How to Care for Cat Ear Problems

Cats can develop a number of ear problems including ear mites, yeast infections and swimmer's ear, which occurs when water is trapped in the ear. If ear problems are left untreated, they can progress to a point that can leave your cat with permanent hearing damage or complete hearing loss. Although you should always seek a professional veterinarian's advice before beginning any home treatment, you can make and administer a few home remedies to treat and prevent feline ear problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Green tea bag
  • Cup
  • Water
  • Eye dropper
  • Air tight container
  • Cotton ball
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Large, plastic spray bottle
  • Oil
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Instructions

  1. Method One: Cleaning with Green Tea

    • 1

      Place a single green tea bag into a cup. Add one cup of boiling water to the cup as well. Leave the tea bag to steep for five minutes. Remove the tea bag and throw it away.

    • 2

      Allow the tea to cool completely.

    • 3

      Use an eye dropper to place up to five drops of the cooled tea into your cat's ear. Use your hand to massage the tea into the ear for 30 to 45 seconds. Store the remaining tea in an airtight container and use it again on the next cleaning.

    • 4

      Clean the outer part of your cat's ear with a cotton ball. Be sure to wipe away any ear wax or debris that is brought up by the green tea as well as excess fluid that drains back out. Avoid cleaning the inner ear. This will push wax, debris and mites further into the ear drum.

    • 5

      Repeat the entire process daily for 30 days, even if your cat shows signs of improvement.

    Method Two: Vinegar Treatment for Swimmer's Ear

    • 6

      Place 1 cup of water, 2 cups of white distilled vinegar and 1 tbsp. rubbing alcohol in a large, plastic spray bottle.

    • 7

      Shake to combine.

    • 8

      Spray the outer part of your pet's ear canal up to two times a week. It is also important to spray the ear after bathing your cat.