Instructions on Where to Put Cleaner in a Cat's Ear

Cats are so independent and self-sufficient; it’s easy to forget that a part of their regular care should involve weekly ear maintenance. It is indeed important to routinely inspect a cat’s ears for excessive wax, debris, inflammation or infection. For some cats, cleaning may need to become a part of a weekly grooming practice. If done consistently, calmly and confidently and in a pleasant and comfortable setting, this routine can become a positive part of a cat’s and its owner’s bonding experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Ear cleaner
  • Towel or other restraining device
  • A cleanable surface or towel on which to place the cat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Whenever possible, examine a cat's ears when they are relaxed and content, perhaps when sitting on your lap being petted and not after any experience that has resulted in their already being stressed.

      To hold a cat while examining, with or without a restraining device, drape your left forearm across the cat's body, being sure to stay relaxed and confident.

      Hold the head with your left hand, the cleaner in your right, and using the left hand press the ear flap against the head with the ear canal open.

      It is important to be conscious of your body and to remind yourself to relax throughout the entire process. Are you holding the cat too tightly? If so, relax, but not so much that the cat can flee. It is very easy to tense up, especially if the cat begins to squirm. If the cat senses stress or discomfort it will likely become anxious, making it more difficult and unpleasant for both of you.

    • 2

      If the ear looks pink and clean, it probably isn't necessary to clean the ear. If there appears to be excessive wax, it will most likely be necessary to apply cleaner.

    • 3

      Apply a few drops of the ear cleaner to the inside of the ear flap. Proceed by inserting the tip of the ear cleaner a couple of millimeters into the ear canal while gently pulling the ear flap back. This will ensure that the cleaner goes into the ear canal. Gently squeeze a few drops into the ear canal.

      It is important not to put the tip of the cleaner any further than 2-3 millimeters into the ear canal as any further could rupture the ear drum, a thin fragile membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear.

    • 4

      Most likely, the cat will shake it's head vigorously, dislodging much of the wax and debris. Depending on the amount of debris in the ear, this can be quite messy.

    • 5

      Fold the ear flap over the inside of the cat's ear like an envelope. Massage the base of the ear for a few seconds to distribute the ear cleaner throughout the ear canal.

    • 6

      The cleaner, the cat's shaking of it's head and the massaging of the ear will have loosened much of the wax and debris at this point and much of it will be around the outer part of the ear. Use a cotton ball to gently remove it.

      Unless instructed by your vet, cotton swabs shouldn't be used to clean a cat's ears. If pushed too far into the ear canal, excess wax or debris can inadvertently be pushed further into the ear canal, or the ear drum can easily be ruptured by the tip of the swab.

      If you must use a swab, be sure the cotton is easily viewable at all times and use it only to clean in the small pockets of the outer ear. When in doubt, however, avoid using a cotton swab altogether.