How to properly clean a cat's ears at home and in what cases is the procedure necessary?

Cleaning cats' ears is controversial among pet owners. Some consider this procedure optional, others do it almost every day.

In fact, most cats do not need frequent ear cleaning. It is enough to regularly examine them in order to detect the first signs of the disease and wipe them with a special lotion once a month. However, when carrying out this procedure, certain rules must be observed so as not to harm the health of the pet.

Feasibility of the procedure

The kitten cannot clean its ears on its own, so it needs help. Dirty ears cause the development of the inflammatory process, so you need to systematically monitor the condition of the auricles, and take all the necessary measures in a timely manner.

When cleaning is necessary

The procedure should be carried out 1 time in 2-4 months. The frequency depends on the breed of the pet. For example, the auricle of sphinxes gets dirty much faster. It should be cleaned 1-2 times a week..

A similar situation is observed among Rex, Abyssinians, Siamese. Hygiene measures are carried out for them weekly.

The procedure is carried out in the following cases:

• dusty coating, dirt;
• brown, black dots, spots;
• dry crusts of a dark color;
• discharge of pus;
• excess sulfur;
• clotted blood, scratching;
• unpleasant odor;
• the pet shakes its head, combs the area behind the ears.

The auricles are examined daily, and cleaned as they become dirty.

Cat breeds characterized by increased sulfur production

If you thought it was for performing magical rites, then you are partly right. The magic lies in the amount and color of sulfur, by which you can tell fortunes whether your animal is healthy or a visit to the doctor.

A lack of sulfuric substance or an excess of it indicates either improper care of the fluffy, or a malfunction in the body, or a disease.

Sulfur is necessary to cleanse the outer ear from various "debris":

• dust;
• small particles of hair and skin;
• spores of pathogenic fungi;
• viruses and bacteria;
• waste of the body.

All this debris, falling on the ear lining, covered with a thin layer of secretion of 2000 modified sebaceous glands located inside the ear canal, crumples up and is excreted naturally. Warm wax is evenly distributed over the auricle, from where the cat can easily remove it during washing.

By the way, such glands are located evenly throughout the cat's body, they provide lubrication for the animal's fur and skin, that is, they also perform a protective function.

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Cats earwax contain more than 10 peptides that prevent the development of various fungi and bacteria.

It is believed that the sulfuric secretion prevents small insects from entering the ear. Self-cleaning of the ear canal is a natural and genetic process. Violation of this process indicates abnormalities in the feline body, for example, a decrease in immunity.

Following a decrease in immunity (failure in the body's defense), various infections penetrate into the ear canal, develop:

• otitis media;
• dermatitis;
• otomycosis (fungal otitis media).

Healthy ear secretions are pasty, slightly brown in color and virtually odorless.

Violation of color, smell, density is a direct indication that the cat is ill. In order not to miss this important point, the ears should be examined regularly, at least once or twice a week.

Cornish Rex kitten

In cats, the organs of hearing are arranged in the same way as in humans, and consist of three main sections. In the outer part, the auricle itself is located, in the middle section - the eardrum and special auditory ossicles, which help the animal to pick up sound. The inner ear consists of nerve canals and the vestibular apparatus necessary for orientation in space. Despite the same structure, the hearing aid in cats is much better developed than in humans.

These amazing animals are able to perceive ultrasonic vibrations inaccessible to the human ear. Cats determine the distance to the sound source literally up to a centimeter. The ability of pets to rotate their ears 180 degrees allows you to catch more sounds.

American curl

• American curl;
• sphinx;
• Cornish Rex
• Scottish lop-eared;
• Persian;
• British;
• Ukrainian levkoy.

Ukrainian levkoy
Cats with large ears will have to process them daily, lop-eared - a little less often. Persians, British and Fold Scots are more prone to the formation of earwax. They need to carry out the procedure at home on a weekly basis, but ear sticks cannot be used so as not to damage the eardrum. It's easier to do this with a special lotion and a cotton pad.

