I have a senior cat and had only cleaned her ears once in her lifetime of 13 years so far, and it wasn’t even dirty then. Ear cleaning is a basic pet care routine for dogs, but it may not be for cats!
Ear Cleaning – How often should you do it?
The answer is surprisingly… RARELY! And close to NEVER!
Most cats are independent, self-sufficient and low-maintenance creatures. Thanks to their self-grooming habit, they naturally have clean and healthy ears. You rarely have to help them with any ear cleaning at all! In fact, over-cleaning can cause irritation to their ear canal which will lead to infection.
However, some exceptions to this is when your cat
1. Has ear infection
Ears that are left wet or moist for a prolonged period can lead to ear infection. Bacteria and yeast love the moisture!
2. Is prone to wax buildup and ear infection due to its structural differences.
Breeds such as persian, himalayan, scottish fold can be more prone to ear infection
3. Has allergies, diabetes or weakened immune system (eg cats with FIV/FeLV) and thus prone to getting ear infections.
What to look out for when cleaning your cat’s ears?
- Any pain or discomfort – STOP the ear cleaning and notify your veterinarian! This is to prevent further or potential damage to its ear canal.
- Redness, discharge or odour – it’s a sign of an ear infection (bacteria, yeast or ear mites)
How to prevent your cat from having ear infection?
Check their ears routinely (once every 1 to 2 weeks) to ensure there is no redness, discharge or odour. Observe for any head shaking, ear scratching or showing signs of pain when ears are touched. Call for an appointment with a veterinarian if you notice any of the above signs.
Furthermore, getting your cat used to its ears being touched can be helpful when the time comes for ear cleaning. Check, touch and massage your cat’s ears once every 1-2 weeks or whenever you give your cat a hug or cuddle!
What to expect if your cat has an ear infection?
Visit your vet when you suspect any signs of ear infections.
Signs of ear infection:
- Head shaking, ear scratching
- Signs of pain when ears are touched or during ear cleaning
- Redness, discharge, odour
Ear swabs would be taken and analysed under the microscope to determine the type of infection present – bacterial, yeast or mites. If the infection is very bad, a vet or vet nurse would help with the ear cleaning or flushing to get a good amount of bacteria/yeast/mites out of the way first. The appropriate medication would be used and dispensed for a course of 1 to 2 weeks until the review.
Depending on how bad the infection is, ear cleaning would likely be needed daily with the application of the medication afterwards. Furthermore, there is a type of leave-on ear medication that can last about 1 week, so you wouldn’t need to clean your cat’s ears for 1 whole week! So always speak to your veterinarian to clarify your cat’s specific ear cleaning and care regime!
A review is needed to confirm that the infection has cleared. Even though your cat may not show any more symptoms (no scratching/discharge/odour), there may still be a small amount of bacteria/yeast left that are more resistant to the medication and have yet to be cleared. The presence of these infections can only be seen using special staining agents and the microscope! Though your cat may hate it, ear swabs would need to be taken again, but it’s only for that 1 second!
How to clean your cat’s ears?
1. Find a comfortable position.
You may stand with your cat on a table and close to your body OR sit while holding your cat in your lap.
Wrapping your cat in a towel (burrito wrap) may help keep it calm if it is resistant to ear cleaning. It helps them feel safe and minimises movement, making the experience better for both your cat and yourself!
2. Squeeze some ear cleaning solution onto a cotton ball/pad to soak it.
3. Grasp the tip of the ear flap (pinna) using one hand, pulling back slightly to expose and straighten the ear canal.
4. Using your other hand, place the cotton ball/pad soaked with ear cleaning against your cat’s ear flap and squeeze it into its ear.
Cats do not like liquid being poured/squirted into their ears. Using the soaked cotton ball method greatly reduces that sensation!
5. Fill the ear canal with the solution. It is fine if some of the solution spills out.
Do not put the tip of the bottle into the ear. If the tip of the bottle touches your cat’s ear, wipe the tip off with a clean cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.
6. Holding the ear flap with one hand, gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds with the other hand.
This allows the cleaning solution to break up the debris that is in the ear canal. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaning solution moves around the ear canal.
7. Allow your cat to shake its head.
This allows the remaining cleaning solution and debris in the ear canal to move out to the outer opening of the ear, where it will be visible.
8. While still holding the ear flap, wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap and the outer ear canal using a cotton ball or with a finger wrapped in gauze.
When cleaning the outer ear canal, only go into the canal as far as your finger will reach(2).
Never use a Q-tip to remove the solution from the ear canal.
You may push the debris further into the canal or damage the ear canal/eardrum.
The cotton part of the Q-tip may become loose and be lodged in the ear canal.
9. Repeat for the other ear.
Praise your cat and reward with treats along the way. It’s okay to take little breaks in between!
Ear cleaning isn’t as difficult as you think it is once you allow it to be a positive experience!
References:
1. Cornell University. “Geography’s Role in Feline Ear Infections.” Catwatch Newsletter, 25 August 2016, https://www.catwatchnewsletter.com/features/geographys-role-in-feline-ear-infections/. Accessed 4 April 2022.
2. Weir, Malcolm, and Amy Panning. “Instructions For Ear Cleaning In Cats.” VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/instructions-for-ear-cleaning-in-cats. Accessed 4 April 2022.