Do a cat's ears ever need to be cleaned?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
August 22, 2007 1:45pm CST
When my big cat was just a baby, I would try to gently clean his ears. Not way down into the ears where it might cause injury, just at the top pointy parts where it would accumulate junk. But, over time he got too big for that and I had to stop.
Awhile back, I read that you're supposed to at least try to clean your cat's ears. But, I'm not really able to do so, because my cat's won't sit still. And, I've also heard opposing opinions from cat magazines that say you shouldn't clean your cat's ears, because it will make them go deaf. Now, I'm really confused!
Does a cat's ears need to be cleaned or not? What if there is a large build up of junk or wax on the ear, should I try to wipe it off? Or, is this something the vet should take care of? And, are there specific illnesses that could occur if I don't keep their ears cleaned. Would love to know! Thanks!
1 person likes this
7 responses
@soulsister_16 (738)
• Switzerland
23 Aug 07
I don't think so. I believe that if their ears of cats needed to be cleaned they should be capable of doing it themselves. I mean, if it is imperative, then only pet cats have the privilege of having their ears cleaned while stray cats would just continue to accumulate ear wax, etc.
However, if you're in doubt, going to the veterinarian would be the best option.
@luvcatzzz (207)
• United States
23 Aug 07
cats can't actually clean their own ears out i'm afraid.... no fingers! :-D and one of my feral cats got to scratching his ears and got a head tilt and i finally caught the bugger and got him to the vet. he had mites so bad it has now permanently affected his equalibrium. and mites can in fact kill a cat... so the ones who are feral and can't be caught sometimes do succumb to 'em. it's sad but true.
i'm just glad i was able to catch him. i watched while they irrigated his ears and omg! you shoulda seen the gunk. wow!
@pendragon (3349)
• United States
22 Aug 07
If the cat is scratching their ears a lot, I'd look into it, it could be mites, or just visually examine the ear by pulling it back gently, if there's no discolouration, build-up or foul smell, they're probably ok and don't need it, otherwise get a gentle cleansing solution from the vet or a pet store and follow directions.
@Tae123 (5)
• Canada
22 Aug 07
You've gotten some good advise,just let you know if you see dark matter resembling coffee grinds it may be mites. Any noxious odour or constant scratching...head tipping ect should be seen by your vet.
Gentle wiping with a moistened cotton pad is not going to hurt just never go into the ear canal with a swab or what have you.
Our cat recently had spear grass travel far into the ear canal that our vet retrieved without incidence. If I had poked about it could have caused serious injury.
I also find gentle wiping while the cat is resting is always easier than making a production out of the ordeal. That include giving meds ...
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I wish I could give everyone best response on this one, cause it's all good information. Yes, my big cat had the coffee grounds look in his ears when he was a kitten, just rescued from the outdoors. And, it went away after awhile. But, I cleaned his ears very carefully. I can't remember if I used hydrogen peroxide or not. It was a long time ago. Thanks again for the info. Will check his ears again, perhaps that is what he has now. Was wondering if I should just clean it off or take him to vet for checkup.
@taylorblue (1286)
• Canada
23 Aug 07
I clean my cat's ears and even my kittens with ear mite stuff. I find a qtip works perfectly to get into the creases. If they see you do it to them a couple of times they will be more at ease. You know what I used to do with my big cat? I would wrap him up in a towel from the neck down and then put him in a football hold. That way he couldn't move at all. He actually liked it like that!
@taylorblue (1286)
• Canada
23 Aug 07
I have to note that I don't clean inside the canal ... just around it. I would never stick anything in it...
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
22 Aug 07
Ironic that you posted this. I posted about washing the cats ears when we were giving her a bath and my daughter who took animal care said that we shouldn't. That we needed special drops to clean them. Well after some time, this is my conclusion.
If your cat is outdoors, then sometimes they should have their ears cleaned with a damp cloth, gently and not too far in.
If they are indoors they don't need it. If there is a smell it is either mites or an infection which you would have to go to the vet to get drops for.
(Though I still want to clean them when we give her a bath, something I did for my dog just because I felt the ears needed cleaning too..)
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
23 Aug 07
Thanks for posting that part about the mites, and the smell cause that is my biggest concern. When mine was a kitten he had mites cause he had been an abandoned kitten outdoors for awhile and there was stuff wrong with his ears. And, I was worrying that might be happening again cause there's stuff on his ears now. But there isn't a smell. That's sort of why I was wondering if I should try to clean them, cause if it's infectious I don't want my little kid to pick up an illness. Perish the thought. Thanks for the info, I will bookmark your answer. Really good!
