How to clean cat ears at home. How and with what to clean the ears of a kitten Clean the ears of a cat

The ears of a cat can rightly be called its strongest and at the same time its weakest point. It is well known that a cat's hearing is much better developed than a human's. Thanks to him, cats are able to track mice, even when they make almost no sound, to escape from predators, recognizing their approach in advance. At home, the need for all these qualities disappears, but the load on the ears of pets remains just as significant. The slightest unfamiliar rustle is enough for the cat to wake up in the middle of the night. Owners often leave such an important organ unattended, believing that the pet will take care of its ears itself and thereby make a serious mistake. We will talk further about how to clean the cat's ears at home.

The cat's ear, like the human ear, consists of three sections:

Outer ear. In the outer ear are the auricle, which the owner will just have to inspect for contamination, and the external auditory meatus;
Middle ear. Its “package” includes the eardrum and auditory ossicles, which play one of the main roles in the perception of sound;
Inner ear. The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, which allows the cat to calculate its movements, as well as the structures of the nervous system responsible for recognizing stimuli coming from the environment and from the body itself.

The ears of a cat are often likened to antennas or radars, which perfectly reflects their functionality. Our pets are able to capture even ultrasonic frequencies that are completely inaccessible to human ears. In addition, the special structure of the cat's ears allows these animals to determine the source of the sound with an accuracy of up to a centimeter, which is very useful at the time of hunting. It is this feature that allows cats to capture prey with one jump.

The similarity with the antenna is also explained by the ability of the cat to turn its ears depending on the sound source at an angle of up to 180 degrees. Due to the fact that the ears can be turned asymmetrically and move in different directions, the cat achieves even greater fullness of sound. In order to control the ears, the cat's body has more than 30 muscles.

Do cat ears need care?

As already mentioned, cat ears can remain untidy for a long time even with the most caring owner. It was this body that received the least attention, and absolutely unreasonably. The fact is that cats, by nature, are very clean animals, do not have the ability to take care of their ears on their own and need outside help.

The accumulation of sulfur in the ear canals is equally characteristic of both humans and cats. And if the owner cleans his ears a couple of times a week, then he should think about what kind of cat, whose ears have hardly ever been cleaned. Of course, cats can live all their lives with gradually polluted ears, and not show signs of discontent (besides, felines are very stingy in expressing their physical discomfort).

However, once in a while it doesn’t happen - a lot depends on the very shape of the cat’s ear - some ears are less prone to inflammation and traffic jams, some more. If you do not want to one day face an ear disease in a pet, we advise you to pay attention to the rules of hygiene and start observing them as soon as possible.

How often does a cat need ear care?

Regarding the frequency of cleaning the ears of a cat, there is no consensus. Some veterinarians advise to perform this procedure almost every day, others limit themselves to the advice to examine the pet's ears weekly. Of course, not every owner can afford a daily full cat checkup, so a weekly option is likely to be more acceptable to most people.

Excessive attention to the ears can also bring discomfort to the cat. Cat ears are more sensitive to touch than human ears. Their structure is vulnerable to inaccurate manipulations, and, even more so, to the inept use of ear sticks. Any wrong or too often made movement can cause pain to the cat.

Preventive examination of the ears in cats

The first examination of the ears is not easy for many cats, often the pets try to escape, and sometimes even show their fangs to the treacherous owner. In order to make such procedures easier, it is advisable to accustom a kitten to them from an early age. Before proceeding with an unpleasant examination for a pet, position it towards you:

Play with him those games that he loves the most;
Treat with your favorite dish;
Sit on your lap with your pet and talk to him in a calm tone.

During the examination, it is important to securely fix the pet's head in order to stop any sudden movements that may result in ear injuries. Especially active pets at the time of inspection are advised to wrap in a towel to securely fix their torso in a certain position.

For more detailed instructions on how to wrap a recalcitrant pet in a blanket, see below.

When examining the auricle of a cat, in no case try to climb as far as possible deep into the ear. Such actions will instantly cause discontent and a sharp defensive reaction in the pet. In order to diagnose the pet's condition, it is enough to bend the ears and look inside - such manipulations will not cause pain to the cat and will be easily transferred to it.

