Cats have sensitive ears, so make sure to opt for the best cat ear cleaner product to use and apply it regularly.
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What are the best ear cleaners for cats?
It's essential to clean your cat's ears regularly, regardless of your pet's breed. Ears are fragile organs prone to infection. There are various products available to care for your cat's ears.
Make it a habit to clean your cat's ears regularly, even if they don't look dirty to you. Earwax and dust can build up in the ear canals over time, leading to infection and disease. That's why it's crucial to buy an ear cleaner suitable for cats of all ages. You should also stock up on wipes or compresses to soak up the fluid coming out of the ear.
Most cleaners also leave a fine protective film in the ear canal to repel bacteria. If you are about to introduce your first kitten into the family, it's time to fully equip their medicine cabinet! Welcome them like a little prince by choosing the best ear cleaner for cats in advance. Once your pet is used to it, they will be delighted to spend some quality time with you while you treat their ears.
Summary
Why should I clean my cat's ears?
It's essential to clean your cat's ears regularly to prevent wax and dust build-up. Dirt in the ear canal can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and cause infections. As there is not much ventilation inside the ear, ear infections develop very quickly.
Moreover, cats are very clean animals, and they don't appreciate having dirty ears. They can clean the surface of their ears by rubbing it with their paws, but they cannot reach inside. Too much earwax can even lead to partial or total deafness in the long run.
Therefore, applying a cat ear cleaner is an important grooming procedure that should be performed at least once a week.
Why does my cat always have dirty ears?
Even though cats are very clean animals that spend a lot of time grooming themselves, the insides of their ears are often dirty. There is a simple reason for this: they cannot reach this area with their paws or tongue.
But it is natural for the inside of the ears to get dirty little by little, in cats and in dogs, or even in humans. We all produce earwax, a substance that protects the inside of the ear canal from inevitable intrusions such as water or dust. This wax builds up over time and can form plugs, leading to ear infections or allergies.
If your pet plays outside a lot, it is normal for dirt and dust to get into the ear.
What cat ear cleaner should I use?
When cleaning your kitty's ears, it's important to choose the right product that won't irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal. Ear cleaning solutions have ceruminolytic and antiseptic properties, which gently cleans and protect the inside of the ears. In addition to disinfecting, this type of product also removes odours.
As for ear lotion, it is particularly suitable for the sensitive skin of kittens. It is usually very gentle and has a low pH, making it the ideal product for regular maintenance of your kitty's ears.
Avoid using cotton buds. They are intended for humans and could injure your cat's eardrum. In addition, cotton buds will push the wax further into the ear canal instead of pulling it out.
How do I clean my cat's ears?
You should never leave your cat's ears dirty, as this can lead to ear infections and other problems. As a general rule, it is recommended to clean your pet's ears at least twice a month. This will remove excess earwax and dust from the ear canals.
To do this, take a suitable ear cleaner for cats and put a few drops inside each ear. Then gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the product evenly, loosening excess wax and dirt.
Then let your pet shake its head to stir up the contents of the ear canal.
Use cotton wool to collect the fluid and any liquid secretions. Also, gently wipe the pinna and cartilage, and then repeat the process on the other side.
Cats rarely enjoy this cleaning session, so don't forget to reward your pet with a treat afterward!
How do I know if my cat has an ear infection?
Several symptoms can indicate that your cat has an ear infection. If you see your pet frequently scratching its ear with its paw or rubbing against the furniture, it likely has an earache. Something is bothering them, or their ear canal is inflamed.
Does your cat react aggressively when you stroke them behind the ears? Do your pet's ears seem swollen to you? Are the ear canals abnormally dirty? These symptoms suggest that your cat has an ear infection. Your pet may also be suffering from an allergy that's affecting their ears!
If your cat keeps its head bent or meows repeatedly, it is also advisable to take him to the vet to check for ear pain.
Beware, all these types of symptoms need to be treated immediately by a professional.
