Cleaning Your Cat's Ears: A How-To Guide

When you adopt a pet, you take on the responsibility of tending to their health. That includes taking your pet to the vet as needed, bathing them, and making sure their ears get a good cleaning as often as needed.

Cleaning your cat's ears might seem intimidating if you've never done it before, or if your cat is squirmy and skittish. And the reality is that you may not need to clean them all that often. But it's important to know when your cat's ears need to be cleaned and how to clean cat ears. Let's review.

Do Cats Need Their Ears Cleaned?

Cats don't typically need their ears cleaned on a regular basis because cats tend to groom themselves. And cat ears are usually self-cleaning, sparing you the hassle of cleaning often.

But in some cases, you may need to clean them yourself. If you see a lot of ear wax, that could warrant a cleaning. Similarly, if you see debris in your cat's ears, that's a situation you'll want to address.

Certain cat breeds may also require more frequent ear cleanings due to their unique ear structure or tendency to build up wax. Similarly, if your cat happens to be prone to ear mites, infections, or allergies, they may require more frequent cleanings.

You actually want to be very careful not to over-clean your cat's ears, since too much cleaning could lead to irritation or even infection. It's a good idea to inspect your cat's ears on a weekly basis for signs of wax or debris and only clean their ears as necessary.

What’s Normal vs. Not Normal?

If you're new to owning a cat, you may not know what a healthy cat ear looks like. Generally speaking, a healthy cat ear is pink on the inside without visible debris. A healthy ear should also have little to no visible wax, nor should it have a strong odor.

If you see a lot of wax, debris, or discharge, it's a sign that your cat's ears may need to be cleaned. And if you see that your cat's ears are red, swollen, or inflamed, it's a sign that you should probably take them to the vet as soon as possible, as they may have an infection that needs to be treated.

You may also notice your cat scratching at their ears or shaking their head often. That could be a sign that there's something wrong with one or both of their ears. When in doubt, make an appointment with your vet so they can find the underlying cause.

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Your Cat’s Ears

Cleaning a cat's ears is something you can do safely from home if you have the right tools. Here's what you'll need for cat eat care:

• Cat-friendly ear cleaning solution
• Cotton balls or gauze pads to wipe away wax and debris
• A towel or blanket to wrap your cat in
• Treats for positive reinforcement

How to Clean Your Cat’s Ears: Step-by-Step

Wondering how to clean cat ears at home? Here's a step-by-step guide.

1. Choose a calm, quiet environment with good lighting so you can see what you're doing.
2. Gently hold your cat and position them in a way that allows you to inspect their ears.
3. Apply the cleaning solution your vet recommends as directed.
4. Massage the base of the ears to ensure that the cleaning solution reaches the right spots.
5. Allow your cat to shake their head to dislodge wax or debris.
6. Wipe away loosened wax or debris from the outer ear only.
7. Reward your cat once you're done with a treat or something special.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Cat Ears

Cat ear cleaning at home can be perfectly safe, but it's important to know what not to do.

First, avoid cotton swabs (Q-tips), since these can damage your cat's ears by pushing wax and debris further into the ear canal.

Also, avoid the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These products can irritate your cat's ears, and they can also sting and be quite uncomfortable.

Furthermore, avoid over-cleaning your cat's ears, as this can remove natural oils that protect the ear.

Also, don't clean your cat's ears when they're irritable or when there is a lot of noise at home. If your cat is anxious going into the process, it could make things more difficult.

Finally, don't clean your cat's ears at home if they seem red or infected. In that situation, your best bet is to take your cat to the vet and have them address the problem.

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Ears?

You should not clean your cat's ears on a preset schedule, but rather, only clean them as needed, such as when you spot debris or wax. It's a good idea to check your cat's ears weekly, but that doesn't mean they need to be cleaned on a weekly basis.

If you notice that your cat frequently has wax or debris, consult your vet. Your vet can recommend a cleaning schedule based on your pet's specific needs.

When to Call the Veterinarian

While cleaning a cat's ears is something you can generally do at home, it's important to know when to get your vet involved. You shouldn't hesitate to call your vet if:

• There is consistent discharge, wax, or debris
• Your cat's ears often have a strong odor
• Your cat seems to be uncomfortable, as evidenced by frequent head shaking or ear scratching
• Symptoms get worse after you've done a thorough cleaning

The Bottom Line

Cleaning a cat's ears doesn't have to be a harrowing process, and it's something you may not have to do all that often. If you're not sure whether you should clean them on your own, it's best to consult your vet for advice.

Your vet can tell you whether you're okay to clean your cat's ears at home or not. They can also explain the best way to do it, so you can feel confident you're doing it correctly.