While cats are usually able to keep their ears clean by themselves, sometimes the ears will get dirty and this increases the risk of infection. Ear infections can be painful and will need treatment, so it is important to check that your cat's ears look clean and healthy, and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns. Your vet may recommend ear cleaning as part of the treatment for an ear infection, or if your pet has a build-up of ear wax.
What does my cat's ear look like on the inside?
The opening to your cat's ear canal is situated just inside their ear flap. The ear canal runs downwards and then turns round a corner to travel inwards towards the brain.
Anatomy of the ear canal in the cat:
Sometimes, excess wax and debris builds up in this ear canal and this makes the ears look dirty. It is worth checking the ears regularly, as dirty ears are more likely to get infected./p>
How should I check my cat's ears?
Some cats can be a bit sensitive about their ears, but checking your cat's ears does not have to be a stressful experience. It is best to approach the situation when your pet is relaxed. You can simply move their ear flap such that you can see into the ear, and have a look for wax or debris.
It is worth getting your cat used to having their ears checked on a routine basis, about once a week. This means that if you ever do have to clean their ears or apply medication, they will not be so worried and the experience will be less stressful for them. If the ears look nice and clean when you check them, there is no need to clean them yourself.
What problems can cats get with their ears?
Sometimes, cats simply develop a build-up of wax in their ears, and this is something that it is possible to deal with at home with gentle cleaning. However, cats' ears can also become infected with ear mites, bacteria or yeast, and sometimes foreign objects can become stuck in the narrow ear canal. These problems will require veterinary treatment to resolve.
It is worth seeking veterinary advice if there is a significant build-up of discharge (more than just a small amount of wax), if the discharge smells unpleasant, or if your cat's ears seem sore. If your cat is scratching at their ears or shaking their head, these are signs that the ears are irritated and veterinary treatment is likely to be needed.
Ear cleaning will probably be a part of this treatment, alongside medicated drops. However, if your cat is showing any of these signs, it is best to take them to the vets before starting cleaning at home. This is because your vet may identify problems that mean you should not put normal ear cleaners down their ears straight away.
How do I clean my cat's ears?
To clean your cat's ears, you will need a special cat ear cleaner that you can obtain from your vet or a pet store. If your cat has an ear infection, follow your vet's advice about which cleaner to use.
The ear cleaner will come with a little nozzle on the end of the bottle: aim this nozzle at the top of your cat's ear canal and give a little squirt. The next stage is to massage the ear canal just below the ear flap to help the cleaner dislodge the debris. It is important to be gentle during this stage, particularly if your cat's ears are sore. Finally, wipe the cleaner out with a piece of cotton wool.
Animation on ear cleaning in the cat:
It is best to use a large piece of cotton wool for wiping away the ear discharge. Do not use a cotton bud or Q tip, as this can actually make the problem worse by pushing the discharge deeper into the ear canal and potentially even damaging the eardrum.
Animation on the risks when using cotton buds or Q tips:
When you are getting your cat used to ear cleaning, it can help to give them a treat afterwards to give them positive associations with the process.
How should I hold my cat for ear cleaning?
Some cats will tolerate ear cleaning better than others, and the best way to hold your cat depends on how relaxed they are. While it is important that your cat keeps still enough for you to clean their ears, it is best not to over-restrain your pet as this can be stressful. The following video shows one way of holding a cat on a table:
Video on ear cleaning in the cat:
If your cat really doesn't like ear cleaning, your vet will be able to give you some advice on how to hold them. They may advise wrapping your cat carefully in a towel to help them keep still and stop them scratching you. It may help to have another pair of hands so you can hold your cat safely while somebody else cleans their ears.
How do I apply ear drops?
If your cat has an ear infection, your vet may give you some medicated ear drops to use after ear cleaning. When applying these drops, make sure that you direct the nozzle down the ear canal so that the drops go in the right place. Once you have applied the drops, gently massage the ear canal to help them travel towards the affected area.
Animation on the technique for applying ear drops:
Sometimes, cats require further treatment for ear problems. Your vet may give injections or tablets, and if the ears are very sore and infected, they may recommend flushing the ears out under a sedation or anesthetic. Your vet will be able to advise on what is best for your pet.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (925) 744-6421, or you can email us at [email protected].