Cats are known to be very meticulous pets when it comes to personal hygiene. However, there are cases in which external human activity is necessary: it is therefore important to know how to clean cat ears.
Although the animal does not like this operation very much, the latter is nevertheless indispensable, not only in cases of extreme necessity (such as disinfecting the ears in the case of mites or wounds), but also for the usual hygiene of the cat which must be carried out consistently throughout the year.
Let’s see together what it is and how to clean the cat’s ears.
Why does the cat have dirty ears?
Dirty ears are a common problem in cats and the reasons can be different
- Earwax buildup: Cats produce earwax to protect their ears. However, if this builds up and isn’t removed, it can cause blockages in the ear and lead to infection.
- Infections: Ear infections are common in cats and can be caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites. Symptoms include itching, redness, and discharge from the ear.
- Acari: These parasites can infest the cat’s ear and cause itching, irritation and discharge.
To prevent dirty ears, it’s important to maintain good hygiene. This includes regular grooming with cat-specific products and routine vet visits for prevention and treatment.
Know the anatomy
However, before starting to understand how to clean your cat’s ears, it is important to know their shape to avoid causing damage during the cleaning phase.
The auricle
The cat pavilion consists of several parts: first of all, theexternal ear, also often referred to as the “fin” of the cat due to its pointed shape, which recalls the homonymous limb of the fish. It is usually stretched upwards, but in some rare breeds it is oriented towards the outside and helps the cat to improve sound reception by directing the ear according to the source of a noise.
Il ear canal or canalon the other hand, is the internal duct, a few centimeters long, where a large part of the earwax is usually deposited and is often subject to infections.
The inner ear
Finally, the inner ear is the innermost part of the ear. Here are present:
It is good to remember that when cleaning the cat’s ears this area must never be involved, in order not to compromise the animal’s hearing.
When to clean your cat’s ears?
As we have said, cleaning the cat’s ears must be an operation to be performed several times during the year even if the feline’s health conditions are good and there are no infections or wax accumulations in its ears.
However, to understand if everything is under control or if, on the contrary, extra cleaning is necessary, it is possible to observe the movements of the cat and draw some initial considerations.
For example, if the cat scratches its clean ear, there’s nothing to worry about, especially if it’s pink and doesn’t have different pigmentations or accumulations of dirt.
However, if the cat scratches more than necessary, repeating the operation with enthusiasm and several times during the day, then it is good to check the ears to make sure there is no accumulation of earwax.
If, then, the cat will shake its head, then it is possible that the external parts contemplate the presence of parasites.
What to use to clean cat ears?
Here’s what to use to clean your cat’s ears: in a normal condition, for the exterior just take the cleaning solution that is usually used when washing Micio, a little warm water and a towel with which to cleanse the external ear.
For the interior of the ear, on the other hand, it is good to be careful: cleaning must be carried out with sterile gauze or a cotton ball.
Alternatively, you can use an ear cleaner known as an ear cleaner.
How to clean your cat’s ears from mites?
To remove the mites from the cat’s ears, since they are insects, it is good to use an insecticide in the form of special drops that contain particular active ingredients.
For mites, however, natural remedies are to be avoided, as well as any other type of home remedy. Always ask your vet for advice before doing anything.
When do you need to clean your cat’s ears with hydrogen peroxide?
If the cat has a wound in the ears, cleaning must be done with hydrogen peroxide. In the first instance, however, it is good to wash the wound with warm water and neutral soap and, if necessary, cut the hair with a pair of disinfected scissors.
How often should you clean your cat’s ears?
Washing your cat’s ear canal isn’t necessary unless it has ceruminous otitis. In this case, do it under the supervision of a veterinarian.
For the pavilion it is better to limit yourself to cleaning them when they are dirty with earth or other.