Regular ear cleaning prevents hearing loss, inflammation, ear infections, and ear mites. Typically, the procedure is performed 1-2 times a month. Pets that are frequently outdoors, breeds with minimal hair (such as the Sphynx), or large ears (such as the Somali or Abyssinian), require more frequent cleaning. It's important for owners to have a clear understanding of how to clean their cat's ears.
What you will need
It would be a good idea to prepare a treat for your cat to reward her after the procedure.
You should prepare the following items:
- Cotton pads or gauze swabs.
- Cotton swabs. Don't wrap cotton around thin objects like matches, as this can damage the ear. Children's cotton swabs with a stopper are ideal.
- Cleaning solution. A special solution can be purchased at pet stores. Chlorhexidine solution, strong tea, or chamomile infusion will also work. Boiled water can be used in extreme cases. Avoid using soaps, vinegar-containing products, or alcohol-containing products.
A flashlight may be useful for illuminating the auricle.
How to Properly Clean a Cat's Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide
The cat needs to be calmed and petted before cleaning.
Moisten cotton swabs and pads. Make the cat comfortable, calm it down, and pet it.
Actions:
- Place a few drops of the solution in each ear. Be careful not to let any moisture get into the ear canal. Your cat will shake its head. This is a normal reaction.
- Fold the ear in half and massage for 3-4 minutes.
- Turn the ear flap inside out. This won't hurt the animal unless you pull on the ear.
- Wipe the surface with a cotton pad. Move from the inside out. Avoid compacting dirt into the ear canal. Replace the pad as it gets dirty.
- Use cotton swabs to carefully clean the ear folds.
- Pat the clean ears dry with a swab. Reward your pet with a treat for its patience.
Each ear is cleaned with a separate disc. This is done to prevent any infection from spreading from one ear to the other.
What to do if your cat is breaking free
You should not swaddle the animal too tightly, otherwise the animal may become aggressive.
Additional assistance will be required. The cat should be wrapped in a towel, leaving the head exposed. An assistant will hold the cat while the owner performs the procedure.
Regular hygiene procedures are essential for maintaining good health. A cat should be accustomed to ear cleaning from an early age. This will help it accept the process calmly and even enjoy it.