Features of the procedure

There is an opinion that cotton swabs should not be used. This method is traumatic, so it is recommended to resort to an alternative option: you can also clean the auricle from dirt and secretions with water, but you need to wash the baby carefully so as not to scare.

Safety regulations

Before performing the procedure, you should learn how to clean your pet's ears from dirt correctly.

The following manipulations are performed:

1. The animal is wrapped in a towel.
2. The ear is gently bent outward, while the bends of the inner part become clearly visible.
3. A cotton pad is moistened in a special agent.
4. The inside is wiped gently.
5. If necessary, such actions are repeated, but with a blank disc.
6. Moisten a cotton swab. They clean the bends from the inside to the outside, otherwise dirt can push deeper, and this threatens inflammation.

Often, the owners fear that the eardrum may be damaged in the animal when performing such actions. But you should not be afraid of this: kittens have a bend in the ear canal, which does not allow you to clean the ear deeper.

There is a risk of damage to delicate skin, but this happens if hard sticks are applied or the actions are not performed carefully.

Why does dirt accumulate in my ears?

Contamination in a cat's ear canals can occur for a variety of reasons. In veterinary medicine, the following types of ear contamination are distinguished:

1. Brown bloom that looks like coffee grounds.
2. Accumulation of sulfur.
3. Bloody discharge with impurities of pus.
4. The presence of black specks of various sizes.

Accumulation of sulfur
In the presence of contamination, especially if a kitten has dirty ears, it is important to determine the cause of the appearance of plaque. It is often a consequence of the settling of ordinary dust, especially if the cat has the opportunity to visit the street, but it can also indicate a serious illness of the animal.

The main reasons why a cat may have brown dirt in the ears are:

1. The emergence of a pathological process in the ear canalcaused by the activity of an ear mite. The parasites attach themselves to the ears of the animal by feeding on the epidermis.This process is called otodecosis and requires medical attention.
2. Allergic food reaction, occurs when the wrong food is chosen or when unusual food enters the daily diet of the animal.
3. Otitiscaused by an infectious lesion of the animal's body. In some cases, otitis media occurs due to head trauma. The intervention of a veterinarian will be required in any case.
4. Fungus exposuresettled on the surface of the ear canals.
5. Features of the breed character. On the outside, some cats have very large open ears, inside of which dust or external dirt constantly accumulates. This process is not a pathology, but the animal's ears need to be cleaned regularly.
6. Lack of hair in the area of ​​the hearing organs. The absence of hair, characteristic of hairless breeds, makes the cat's ears defenseless against external influences. Dust, which in breeds with abundant wool settles on the nearby cover, gets inside in hairless cats.

Veterinarians advise to monitor the ears of cats from 2 months of age. Perform the first cleaning, if necessary, at a veterinary clinic.

Otitis media in cats

Necessary materials

To properly clean your pet's ears at home, you must first of all stock up on all the necessary materials.

You will need:

• cotton swab or sticks;
• baby wipes (you can use a cotton pad instead);
• towel;
• nylon muzzle (needed for an aggressive animal).

Is it possible to clean the ears of kittens

Hosts often ask themselves this question. It is advisable to determine whether the family pet really needs hygienic cleaning or is it just a whim of the owner.

During the next game with the animal or its sound sleep, carefully examine the auricle for the presence of accumulated sulfur, moisture and parasites.

The time has come.

Does your pet often shake its head, dip it in a bowl of water, rub it against carpet and other surfaces? It's time to clean your ears.

Disease.

Most representatives of feline breeds suffer from ear inflammation, which occurs due to the abundant accumulation of water in the ear canal, the ingress of foreign bodies (branch, tissue thread, etc.) or rare cosmetic cleaning.

A foreign object injures the eardrum, the disease is accompanied by purulent discharge and excruciating pain of the animal. In such cases, it is important to contact your veterinarian in time to preserve your baby's hearing.

