Ear Care for Cats

Ear Maintenance

• Cats heavily rely on their ears for balance when climbing and playing. The ability to hear well also gives cats extra protection in the outdoors.

  Simply checking the condition of a cat's ears remains the most important step in your pet's ear health. Gently pull each ear back, on a weekly basis, and look for any discharge or inflammation. Even healthy ears, however, require regular cleanings.

  Cleaning a cat's ears on a regular basis conditions the cat to the experience. Start cleanings, if possible, on kittens. Choose a good time for cleaning like after the cat settles comfortably in your lap. Provide treats and extra love after an ear cleaning for a reward.

  Pet stores carry ear cleansers for routine cleanings. Gently pull the cat's ear back at the tip and give yourself a good view inside. Follow the cleanser's directions and either squirt the liquid into the ear or wipe the ear with a medicated pad. A cotton ball works just as well to wipe the ear clean. When the ear has large amounts of wax, clean each ear two or three times. A healthy ear has a light brown wax, a pink color, looks clean and won't smell unpleasant.

Signs of Ear Problems

• Cats exhibit certain symptoms when suffering from an ear infection or ear mite problem.

  Cats experiencing an ear infection shake their heads often and scratch the infected ear. When touching a cat's infected ear, the cat may react in pain or pull away. Other symptoms of ear infections include a black or yellowish discharge and an unpleasant odor. Severe ear infections may cause the ear to bleed. Take your cat for veterinary care when these symptoms arise. Yeast and bacteria usually cause infections. Anti-fungals and antibiotics cure most ear infections quickly.

  Ear mite infestation is a common problem among cat owners. These small parasites quickly spread to other cats and dogs in the house. Ear mites look like small spiders and have a two month lifespan.

  The eggs laid by ear mites hatch within a week's time and make extermination difficult. Flea powder helps kill ear mite eggs hidden in a cat's fur. Clean the cat's sleeping area and other pets to thoroughly rid the house of mites.

  Brown to black residue in the ear result from ear mites. The residue resembles coffee grounds. Left untreated, ear mites and ear infections damage ear drums, lead to deafness and, sometimes, ear flap hematomas where blood accumulates in the ear.

  Regular ear cleanings work well in the prevention of both ear infections and ear mite infestation.