How To Clean Your Cat's Ears

2023 Author: Molly Page | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 22:49

It is not often necessary for a cat to clean its ears, yet it is necessary for three reasons: to remove earwax before exhibitions (this is especially true for the Rex breed); to remove dust and moisture from the ears and as one of the therapeutic measures in the fight against ear mites.

It is recommended that you examine your cat's ears while brushing it, and also in cases where you notice that it constantly shakes, rubs and scratches its ears.

Acute ear inflammation is rare in cats, but if this happens, the ear canal turns red, pain in the ear appears, in which moisture accumulates (discharge, pus). A foreign body (a grass seed, a piece of a branch) can enter the channel. In such cases, it is advisable to seek veterinarian advice before attempting to clean your ear.

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are the most common cause of ear inflammation in cats, especially young cats, and, as discussed earlier, cause dark pus and gray scabs in the ear canal. In such cases, the ears are treated with ear drops containing a special substance (acaricide) that kills ticks. It is best to trust your veterinarian to administer the medication. Before each instillation, it is very important to remove as much pus as possible from the canal so that the drops can penetrate into the canal. Never pour powder into your ear: it can cement and completely block the canal.

First, place a bottle of olive oil or paraffin oil in a saucepan of hot water and wait for the oil to warm up. Never heat the oil in a saucepan, as it can overheat and burn your ear. Then place the cat on the table and, if possible, have someone else hold it.

Ear mite (Otodectes cynotis). Photo © volkspider

Taking the cat by the scruff with your left hand (if you are right-handed), turn its head so that the ear is at the top. Fill the canal with oil almost to the top and gently massage the base of the ear with your index and thumb to expel the pus. Blot excess oil with a cotton swab wrapped around your finger. Repeat the procedure if required. When the oil gets wet, the cat will likely shake its head violently. Therefore, carry out the procedure on a table that is not afraid of oil splashes. Then, wipe off any remaining oil and pus with one or two cotton swabs. Rub all the curves of the ear, but don't press too hard. Finally, drip the medicine and wipe off the remaining oil drops from the animal's fur. If necessary, do the same with the other ear.