How to Clean Your Cat's Ears the Right Way

In this guide

Most cats are meticulous groomers and rarely need help keeping their ears clean. That said, knowing how to do it properly, and how to tell when cleaning is actually needed, is a useful skill, particularly for cats prone to wax buildup or those living in India's warmer, more humid regions where ear issues can develop a little more easily.

Do you actually need to clean your cat's ears

Most cats do not need routine ear cleaning at all. Check the ears periodically, and only clean them if you notice a visible buildup of wax or light debris on the outer, visible part of the ear. If the ears look red, swollen, painful, or have a strong odour or dark discharge, this points to a possible infection or ear mites rather than simple wax buildup, and calls for a vet visit rather than a home cleaning.

What you will need

• A vet approved cat ear cleaning solution. Ask your vet for a recommendation rather than guessing
• Cotton balls or a soft cloth
• A towel, in case your cat shakes mid clean
• Treats, to make the experience more pleasant

Step by step

• Choose a calm moment and a quiet spot. Hold your cat gently in your lap or wrap them loosely in a towel if they tend to wriggle
• Gently lift the ear flap and look inside for any redness, odour or discharge before you begin
• Soak a cotton ball with the ear cleaning solution, or squeeze a small amount directly into the ear canal as directed on the product
• Gently massage the base of the ear for five to ten seconds. You may hear a soft squelching sound, which is normal and helps loosen debris
• Let your cat shake its head, which helps bring loosened debris up and out
• Use a dry cotton ball to wipe away the visible debris and excess solution from the outer ear and the folds you can see. Do not push the cotton ball into the ear canal
• Repeat with the second ear, and reward your cat generously once you are done

What to avoid

• Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal. They can push debris further in or injure the delicate eardrum
• Avoid home remedies like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, all of which can irritate or damage sensitive ear tissue
• If your cat becomes very distressed, stop and try again another day, or ask your vet or a groomer to help instead

Most cats need this at most once every two to three months, and many need it even less often. If you find yourself cleaning your cat's ears frequently and debris keeps returning quickly, that pattern itself is worth mentioning to your vet.

Tags: cleaning cat ears, cat grooming, cat ear health, Indian pet care

Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.