Q&A for How to Clean Your Cat's Ears

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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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • Question
    Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my 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.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No, this is not a good choice to clean a cat’s ears with, as it is too strong (especially when undiluted) and will likely dry out the ear, cause damage to soft tissue and skin and/or cause irritation due to creating an imbalance of the cat’s natural skin oils. Worse, if the ear canal is painful for the cat already, adding hydrogen peroxide will make it hurt even more. Instead, get a proper cat ear cleaning solution from your vet or the local pet care store.
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