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Deep dirt cleaning

You can clean out deep dirt as follows:

1. The kitten is fixed in a comfortable position.
2. A special agent is instilled into the ear.
3. The ear is gently massaged in the lower part - in this way the drug is distributed evenly throughout the entire inner part.
4. The animal is released so that the pet can shake its head.
5. The kitten is picked up again, the cotton swab is immersed deeper, removing dirt
6. Additionally, cleaning is carried out using a cotton pad.
7. Similar manipulations are performed with the second ear.

Otodectosis (ear mite)

Cleaning your ears is an important procedure for your pet's health. Small kittens are prone to ear mite disease. Parasites feed on particles of the epidermis, so they choose the ears of young animals as their habitat.

Symptoms:

• itching begins;
• pus is released en masse;
• sulfur becomes dark in color;
• the inner ear is crusty;
• the advanced stage affects the ear canal, as a result of which the pet ceases to hear clearly;
• the animal suffers and combs its ears until it bleeds, wanting to get rid of the hated pests, which are visible only under a microscope.

An unvaccinated kitten can catch ear mites only from older relatives who regularly visit the street and are at risk.

Treatment

Otodectosis at an early stage is successfully treated with antibiotics. If even the smallest symptoms are detected, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian for a more accurate diagnosis and degree of damage. In the clinic, the animal will be cultured or scraped, after which a course of treatment will be prescribed.

As a rule, doctors expel parasites by prescribing anti-mite drugs along with antibacterial and antifungal drops. Before direct treatment, you need to cleanse the ears of dirt so that the effect of the drug spreads to all damaged areas.

The course lasts about a month, during which you need to process the pet's ears daily. It is recommended to re-visit the veterinary clinic to make sure that the procedures performed are effective.

Important: Kittens with weakened immune systems are often infected with Otodectosis. Pay attention to the feeding and general maintenance of your pet, it may be time to change something.

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Review of approved funds

Carefully study the instructions: the product should be designed specifically for cleaning, it should not contain anti-inflammatory components.

It is allowed to use drugs for dogs.

For these purposes, the following are appointed:

1. Doctor Vic. Lotion made in Belarus. It is used to soften sulfur before cleaning or treatment.
2. EAR cleaner. The drug is manufactured in the United States of America. It contains aloe, lanolin. The components help to eliminate itching, relieve irritation.
3. Leopard. Means of domestic production. The lotion is an alcoholic solution of dimethyl sulfoxide with glycerin.
4. Auroklin. The drug is made in Italy. Contains chamomile extract. Helps soften sulfur.

If it is impossible to purchase special products, you can use saline and heated olive oil.

Rinsing is inadmissible:

• chlorhexidine;
• alcohol-containing preparations;
• soap solutions;
• hydrogen peroxide.

Application of hydrogen peroxide

The use of hydrogen peroxide is strictly prohibited.... The remedy causes the skin in the ear canal to dry out. The formation of ulceration, cracks is noted. Such changes lead to deterioration.

Cat Ear Cleaners

The best choice for cleaning your animal's ears is a specially formulated product.

Lotions

Lotions are the most popular and widely used cat ear cleaner.

Leopard

Bars Lotion dissolves sulfur and dirt, making it easy to get rid of. It has a mild anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant effect. Some experts recommend this lotion as an adjuvant in the treatment of fungal diseases, as it increases the sensitivity of microflora to antibiotics.

The tool not only removes impurities, but also helps fight pathogenic microflora

Packing - bottles of 15, 20 and 25 ml. The average price of a 20 ml bottle is 90–120 rubles.

The liquid has an oily consistency and may stain clothes!

