Caring for Your Cat’s Ears

Though it’s not necessary to clean your kitty’s ears as part of a weekly grooming routine, it is a good idea to gently check the ears for wax, debris, and any sign of pus or discharge regularly. If there is pus or discharge, or the cat shows pain when its ears are touched, take her to the vet for a checkup.  Also, if your cat consistently develops ear infections, it could be a sign of allergies. Please consult your veterinarian about possible food or skin allergies.

If your cat’s ears look clean, then you’re home free. No need to clean. However, if they’re dirty, make sure you clean them very gently. This is because you can rupture the eardrum or even inflict scratches or pain if you clean the cat’s ears the wrong way.  Never, ever put anything into her ear canal.

Cats tend to explore everywhere, and if they are outdoors, their curious behavior increases the chances they can contract ear mites or other ear hitchhikers. Your cat’s ears are an ideal breeding ground for small mites or parasites because the ear hair allows a location to build nests and a food source (such as blood) within reach. Ear parasites will generally increase your cat’s need to consistently scratch, and this will further irritate the ear lining. Continued scratching can also lead to blood blisters.

Common signs your cat may have an ear problem include:

·   Hearing loss

·   Bleeding

·   Black or yellowish discharge

·   Persistent scratching

·   Sensitivity to touch

·   Head tilting

·   Loss of balance

·   Redness or swelling

·   Dark brown wax buildup

·   Unpleasant odor

To determine if there is a problem or if just a cleaning is needed, it is recommended that you perform regular ear checks on your feline.

Inspect your cat’s ears

Start by checking the outer ears for any redness, irritation, or discharge, and then check your cat’s inner ears. Gently pull the ears backward and look inside. You may notice an unusual buildup of wax or black flakes. If you see many black flakes, your cat may have a mite or flea infestation. The black flakes are commonly known as “flea dirt,” which is actually the fecal matter of the fleas.

Know Your Ear Disorders

·    Ear mites are common parasites that are contagious among pets. Telltale signs include excessive itching of the ears and debris that resembles coffee grounds.

·    Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or yeasts. Treatment should be sought promptly as ear infections can cause considerable discomfort. Allergies in cats can be a predisposing factor in developing ear infections.

·    An ear hematoma is a collection of blood and serum between the cartilage and skin of the outer ear. They’re often caused by infection, ear mites, fleas, or trapped debris that causes your cat to scratch her ears or shake her head excessively. They can occur in association with frequent head shaking in association with ear infections, ear mites, or allergies.

If your cat’s ears are excessively dirty or it seems to need the cleaning much too frequently, take her to the vet for a checkup, to ensure that there are no problems.

Ear Cleaning 101

It’s best to perform your cat’s ear cleaning when he or she is relaxed and in a good mood. An upset or aggravated cat is much more likely to scratch and squirm. Do the cleaning in a quiet area, away from your other pets. It might help you to have someone gently hold your cat, but when it comes to restraining cats – less is more. So, don’t hold your cat too firmly or she might become aggravated and struggle to get away. If you don’t have help or kitty doesn’t want to cooperate, you can try wrapping her in a thick towel, like a burrito (or a “purrito”!).

First, you’ll need a good ear cleaner. Look for a cleaner that is quick drying and approved for use in cats. Epi-Otic is a good example. It is a non-irritating cleanser that will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast.

Start by adding a small amount of the cleaner into your cat’s ear. Then massage the ear at the base for several seconds, to help work the cleaner into the ear canal. You’ll most likely hear the cleaner squishing around while you massage. This shouldn’t be painful for your cat, but if you notice her acting like she is in pain, take her to the vet for an ear exam.

After you add cleaner and gently massage the ears, allow your cat to shake her head to help loosen and bring up the softened wax or dirt.

Now, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to gently wipe your cat’s ears clean. Be very careful not to push the cotton ball or gauze deeply into your cat’s ear. This could cause the wax and dirt to become compacted in the ear. Do not use cotton swabs, like Q-tips, to clean your cat’s ears – it’s too easy to insert cotton swabs too deep into the ears, which can damage the tissue in your cat’s ear canal and even rupture the ear drum! Cat’s ears are especially sensitive, so always be gentle and use caution when cleaning them.

Finish by praising your clean-eared kitty with lots of love and treats to positively reinforce her good behavior and she’ll be more inclined to cooperate next time you clean her ears.

How to Administer Ear Drops

If your veterinarian has recommended ear drops or ointment for your cat, please ask for his/her advice on how to properly administer them. Below are general guidelines on administering medications in your cat’s ears:

Read the label instructions carefully for correct dosage before administering.

If there is debris or excessive wax in the outer ear or visible part of the ear canal, gently clean the external ear with a cotton ball or gauze moistened with a veterinary recommended ear cleaning solution

Gently pull the ear flap back, squeeze out the correct amount of solution or ointment into the outermost ear canal.

Gently massage the base of the ear to help work the medication deeper into the canal.

Administer the medication according to the label directions given by your veterinarian. Not completing the entire course of treatment can interfere with total resolution of the issue being treated.

Reward your cat with a treat afterward.

Again, you may need to have a friend to help hold your cat, and immediately after the ordeal, shower kitty with plenty of praise and treats. Be prepared to have her shoot you dirty looks for an hour or so after, because they do that so well (and you may have stepped on her feline dignity).