cleaning my cat ears🐈⬛, by Lia and Birju on YouTube. 7 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet moment when your cat is relaxed, and have a helper hold the cat gently if it tends to wriggle.
Check both ears first. Look for redness, swelling, dark debris, discharge or a bad smell, and stop if you see any of these.
Dampen a soft cloth or cotton pad with a little cat-safe ear cleaner or warm water. Do not soak it.
Fold the ear flap back gently and wipe the visible inner surface with the cloth, working from the outer edge inward.
Use your finger wrapped in the cloth to clean the folds and crevices you can see, going slowly and gently.
If you use a cotton swab, keep it only on the outer folds and ridges. Never push it into the ear canal.
Wipe away loosened dirt with a fresh cloth, then let your cat shake its head to clear anything loose.
Give a treat and praise right away so the cat links ear cleaning with something good.
Tips and common mistakes
Never push a cotton swab or anything else into the ear canal, as it can pack wax in or damage the eardrum.
Use a separate clean cloth or pad for each ear so you do not spread dirt or infection.
If one ear is much dirtier than the other or keeps getting dirty, ask your vet to check for mites or infection.
Keep the session short and stop if your cat struggles, then try again later.
Questions
Can I use cotton swabs inside my cat's ear?
No. Only use them on the outer folds you can see. The ear canal is deep and curved, and a swab can push debris inward or hurt the eardrum.
How often should I clean my cat's ears?
Most cats need it only every few weeks, or when you notice visible dirt. Cats that scratch a lot or have oily ears may need it more often, but ask your vet first.
What should I do if my cat's ear smells bad?
Stop cleaning and book a vet visit. A bad smell, discharge or head shaking often points to an infection or ear mites that needs 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.