Since we had a neglected case, it took a lot of time to clean the ears. I divided the procedures for each day. Better a little bit than pouring out half a bottle of Bars right away. So, we introduce 3-5 drops into each ear. The smell of the lotion is vigorous, so the beast must be kept - otherwise it will run away and will no longer be given) After massaging my ears, I wound a cotton swab on long tweezers, which I also moistened in lotion. And with this device we clean the ear cavity. Such a horror came out of the kitten's ears ... And how did it all fit into her ... In general, every day I cleaned her ears, and, finally, they got a decent look)

Muchacha

1. First of all, the lotion is very difficult to dose.The tip is very thick, the bottle itself is somehow incomprehensibly pressed, which is why the only way to understand how much lotion you pour is to pour it on deaf ears and look with your eyes. 2. The lotion has an unpleasant odor. If it accidentally gets on your fingers, you have to wash your hands several times to get rid of it, and even then the subtle "aroma" can remain for another couple of hours. 3. The consistency is very greasy, and no matter how carefully you use the product, all the same, around the ears, the wool becomes greasy and is not washed with water the first time.

Euphorie_

Euracon Pharma GmbH OTOKLIN

Otoklin Lotion contains sulfur-softening and skin-moisturizing agents. Suitable for breeds prone to otitis media. Has an exfoliating effect, helps to get rid of dead skin cells, soothes it.

The package contains 18 vials of 5 ml. One bottle is enough for one-time cleaning of both ears of a cat. The average price is 900-1100 rubles.

For half an hour after the instillation of the product, you cannot use other preparations for the ears!

The product cannot be used concurrently with other preparations for the ears.

To clean the abundant sulfurous deposits and dirt, it was recommended to us to apply Otoklin in both ear canals of the cat every 24 hours for 8 days until the ear canals are completely cleaned. I buried a little product in each ear and massaged the ears. The cat, of course, was unhappy with this process, but endured. After a 30-second massage, I let go of the cat and he himself, shaking his head off, got rid of the remnants of earwax, which scattered along with the remnants of Otoklin) Ears immediately after the procedure look much cleaner !!!

toptipja

VETOQUINOL Otifree

Otifree lotion intensively dissolves sulfur and dirt. With regular use, it has a beneficial effect on the "good" microflora of the ear. Protects the skin from drying out, eliminates itching.

Lotion moisturizes and soothes the skin

The drug is packaged in bottles of 60 or 160 ml. The average price of a 60 ml bottle is 600-700 rubles.

I am the owner of cats and dogs. We have as many as 6 ears. The animals take care of each other themselves, but sometimes they have to be insured. For these purposes, the lotion is great. Otifree is a cleansing lotion with calendula to clean the ears. Otifree is not just a cleansing lotion, it is also a caring lotion for the ears. Lotion that dissolves earwax and dirt. I put it on a cotton swab and wipe my pets' ears. Due to the content of calendula, Otifree lotion, judging by the description, not only normalizes the structure of the skin, but increases its resistance, moisture and elasticity. Everything about him suits me. The most important thing is the natural composition. I'm not worried about cleaning the dog's ears, and then the cat went and licked this lotion.

Userша

Otifree bought for her sphinxes as a hygienic ear care product. I will say right away - the lotion is excellent. Cleans ears for the top five. They get dirty after using the lotion much less. The smell is pleasant. […] Now about the cons - the price! It is unreasonably high for such a composition.

Olga Konovalova

Veda

Ear lotion with Veda phytocomplex gently cleanses the ears of animals. Contains a phytocomplex of 25 plants, has antiseptic, healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The drug helps to fight inflammation of the auricle

Bottle - 15 ml. The price ranges from 50 to 190 rubles.

Cleans well, leaves no oil residue, does not flow. The kitten tolerates calmly. The composition is good, the price is very affordable.

Ekaterinamama2

Wet wipes

Wipes soaked in a special solution do not allow deep cleaning, but are good for removing dust and surface contamination on the upper part of the ear. Some can also be used to cleanse the eyes.

Popular option - TEDDY PETS For eye and ear care. Contains vitamin A and cornflower extract. They have anti-inflammatory, soothing and antibacterial properties.

Wet wipes are very convenient on the road

They took kittens from the street and they had big problems with eyes and ears. We went to the veterinary clinic and they advised us drops for eyes and napkins for ears. An excellent tool, it has saved me many times. They immediately cleaned up all the pollution, and they are spinning, you can't calm them down. They have just brought it from the street into the house, they are scared, and then for some reason they still get in their ears and eyes. Therefore, I did not want to torment them for a long time, and it was here that these napkins passed to me to help. Quick cleansing around the eyes and instantly clean ears, as soon as I put them on the floor, they immediately rushed under the bed)

luba_gib

The following napkins are also common:

• "Gamma" for eye and ear care;
• ESPREE Ear Care Wipes;
• Nutri-Vet "Clean ears".

