{"id":1219,"date":"2016-12-19T06:00:20","date_gmt":"2016-12-19T06:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1219"},"modified":"2017-01-16T23:57:54","modified_gmt":"2017-01-16T23:57:54","slug":"cat-ear-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/cat-ear-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Ear Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caring for Your Cat’s Ears<\/h1>\n

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Though it\u2019s not necessary to clean your kitty\u2019s 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\u00a0or 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

If your cat’s ears look clean, then you\u2019re home free. No need to clean. However, if they\u2019re 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.\u00a0 Never, ever put anything into her ear canal.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Common signs your cat may have an ear problem include:<\/strong><\/h6>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Hearing loss<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Bleeding<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Black or yellowish discharge<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Persistent scratching<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Sensitivity to touch<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Head tilting<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Loss of balance<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Redness or swelling<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Dark brown wax buildup<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 Unpleasant odor<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Inspect your cat’s ears<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

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Know Your Ear Disorders<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 \u00a0Ear mites are common parasites that are contagious among pets. Telltale signs include excessive itching of the ears and debris that resembles coffee grounds.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 \u00a0Ear 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.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0 \u00a0An ear hematoma is a collection of blood and serum between the cartilage and skin of the outer ear. They\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ear Cleaning 101<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It\u2019s best to perform your cat\u2019s 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\u2019t hold your cat too firmly or she might become aggravated and struggle to get away. If you don\u2019t have help or kitty doesn\u2019t want to cooperate, you can try wrapping her in a thick towel, like a burrito (or a “purrito”!).<\/p>\n

First, you\u2019ll need a good\u00a0ear cleaner. Look for a cleaner that is quick drying and approved for use in cats.\u00a0Epi-Otic\u00a0is a good example. It is a non-irritating cleanser that will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast.<\/p>\n