Cat Ear Care

Cat ear care is one of the most overlooked and neglected areas of cat health. In fact, most owners are unaware that part of caring for your cat involves checking and cleaning their ears on a regular basis.

Most cat ear problems can be avoided with routine care by you and regular visits to the veterinarian. Ear problems and infections can impact any cat at any age, with some being more prone to health problems than others. Neglecting your cats ears can cause excessive wax buildup, yeast infections, bacterial infections, ear mites and can result in hearing loss or deafness if the problem is left untreated.

At first, your cat will object to regular ear cleaning and care. The best time to start acclimating your pet to regular ear care is when they are a kitten. However, even as an adult they can easily adjust to the process if you are willing to take your time and work with them.

You should examine your cat’s ears on a weekly basis in order to provide the best cat ear care and preventative care. Notice any changes in wax buildup, cuts, scratches, bite marks and odor. Also, be aware of changes in your cat’s behavior – such as excessive ear scratching, rubbing, yowling and head shaking. These can all be indications you cat is experiencing or is prone to ear problems.

Dampen a cotton ball or cotton square with warm water and gently wipe the inside of the ear. (Never use Q-Tips on cat’s ears!) Take another cotton ball or square and dampen with hydrogen peroxide to remove excessive wax buildup. Or use ear drops as prescribed by your veterinarian. Repeat the process until all the ear wax in each ear is removed.

• Excessive Ear Wax – Some cats are prone to excessive wax build up in their ears. These cats are increasingly susceptible to mites, yeast and bacterial infections.
• Bacterial Infections and Yeast Infections – Are commonly caused by bites and scratches in or on the ear. These infections can be aggravated with excessive ear wax buildup.
• Ear Mites – Are the most common source of cat ear problems. Ear mites also pose an additional risk to your other pet’s (both dogs and cats) health because they can be passed from one to another. They can be seen when you clean your cat’s ears as moving white specks on the cotton ball or square.

If you believe your car is experiencing health problems, schedule an appointment with you veterinarian immediately. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can prolong the pain and discomfort your cat is experiencing, is dangerous to your cats overall health, and can lead to hearing loss or permanent deafness. When you arrive at the veterinarian, a swab will be taken of your cat’s ears and the debris analyzed under a microscope to reach the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment varies depending on the diagnosed issue. Generally, your cats ears will be cleaned by the vet and you will be given ear drops or antibiotics. A follow-up visit will be needed to ensure any yeast, bacterial infection or ear mites have been completely treated.