Sprays

The cleaning agent in this case is sprayed with a spray bottle.

Common products include TOP VET Fitolar. Contains extracts of calendula, chamomile and sea buckthorn seeds. The product softens impurities, moisturizes the skin and promotes its elasticity. Has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates skin regeneration after microtraumas.

Gels

Gels have a denser consistency than lotions, otherwise they work in a similar way. Some liquefy quickly on contact with warm skin.

The following gels are suitable for cleaning cat ears:

• Merial Frontline Pet Care;
• Dermoscent PYOclean;
• Artero AURIGEL Ear Cleaner.

Other means

In addition to branded products, sterile saline can be used to clean cat ears - it is sold in regular pharmacies.

Some owners recommend using vegetable oil such as olive oil. This method must be approached carefully so that a greasy film does not form on the animal's ear. The oil should not be poured or buried in the ears - if necessary, it is slightly moistened with a sponge or a cotton swab.

Unsuitable substances

Never use water to clean cat ears! Once inside, it can provoke illness, including otitis media.

You cannot use hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, alcohol-containing products and soap solution - they will dry out the delicate skin of the ear, which will lead to the appearance of ulcers, wounds and even more active production of sulfur.

Some of these substances are used in ear medications, but should only be prescribed by a veterinarian after an accurate diagnosis.

Tick ​​cleaning rules

The ear mite lives in the ear canal and feeds on the cells of the skin. It is impossible to see the parasite with the naked eye. Only the products of its vital activity (dirty dark brown flakes) are clearly visible.

Symptoms of the lesion are as follows:

• restless behavior;
• the pet shakes its head, scratches its ear, scratches it until it bleeds;
• rubs his head against interior items;
• an unpleasant odor appears;
• the presence of dark crusts is noted;
• hearing problems.

Such changes cannot be ignored. Special means are used. The most affordable drug is Bars.

Ear treatment is carried out as follows:

1. The pet is wrapped in a towel and laid on its knees. He should be stroked, calmed.
2. The auricle is turned inside out. The kitten is securely fixed.
3. Wipe the inner surface with a moistened cotton swab.
4. A cotton swab is passed along the bends, without leading it into the ear canal.

After removing plaque, they begin to get rid of ticks: they take a cotton swab, moisten it in a product and gently wipe the ear canal (the stick is not wound too deeply).

Such actions are performed daily for 2 weeks. 1 time in 4, a drug is instilled into the auricle. It is important that the kitten does not shake its head, otherwise the drug will spill out.

Healthy ears: why is it so important?

Hearing in a cat is no less important organ that gives it an idea of ​​the world around it than vision. With the help of it, animals orient themselves in space, determine the distance to the noise source and its direction. A well-developed acoustic apparatus helps the cat to recognize ultrasonic vibrations and is indispensable when hunting rodents. Excellent hearing and orientation contribute to survival in a metropolis.

Untimely hygiene of the auricles can cause the development of sulfur plug. The increased formation of sulfur is a kind of protective reaction of the body to the penetration of dirt and dust, protection of the middle ear.

Some pets are prone to increased sulfur production due to the peculiarities of their metabolism. The accumulation of sulfur deposits over time can become infected with viruses, bacteria, fungi. The rapidly developing inflammatory process weakens the immune system, and the animal becomes unarmed against parasitic diseases, often affected by ear mites (otodectosis).

Breeds with large auricles are characterized by increased sulfur production. (savannah, abyssinian and somali cat)as well as breeds with a minimal coat (sphinxes, peterbald).

