Let’s find out which cat ear cleaner to buy for top cleaning!
© frantic00 / Shutterstock
Posted on updated the
Even if they don’t look particularly dirty, your cat’s ears do need regular cleaning. Over time, earwax and dust can build up in the ear canals, leading to infection and disease. That’s why it’s important to buy one cat ear cleaner specific to the specimen.
Most cleaners also leave a small protective film in the ear canal to repel bacteria. In addition to this type of solution, you also need to have wipes or compresses to absorb any liquid that comes out of the ear.
If Micio is about to make his triumphal entry into the house, it’s time to add the right product to clean his ear canal to your medicine cabinet. Welcome it by opting for a product that prevents any diseases. Once he gets used to this practice, he’ll be happy to spend quality time with you while you take care of his ears.
Why clean cat ears?
It’s important to clean your cat’s ears regularly to prevent earwax and dust buildup. Dirt in the ear canal can become a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to infection and parasites. These infections can then lead to a number of serious cat ear diseases, such as otitis media.
Furthermore, cats are very clean animals and having dirty ears can be unpleasant for them. They can clean the surface of their ears by rubbing with their paws, but they can’t reach the dirt inside, and too much earwax can also lead to partial or total deafness in the long run.
Ear cleaning is therefore an important hygiene measure which should be done at least once a week.
Why are cat ears always dirty?
Although cats are very clean animals that spend a lot of time grooming, the inside of their ears is often dirty as they cannot reach this area with their paws or tongue and therefore cannot wash themselves.
But it is natural for the inside of the ears to get dirty over time, both in cats and dogs as well as in humans. We all produce cerumen, a waxy substance that serves to protect the inside of the ear canal from intrusion (water, dust, etc.). This earwax builds up over time and can form plugs, which can lead to cat ear infections or allergies.
If Puss often plays outdoors, it is normal for dirt and dust to get into his ear.
Which cat ear cleaner to choose?
It is important to choose the right product for cleaning your cat’s ears, which will not irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal. Ear cleaning solutions have ceruminolytic and antiseptic properties, which gently clean and protect the inside of the ears. By disinfecting, this type of product also eliminates any unpleasant odors.
An ear lotion must be particularly suitable for sensitive skin especially of younger specimens. The right product must have a low pH.
Be careful not to use cotton buds: are intended for human use and may injure the pet’s eardrum. Also, these sticks push earwax further into the ear canal instead of pulling it out.
How to clean cat ears?
Never leave a cat’s ears dirty, as this can lead to ear infections and other discomforts. As a general rule, it is recommended to clean them at least twice a month. This will remove excess earwax and dust that has settled in the ear canals.
To do this best, take a suitable ear cleaner and put a few drops into your cat’s ear. Then gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the product evenly, while loosening excess earwax and dirt.
Then let your pet shake his head, it will help him loosen everything at the back of the ear canal. Finally, collect the excess fluid and various secretions with cotton wool. Gently clean the cartilage as well and repeat the process on the other ear.
Cats rarely enjoy themselves during this cleaning session, so don’t forget to reward your cat with a treat treat!
How to recognize a cat ear infection?
There are several symptoms that indicate that the cat has an ear infection. If the animal often scratches its ear with its paw or rubs against the furniture in the house to find relief, it is very likely that it has ear pain. Something is bothering him or his ear canal is inflamed.
Does your cat react violently when you pet him behind the ears? Does it look like he has swollen ears? Are the ear canals unusually dirty? These symptoms suggest that the cat may be suffering from an ear infection or an allergy.
Even if he keeps his head tilted or meows repeatedly he could suffer from problems of this type. If your cat is in one of these cases, it is advisable to take him to the vet to check his ear canals.
Warning, all of these types of symptoms require prompt professional attention.