Most cats can keep their bodies clean, and they are very careful about it. They even clean the back and the inside of the ear. However, cats occasionally need help cleaning their ears. It would be better if you check your cat's ears first to make sure there is nothing dangerous in them that could be fatal.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Checking Cat Ears
Step 1. Check your cat's ears
The only part of a cat's ear you can see is the outside; You won't be able to see the inside or the eardrums because they're horizontal to the head.
Take care of your cat when she is sleepy or spoiled. The maintenance process will run easier and safer. An excited cat is likely to fight and scratch when you groom him
Step 2. Grasp the tops of your cat's ears
Gently turn the earlobe until you can see the inside clearly. See your cat's ear canal as clearly as possible. Do this on each ear.
Do this check in a room with adequate lighting, such as near a window or under a bright light
Step 3. Determine if you need to clean your cat's ears
Clean cat ears are pink, have little earwax and other debris, and have no odor.
Clean cat ears indicate that your cat is capable of cleaning its own ears. Keep in mind that you don't need to clean your cat's ears if they still look clean
Step 4. Take your cat to the vet if you notice anything unusual
Cats normally have earwax and wax in their ears. However, if you find other debris around your cat's ears, that's a sign that your cat's ears are problematic.
- Abnormal discharge in or around a cat's ears can be green or yellow pus, and dark red or black discharge. This is called abnormal secretions and can indicate a bacterial, fungal, or tick infection. Take your cat to the vet immediately.
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice a strange odor coming from your cat's ears. Similarly, if you notice signs of redness and swelling in or around the cat's ears.
- If you see only a small amount of dirt or earwax, you can clean your cat's ears yourself at home.
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning Cat Ears
Step 1. Make sure your cat is relaxed
Some cats don't like having their ears cleaned and they will fight back. Take your cat to a quiet room where there are no other pets. You may need help holding the cat while cleaning its ears.
- Tell the friend who helped you to gently hold the cat. A grip that is too strong will cause the cat to shriek and claw to break free.
- If your cat refuses to cooperate, you can try wrapping the cat's body (including the paws) in a thick towel.
- If your cat is uncomfortable with cleaning her ears, stop. Do not let your cat scratch or bite.
Step 2. Purchase a liquid ear cleaner
A good ear cleaner contains very few chemicals and dries quickly. You can buy it at your vet or a reputable pet store.
- You can also make your own ear cleaner if you don't have the money. You do this by mixing white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Use this cleaning fluid little by little because if your cat is injured or infected, it will sting him.
- Water should not be used as an ear cleaner because it can settle and cause mold to grow.
- Another alternative to cleaning cat ears is to use a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide and olive oil.
Step 3. Store the ear cleaner at room temperature before use
Keeping the ear cleaner at room temperature will make your cat feel more comfortable while cleaning its ears. Like most people who don't like cold liquids flowing into their ears, cats feel that way too!
Step 4. Put a few drops of earwash into the cat's ear
Use the correct dosage as recommended on the instruction label. Do this on your cat's ears one at a time. Massage the base of the ear for 20 to 45 seconds for the cleaner to work.
- Use firm but gentle pressure when rubbing the base of the ear. Do not rub too much because it can damage the eardrum. The rule is simple, you just remove the deposition of dirt and earwax, not rubbing it.
- Give the full dose according to your veterinarian's advice or the instructions on the ear cleaner's package. Otherwise, your cat's ears will be difficult to heal.
Step 5. Leave your cat for a minute or two
Let him shake his head to remove any remaining earwax.
Step 6. Gently moisten a cotton swab or gauze and match your cat's ear
Make sure not to push it too deep into the horizontal in the ear canal; this can cause dirt to accumulate, not remove it.
- Do not use earplugs unless instructed to by your veterinarian.
- Do not clean the cat's ears too deeply. This can damage the thin film in the ear canal, and even rupture the eardrum. If your cat's eardrum bursts, she will show her pain by pawing at her ear, meowing, and so on. In addition, he will lose his balance when sitting with his head tilted. If you see any of these signs, take your cat to the vet immediately for a check-up.
Step 7. Finish the ear cleaning process with praise, hugs, and gifts
This can calm your cat down so he or she is willing to cooperate when they see you're carrying ear drops.
Warning
- A number of diseases and conditions can bring plague to a cat's ear. Outbreaks include mites, ticks, bacterial infections, fungal infections, foreign bodies (such as plant spines), and tumors (though very rare). The most common cat ear problem is otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear in front of the eardrum. If you are concerned about the health of your cat's ears, consult your veterinarian.
- There should be no bleeding when you finish cleaning your cat's ears. If you notice blood around your cat's ears, take him to the vet immediately.
