean the inside of the ears. However, it is always advisable to check them often, to be sure that no problems arise inside the ears which, if neglected, could become more serious.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Check the Cat's Ears
Step 1. Do a thorough ear check
Keep in mind that you can only see the outermost part, but you cannot see inside the ear canal or eardrum, as these are oriented horizontally where the pinna meets the skull.
The best and least traumatic time to inspect your cat's ears is when he is seeking your attention or when he is in a drowsy state. When he is energetic or playful he is more likely to struggle and scratch you while grooming
Step 2. Grab the top of his ear
Gently twist the outer auricle until you can clearly see the inside. Look into your ear canal as much as possible. Do the same check for the other ear.
Be sure to test in a well-lit area, such as near a window or under a lamp in your house
Step 3. Determine if your ears need to be cleaned
You can say that the ears are clean when they are pale pink, there is minimal ear wax, there is no dirt or residue and they do not emit any odor.
If the cat has clean ears, it means that it is capable of perfect self-grooming. Keep in mind that in this case there is no need for your intervention
Step 4. Take your cat to the vet if you notice any abnormalities
It is normal for cats to have ear wax and some dirt on top, inside and near their ears. However, if you find any other spills or leaks, this is an abnormal condition that requires attention.
- Green or yellow pus, red, dark red, or black secretions are all symptoms of abnormalities. The cat could suffer from a bacterial, fungal or mite infestation; if you notice the presence of these losses, you must take the animal immediately to the veterinarian.
- See your vet if you notice any unusual odors coming from your ears. The same thing is true if you see redness or swelling in and around the auricles.
- If, on the other hand, your cat has only a little dirt or a slight buildup of earwax, you can clean her ears at home.
Part 2 of 2: Clean the Ears
Step 1. Make sure the animal is relaxed
Not all cats are willing to have their ears cleaned quietly and may fight back. Take your kitty to a quiet room where there are no other pets. It may be necessary to ask for the help of another person to hold the cat still while cleaning its ears.
- The friend who holds the cat should be rather delicate. A too firm grip will certainly make the animal less cooperative - and it will most likely want to try to escape.
- If the cat does not cooperate, try wrapping his entire body (including limbs) tightly in a thick towel as if it were a "roll".
- If you see that at any point in the cleaning process the cat starts getting too excited, stop. You don't have to get bitten or scratched.
Step 2. Get liquid ear cleanser
A quality product is slightly astringent and dries quickly. You can buy a good ear cleaner at the vet's office or in reputable pet products stores.
- Eventually you can also create one yourself with common household products. A mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and alcohol is effective when used sparingly. Keep in mind that if the cat has scratches or infections, this home solution could burn him a little.
- You do not have to use water for this cleaning, it can settle in the ear and promote the development of mycosis.
- An alternative to clean the outer ear is to use a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide or olive oil.
Step 3. Make sure the cleaning solution is at room temperature before applying it to your cat
This way the experience is less unpleasant for the cat. Most humans would not want to put cold ear drops in their ears - and the same goes for cats!
Step 4. Apply a few drops of the cleaner to the feline's ears
Make sure you use the right dosage, as recommended in the instructions on the label. Work on one ear at a time. Massage the base of the ear for 20-45 seconds to allow the solution to work.
- Maintain firm but gentle pressure as you rub the base of his ear. Don't use too much force as you could damage his eardrum. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that you need to lift the dirt and earwax without scrubbing it.
- Administer the entire dose as directed by the veterinarian or by the instructions on the packaging of the cleaning solution. Otherwise, the ear may not heal properly.
Step 5. Leave the cat alone for a few minutes
The animal will shake its head to further remove the accumulated earwax or dirt.
Step 6. Moisten a cotton ball or gauze to gently pat his ears
Make sure you don't push the cotton or gauze too deep into the ear canal, as it may compact the dirt rather than remove it.
- Do not use a cotton swab, unless specifically advised by your vet.
- Don't clean the ear canal too deeply. You could damage the tissue that lines it and you could even break its eardrum. If the eardrum is ruptured, the cat may show signs of pain (continually touching the ear, meowing, etc.), losing the sense of balance or squatting with the head tilted to one side. If you notice any of these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately for a checkup.
Step 7. Finish the cleansing process with praise, pampering, and a treat
This will help him calm down and make him more willing to cooperate the next time you need to put more ear drops on him.
Warnings
- The cat can suffer from various ear ailments and diseases, such as ear mites, ticks, fleas, bacterial or fungal infections, any foreign bodies (such as plant residues) and, although very rarely, a tumor. The most common cat ear problem is external otitis, an infection of the external parts of the ear that are located in front of the eardrum. If you are concerned about the health of your cat's ears, consult your vet.
- Bleeding after cleaning is not normal. If you see blood in the cat's ears after cleaning them, take the animal to the vet immediately.
