how to clean cat ears

An easy step-by-step for cleaning your kitty’s pretty ears.

If your cat has ear mites or is prone to chronic ear infections, get ready to lend a helping hand.

Cleaning your cat’s ears — with a minimum of yowling from you both

Your vet may recommend a schedule for regular ear cleaning to help cats with ear mites, cats undergoing treatment for ear infections, and even cats prone to recurring ear problems. Be prepared to get messy!

How often should you clean your cat’s ears?

Over-cleaning your cat’s ears can dry them out and increase the risk of an ear infection, so follow your veterinary team’s recommendations for how often it should be done. You may also need to clean your cat’s ears before applying medications for ear mites or infections. Be safe — if your cat simply won’t cooperate, ask for help!

Cat ear-cleaning supplies, plus what never to put in cat ears

You don’t need much to help keep your cat’s ears clean. Use your vet-recommended ear cleaner, some cotton balls, and a clean towel. 

A few small favorite kitty treats for during or after is a nice touch. If you like, stand your ear cleaning solution in a bowl of warm water before you begin so the fluid won’t be cold in your cat’s ears.

Always avoid:

• Cotton swabs, which make it just too easy to push debris and wax into the ear canal. A gentle wipe with a clean cotton ball does a much safer job.
  
  
• Many home remedies and “natural” cures — including tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide — are just not safe for your cat’s ear.
  
  

1. Cuddle your cat

   
   Sit or stand in a safe, comfortable place with your cat, with your ear-cleaning supplies (like pre-soaked cotton balls) within easy reach. Make sure you’re stable at all times — and be aware that cat claws can damage clothing and furniture. 
   
   You may have a special hold that helps to keep your kitty calm and still. If not, here are a few to try:
   
   Tabletop towel hold: Place your cat on the table. Drape the towel around their body and shoulders, then “hug” them close to your body.
   
   Kitty burrito: Wrap your kitty safely in a towel, keeping their feet and claws inside and their head poking out (a bit like swaddling a baby). Hold the burrito with your non-dominant arm and use your other hand for dealing with the ears.
   
   Friends to the rescue: Get a cat-loving friend or family member to gently and firmly hold your cat, whether on the table in a towel or swaddled in their arms.
   
   No matter how you choose to hold your cat, never force an ear cleaning. If they struggle, yowl, or try to bite, let them go and try again later.
   
   

2. Inspect the ears

   
   Make sure your cat is safe and calm. Then gently pull their ear slightly back from their head to expose the opening of their ear canal.
   
   Check for foul odors, redness, or discharge — all signs of a possible ear infection. If you see any danger signs, stop and contact your vet for an appointment.
   
   Use a dry cotton ball to wipe any wax or debris on the opening of the ear. (Not inside the ear canal — just the outside.)
   
   

3. Drip and massage

   
   Soak a cotton ball in ear cleaner so it’s wet and dripping. Hold up your cat’s ear flap and gently squeeze the cotton ball so it drips ear cleaning solution into your cat’s ear.
   
   Now give the base of your cat’s ear a mini-massage with your thumb and index finger to loosen up any wax or debris. (It’s possible your cat might enjoy this. They may also kick, so beware of being scratched!)
   
   

4. Shake and dry

   
   After the ear massage, let your kitty shake their head a few times (this may be messy).
   
   Blot the ear area dry with a cotton ball. Wipe away any goop that came out with the ear cleaning and head shaking. (Don’t stick anything down in the ear canal, just get the entrance clean.) Move onto the next ear as needed.
   
   When you’re done, use a clean towel to mop up any ear cleaner spattered on the area (or you), and wash your hands. Tah-dah! Consider giving your sweet kitty a few small treats.

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