Dense old formations of sulfur often lead to deafness, and also, due to pressure on the eardrum, cause nausea and vomiting. Therefore, to maintain hearing for many years, it is important to regularly clean your cat's ears. This procedure will prevent the development of inflammation, otitis media, ear mites, hearing loss.

We recommend that you read the article on why cats have breath odors. From it you will learn about the causes of this pathology, depending on age, additional symptoms for contacting a veterinarian, getting rid of odor, and preventing the development of bad breath.

Security measures

To minimize the risk of damage, it is recommended to carry out the procedure together: one person will hold the kitten, and the second will perform the hygienic procedure.

It will not be superfluous to cut the claws of the animal or use special anti-scratches before this.

Before proceeding with the main steps, prepare the entire inventory. The pet is wrapped in a towel, soothed.

Features of care for lop-eared cats

A lop-eared cat has its ears cleaned in the same way as any other pet. The nuance lies in the fact that such breeds are not able to flush the "locators" themselves because of the unusual structure of the auricle. More frequent inspection and close attention will be required.

Proceed as usual. To begin with, turn the ear (as it should be with proper cleaning of the cat's ears) outward and use a flashlight to illuminate the ear canal. Be careful - the cartilage in cats is very delicate. If you notice plaque and dirt, remove it like a normal cat.

After the procedure, you will have to thoroughly dry the bent ear, because excess moisture can lead to diaper rash and the rapid formation of diseases.

Prevention of ear pathologies in cats

To avoid ear problems, it is necessary to regularly and timely examine the cat's hearing organs and clean them if necessary. Correct processing will get rid of many problems. For cleaning, you should use antiseptic preparations, which can be purchased at the pharmacy or pet store. It is important to carry out the manipulation carefully so as not to hurt the animal, otherwise each cleaning will be accompanied by active resistance from the pet.

LIFEHACK

A rare cat likes to have his ears cleaned. Most often, pets see this action as unauthorized access to their holy of holies along with the anus or testicles. Therefore, you have to act accurately and correctly. First, put the cat on your lap, stroke, pet. Talk to him gently throughout the procedure.

The cat will not give you something to do with him just like that.More often than not, it will flatten your ears - as a result, you will not be able to shove anything in there. Plus, the cat will back up to run away and rub its head with its paws, because he tickles. So that the cat does not run away, you can put his booty to your body - now there is nowhere to go back. In extreme cases, you will have to squeeze it with your feet or wrap it in a shawarma-type blanket. In some cases, you have to call for help.

To stop the cat's attempts to pinch the ears and prevent you from performing manipulations in this way, the ear must be immediately turned outward: the cat does not get hurt from this, but a beautiful view of the auricle opens up. After the procedure, reward the cat with a treat so that the procedure is associated with a pleasant ending.

Most common ear problems

In addition to ear mites, pets often face other diseases that require treatment, and in the absence of therapy, lead to serious complications.

Otitis media is a disease in which the ear canal is affected by bacteria or yeast.

It has the following symptoms:

• purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor can be observed from the ears;
• the cat shakes its head intensively;
• the mucous membranes of the ears turn red and swell;
• the pet constantly scratches itself and meows.

Therapy is prescribed by the veterinarian after examination. Self-medication can cause complications and lead to inflammation or deafness.

Hematomas

Formed due to rupture of blood vessels.

Reasons - the cat often shakes its head or scratches its ears. They can be identified by the small burgundy spots between the auricle and the skin.

Solar dermatitis

Albinos, hairless cats, and pets with white ears are susceptible to this disease. You can identify solar dermatitis by reddening of the skin and hair loss around the edges.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This neoplasm is a consequence of solar dermatitis. It affects various areas of the skin, but more often develops on cat ears. The main symptom is red spots, thickening and hair loss. Ulcers may occur that do not heal for a long time.

Frostbite

Due to hypothermia, there is a risk that the ear tissues will deteriorate. It can be determined by a change in skin color, at first it loses color, and then turns red. At the last stage, it turns black and begins to peel off.

Restless behavior is caused by otitis media, ear mites, fleas, or allergies. Only the established reason will help solve the problem.