Can I Clean My Kitten's Ears Out?

You need regular grooming to look and feel your best and stay healthy, and so does your kitten. Inspect and clean your kitten's ears weekly to avoid ear mites, infections and allergies. Obtain ear-care supplies from your veterinarian, pet specialty store or general merchandise store.

  1. Start Early

    • Make regular cleanings part of your kitten's routine as soon as you bring her home. If she expects the inspection every so often, she'll know what's going on and hopefully won't fight you.

    Anatomy of the Ear

    • Your kitten's ear is made up of three parts. The outer ear, typically the upright ear flap, ushers sound into the ear. The outer and middle ear are separated by the eardrum, which is fragile and can be easily damaged.

      The middle ear includes an air chamber, three small bones and an eustachian tube that leads from the cavity to the back of the cat's mouth. The inner ear connects ear nerves to the brain and helps the kitten to balance.

      Ear cleaning involves only the outermost portion of the outer ear.

    Handle Gently

    • Start with a happy cat. If your kitten's frustrated or hungry, she'll be more likely to fight you. Do not associate the cleaning with any other unpleasant task, such as nail clipping or a bath. Give her a treat before and after the cleaning. Do not hold her tightly; cats hate being restrained.

    The Process

    • Place your thumb inside the kitten's ear and your forefinger on the outside. Gently rub the ear with your thumb to feel for debris. Look inside the ear for discharge or redness.

      Drop some ear cleaner, available from your veterinarian, into the ear and massage it in to remove debris and discharge. If the cat squirms, hold her by the loose skin on the back of the neck and pet her to make her more calm. If necessary, a restraint bag is available from your veterinarian. Wrapping the kitten in a bath towel also may work.

      Use a cotton ball to clean out the ear and remove the solution. Or wet a cotton swab or ball and gently roll it around the inside of the ear.

    Tips

    • If the ear looks sore or infected, don't attempt to clean it; bring your kitten to your veterinarian. Do not insert a cotton ball or swab farther into the cat's ear than you can see. Always follow directions on ear-cleaning solution bottles; do not use more solution than is necessary.

      Don't force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal because the force of squeezing of the bottle could rupture the eardrum