Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears: Here’s a Guide

Your cat’s ear health is important, and cleaning your cat’s ears will help prevent infections. It will also ensure the comfort of your cat and help them stay happy and healthy. But you may be asking, “How to clean cat ears?” In this article, we will discuss when you should clean your cat’s ears and how you may be able to do so.

When Should You Clean Your Cat’s Ears?

Cats are good at cleaning themselves, but there may be times when they need help. If there is visible dirt or wax build-up, it may be time to clean your cat’s ears. However, remember that you should only clean your cat’s ears when necessary, as overcleaning can result in irritation and health issues.

Additionally, if you notice a bad odor from the ears, redness, or excessive ear wax or discharge, and if your cat keeps scratching their ears or shaking their head, it may be time for you to call your veterinarian.

Here’s How to Clean Your Cat’s Ears

When cleaning your cat ears, make sure that they are relaxed. Prepare all the necessary items for cleaning, such as ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, clean cloth, towels, and treats (treats are important!). Here’s a guide on how to clean your cat’s ears:

Get Your Cat Comfortable and Relaxed

Your cat may not like having their ears cleaned, so they may not cooperate. Before you begin, make sure your cat feels comfortable and relaxed. Choose to clean your cat’s ears in a room that is quiet and peaceful.

Sit in a comfortable position and place your cat in your lap. Place them in a position where they are facing away from you. You can also consider wrapping your cat in a towel for handling. If you have difficulty handling your cat for ear cleaning, you can ask someone to help you hold your cat while you clean the ears. It is better if this other person is also someone your cat adores.

The important thing is that your cat is not uncomfortable so that the ear cleaning process will run smoothly.

Apply Ear Cleaning Solution

Make sure to bring the ear cleaning solution to room temperature before placing drops into your cat’s ears. This is to prevent discomfort caused by cold liquid in your cat’s ears.

Next, gently lift your cat’s ear flap and place a few drops of the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Remember to use the proper dosage as recommended in the instructions. Also, make sure not to insert the tip of the bottle too deeply.

Massage the Base of Your Cat’s Ear

After applying the ear cleaning solution, massage the base of your cat’s ear for around 30 seconds as this helps the solution flow into the ear canal. Make sure to massage gently.

Let Your Cat Shake

Allow your cat to shake their head as this will remove any remaining liquid or excess solution. It’s normal for your cat to shake their head after you put solution, and the cleaner may splash onto their fur, but there’s no need to worry about this. You may want to watch out for flying liquid though when your cat shakes their head.

Wipe Away Any Debris

Use cotton balls to wipe away dirt and oil from the inside and outside of your cat’s ear. Gently wipe excess liquid or debris out of the ear canal. Make sure not to push the cotton ball deep into the ear canal. Also, remember to use clean cotton balls for each ear.

Don’t Forget to Treat Your Cat

Rewarding good behavior is part of making grooming a positive experience for your cat. So, after you are done cleaning your cat’s ears, do not forget to reward them. Praise your cat and offer some treats.

This will help in making them view ear cleaning as a positive experience and help you in future ear-cleaning sessions. It may take some time for your cat to get used to having their ears cleaned, but they may be looking forward to the reward that comes after.

You can also reward your cat throughout the ear cleaning process. For instance, offer praise or try to make them happy before you apply the ear cleaning solution. You can also give your cat a treat before you proceed to cleaning another ear. Rewarding your cat will certainly help you when you clean your cat’s ear.

Important Things to Remember When Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears

When cleaning your cat’s ears, it’s important to take note of the following:

Choose the Right Time

Choose a time when your cat is calm. This could be after a cuddle session, play session, or a meal. It is better not to clean your cat’s ears when they are agitated. Don’t try to force your cat to participate. If your cat is unhappy, you can always try cleaning on the next day.

Don’t Rush Things

Start slow with the ear cleaning process. Clean one ear at a time and take breaks in between. If your cat becomes too stressed or agitated during the cleaning process, it is better to stop and not force things.

Understand your cat’s limits. While it’s nice to have both ears cleaned on the same day, if your cat becomes stressed, then stop. Try cleaning the other ear on another day.

Inspect Your Cat’s Ears

Before you begin to clean your cat’s ears, you may want to inspect them first. Check for redness, swelling, discharge, or excess ear wax. Look for signs of infection and if there are any, contact your veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian and ask for advice before you clean your cat’s ears.

Contact The Barking Lot for Professional Cat Grooming Services

Cleaning your cat’s ears is important, as it can help prevent serious health issues. However, you may find cleaning your cat’s ears difficult. If you are having a hard time doing so, you can ask for help from professional groomers.

At The Barking Lot, we have experienced cat groomers who use safe methods and specialized products to clean cat ears. We make sure that your cat is comfortable throughout the process.

Are you in need of cat grooming services? Contact us today!