The Best Way to Clean Your Cat's Ears: A Simple Guide

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Do’s and don'ts when cleaning your cat’s ears at home
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Most cats do a great job of keeping their ears clean. Their grooming habits are so meticulous that they will even clean behind and in the inner flap of the ears. However, cats will sometimes need help cleaning their ears. It's also a good idea to frequently check your cat's ears to look for problems lurking inside the ears that could become more serious.

How to Clean Cat Ears

  1. Purchase a liquid ear cleaner formulated specifically for cats from your vet’s office or a pet supply store.
  2. Pick a time when your cat is relaxed, and hold them in a comfortable position.
  3. Place a few drops of room-temperature ear cleaner into your cat’s ears.
  4. Massage the base of the ear for 20-45 seconds to work the cleaner into the ears.
  5. Allow your cat to shake their head for a minute or two to further dislodge wax or dirt buildup.
  6. Moisten a cotton ball and gently swab your cat’s ears.
  7. After cleaning, reward your cat with treats and praise.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Inspecting Your Cat's Ears

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  1. Note that you will only be able to see the outer aspects of the ear; you won't be able to see inside the ear canal or eardrum since these turn in horizontally where the ear meets the head. [1]
    • Grooming is the easiest and least traumatic during moments when your cat is looking for attention or feeling sleepy. A cat who is in an energetic or playful mood is more likely to struggle and scratch during grooming.
  2. Gently turn the ear flap inside out until you can see the interior. Look into the cat's ear canal as much as you can. Do this for each ear. [2]
    • Make sure to check the ears in an area with plenty of light, such as near a window or under a bright light in your home.
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  3. You can tell if a cat's ear is clean because it will be pale pink, have minimal earwax and dirt, and no debris or odor. [3]
    • If the cat has clean ears, this is a good indication that your cat is capable of self-cleaning its own ears. Note that there is no need for you to clean the ears if they appear to be clean.
  4. It is normal for cats to have earwax and dirt on, in, and near their ears. Any other discharge in and around the ears, however, is abnormal. [4] Take your cat to the vet right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
    • Green or yellow pus or red, dark red, or black discharge from the ears. These could be indicative of a bacterial or fungal infection, or a mite infestation. [5]
    • Unusual odors coming from the ears. [6]
    • Redness or swelling in and around the ears. [7]
    • Balance issues or a constant head tilt.
    • If you see nothing more than some dirt or mild waxy buildup, you can clean the cat's ears at home.
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Part 2
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Cleaning the Ears

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  1. Some cats do not like having their ears cleaned and can put up a struggle. Bring your cat to a quiet room where there are no other pets. Your may need to have a second person readily available who can help you hold the cat while you clean the ears. [8]
    • The person holding the cat should use minimal restraint. A grip that is too firm will cause the cat to become less cooperative and more likely to claw to escape.
    • If the cat won’t cooperate, you can also try to “burrito” the cat by wrapping her body (including all limbs) securely in a thick towel.
    • If the cat becomes too agitated during any part of the cleaning process, stop. You don't want her to claw or bite you.
  2. A good ear cleaner is mildly astringent and quick drying. You can purchase an ear cleaner at the veterinarian’s office or a reputable pet supply store. [9]
    • You can also make your cleaner if you're in a pinch. A mixture of one part white vinegar and one part rubbing alcohol will work if used sparingly. Keep in mind that if your cat has any scratches or infections, using this homemade cleaner may sting. [10]
    • Water should not be used as an ear cleaner because it can sit in the ear and allow yeast to grow.
    • One alternative for cleaning the outer ear is to use a cotton swab moistened with olive oil.
  3. Bringing the ear cleaner to room temperature will make the experience more comfortable for your cat. Most humans wouldn't like cold ear drops going in their ears. The same is true for cats! [11]
  4. Use the proper dosage as recommended on the label instructions. Do this one ear at a time. Massage the base of the ear for 20 to 45 seconds to "work in" the cleaner. [12]
    • Use a firm but gentle pressure while rubbing the ear base. Do not rub vigorously as this can damage the eardrum. One helpful rule of thumb is that you want to lift away dirt and wax, rather than rub it in. [13]
    • Administer the full dosage as indicated by your vet or the instructions that accompany the cleaner. Failure to do so may prevent the cat's ear(s) from healing properly. [14]
  5. Allow the cat to shake her head to further dislodge any wax or dirt buildup. [15]
  6. Make sure to not push the cotton ball or gauze too deep into the horizontal part of the ear canal; this could compact, rather than remove, buildup. [16]
    • Do not use a Q-Tip unless instructed to do so by your vet. [17]
    • Do not clean too deep into the cat's ear canal. Doing so can damage the tissue that lines the ear canal and can even rupture your cat's eardrum. If the eardrum is ruptured, the cat may show signs of pain (pawing at the ear, meowing, etc.), lose her sense of balance or sit with her head tilted to the side. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat immediately to the vet's office for examination.
  7. This will help calm your cat and make her more inclined to cooperate with you the next time she sees you get out the ear drops.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you clean your cat's ears with water?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No. Water in the ear canal softens or 'macerates' the skin. This makes it more likely the cat will get an ear infection.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 32
  • Question
    What do you use to clean a cat's ears?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Chose an ear cleaning product that is specifically designed for use in cats. These products are pH sympathetic to feline skin, and evaporate quickly so the ear canal is not left soaking wet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Are you supposed to clean your cat's ears?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A healthy ear should not require regular cleaning. In fact, there's an argument that cleaning a cat's ears if they don't require it can cause problems.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • If you're having a hard time cleaning your cats ears, try waiting until they fall asleep. If you're gentle, they'll likely sleep through it.
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      Warnings

      • Several diseases and conditions can plague a cat’s ears. These include ear mites, ticks, fleas, bacterial infections, yeast infections, foreign bodies (such as plant awns), and, very rarely, tumors. The most common ear problem among cats is otitis externa, an infection of the outer parts of the ear in front of the eardrum. If ever you have concerns about the health of your cat's ears, consult your vet.
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      • Bleeding after cleaning is not normal. If you notice any blood around your cat's ears after cleaning them, take your cat to the vet immediately.
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      References

      1. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      2. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-ear-care-problems
      3. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      4. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      6. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      7. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      8. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      9. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      1. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      2. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      3. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ear-care
      6. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier
      7. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-ear-care-problems
      8. ↑ Kirk and Bistner’s Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Ford and Mazzaferro. Elsevier

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you clean your cat's ears, make sure your cat is relaxed and comfortable so that you can inspect it's ears. If you notice any pus, redness, or unusual odors, take your cat to the veterinarian. If there is just some debris, apply a few drops of liquid ear cleaner, which you can purchase at your local pet store. Use firm but gentle pressure to rub in the drops for 20 to 45 seconds and then wipe away any excess with a cotton ball or cloth. Do not use cotton swabs to clean your cat's ears unless instructed by your vet. For a homemade ear cleaner you can use in a pinch, see our Veterinary reviewer's suggestion below!

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