How Vets Treat Ear Infections in Cats 🐱 | Diagnosis, Cleaning & Treatment, by The Pet Corner on YouTube. 3 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Watch your cat for head shaking, ear scratching, redness, swelling, discharge, odor or pain when the ears are touched. These are common signs of an ear infection.
Book a vet visit if you see these signs. The vet will look inside the ear with an otoscope and may take a sample to check for ear mites, bacteria or yeast.
Ask the vet which cleaner to use. Never put random drops, oils or human medicines in your cat's ears, as some can damage hearing or make things worse.
Wrap your cat in a towel with the ears free, and have a helper hold it gently. Work in a quiet room and stay calm.
Put a few drops of vet-approved cleaner into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for about 20 seconds. Let your cat shake its head.
Wipe the visible part of the ear with a cotton ball or gauze. Do not push cotton swabs deep into the ear canal.
Use the medication exactly as the vet prescribed, for the full course even if the ear looks better. Note the date and dose.
Check the ears daily and keep the follow-up appointment. Call the vet if the signs return or get worse.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal, as you can push debris or wax further in.
Stop and call your vet if cleaning causes bleeding, strong pain or a bad smell.
Keep water out of the ears during baths and dry them gently afterwards.
Ear mites spread between pets, so treat all animals in the home if the vet advises it.
Questions
Can I use olive oil or human ear drops on my cat?
No. Oils and human medicines can harm the ear or hide the real cause. Use only products your vet recommends.
How often should I clean my cat's ears?
Healthy ears usually need little cleaning. Check them weekly and clean only when the vet says so or when you see dirt.
When should I see a vet?
See a vet for head shaking, scratching, discharge, odor or pain. These signs usually need a proper exam and prescription treatment.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
