Ear Cleansing Solution for Cats

Purpose

• Just as you find ear wax buildup in your ears, the same can happen in your cat's ears. Inserting anything in your cat's ear is dangerous, so using a cotton swab is out of the question. This is where an ear cleansing solution comes in. Cleaning out the excess ear wax can help prevent ear infections as well as treat problems such as yeast infections and ear mites.

Commercial Cleaners

• Choosing a commercial cleaner is a good option if you do not want to make your own. They are available at your local pet supply store as well as your vet's office. Usually, they work as both a cleaning and a drying agent which helps dry the ear canal after cleaning. Application can vary from product to product so you should read the package directions before use, but generally you apply a few drops into the ear and then massage it in by rubbing the base of the cat's ear.

Mineral Oils

• You can use mineral oils to clean and disinfect your cat's ears. When you apply mineral oils to your cat's ear, it will loosen the ear wax and any debris in the ear canal. If your cat has ear mites, mineral oils will suffocate the mites, and by removing the excess ear wax, you are removing the mite's food source. In the case of a yeast infection, it can help clean the ear and return the yeast to a normal balance.
  To use mineral oils as an ear cleaner, use an eye dropper to add a few drops of mineral oil to your cat's ear. Then massage the base of the ear to work it in. Wipe away any excess oil and loosened debris from the ear using a clean cotton ball. If you want to use other types of oils, you can try any type other than tree oil, which is not safe for cats.

Garlic Oil

• Using garlic oil is a similar idea to using mineral oils. The garlic makes the oil more powerful and naturally kills the bacteria in your cat's ear canal. It is a good choice in treating bad ear mite infestations as well.
  To make your own garlic oil, crush a few cloves of garlic and place them in some oil overnight. Then strain the crushed cloves out before applying the treatment the same way you would mineral oil. It is important to remember that garlic is a safe and effective topical treatment but you should never give it to your cat orally.

Green Tea

• Green tea, like mineral oils and garlic oil, will clean and disinfect your cat's ear. It is also an effective antiseptic. It will effectively break up any loose ear wax and debris, like the other treatments, and is effective as a weekly cleaner or as a treatment against bacteria and parasites.
  You can create these treatments by making a cup of green tea according to the package directions. Once the tea has cooled completely, apply a few drops of the tea to your cat's ear and massage it in like the oil treatments. Then wipe away anything that comes out using a clean cotton ball.