What to pay attention to

On examination, focus on the possible presence of the following signs:

Accumulations of earwax. Often they look like reddish lumps spread along the inner surface of the auricle. Removed without any problems with a cotton swab and saline. Abundant accumulation of sulfur, coupled with purulent discharge, may indicate the presence of an ear mite;
Blood secretions. As a rule, an examination is not necessary to notice blood from the pet's ears, however, the discharge can be very small. Inoga blood occurs with otodecosis and dermatitis, when the pet begins to intensively comb the affected areas of the skin, thereby injuring it or when opening vesicles with lymph;
Bad smell. The detection of an unpleasant odor is a rather alarming symptom, since it often indicates suppuration or advanced malignant tumors that form numerous ulcers;
Tumor. The tumor, resembling a solid nodule, can be both in a single form and in a plural form - in the form of colonies. The detection of such nodules requires immediate contact with the veterinarian, since the risk of metastases that threaten the life of the animal is high;
Redness of the skin. Inflammation does not allow to designate a definite diagnosis and refers to almost all possible ear diseases. Such an effect can also be given by unsuccessful bath procedures, during which the pet's ears were wet. Stagnant fluid is fraught with inflammation and dangerous diseases;
Dark red crusts. The presence of crusts on the pet's ears is a characteristic sign of ear mites, in which cats begin to constantly scratch their ears, as if trying to shake something out. Left untreated, the mites travel through the middle ear to the lining of the brain, leading to seizures and possibly death.

Common Ear Diseases in Cats

Based on the information below, you can be more confident in identifying a specific disease, or lack of it, in your pet. However, remember that you should be careful with home diagnoses. If you can easily get rid of earwax at home, then more serious pathologies require medical intervention.

Hematoma

In the strict sense of the word, a hematoma is not a disease, being the result of external mechanical damage or bruising. As a rule, a hematoma appears on the inner surface of the animal's ear, less often on the outer. The damaged ear swells, hangs down and slightly increases in size. When probing, the swelling is much warmer than the rest of the ear. If left untreated, the hematoma may open when the cat tries to comb it and lead to cartilage necrosis.

Symptoms

The pet constantly shakes its head or holds it at a certain angle;
The pet actively combs the damaged area;
Attempts by the owner to examine the ear cause attacks of aggression in the cat.

Treatment

If you have time to see the vet before 48 hours have passed since the bruise, then he puts a bandage on your ears and applies ice. Also, the pet is prescribed special healing antibacterial ointments. In advanced cases, the hematoma is opened, and the thickened blood is removed. The cavity is washed with novocaine and antibiotics.

Lymphoextravasate

This disease is similar in symptoms and course to a hematoma, but it is completely different with it in terms of causes and methods of treatment. Lymphoextravasate involves damage to the lymphatic vessels, causing the lymph to go beyond them.

After opening the vessel on the auricle of the animal, a bubble with a transparent membrane is found. Its color varies from pale pink (the color of the skin inside the ear) to reddish (due to the mixing of lymph with blood secretions). The bubble should not be confused with inflammation: firstly, it should not be hot to the touch (maximum warm); secondly: the temperature of the animal should not rise.

Symptoms

The cat tries to reach the bubble with its paw and open it;
The cat often and intensely rubs against the owner's legs and other objects, trying to comb the ear;
The very mood of the pet changes: it becomes nervous and irritable, sometimes lethargic and lethargic.

Treatment

The liquid from the formed bubbles is pumped out without fail with a syringe; opening the bubble at home is strictly prohibited. In advanced cases, surgical operations are performed, involving an incision in the skin and careful removal of remnants of the lymph from the cavity.

Ear necrosis

Necrosis is not a specific disease, but an advanced stage of many possible pathologies. It appears both as a result of prolonged compression of the ear, and as a result of the opening of untreated hematomas, lymphoextravasates and abscesses that infect the auricle with pathogenic microflora.

The opening of inflammation leads to the gradual death of healthy tissues and the formation of a large number of ulcers that grow in size. During necrosis, the cartilage acquires a black tint due to impaired blood supply. In the later stages, the ear is deformed, and the decay process itself is accompanied by a characteristic unpleasant odor. Lack of treatment threatens with the progression of necrosis and its spread to the brain tissue, which leads to death.

Symptoms

Necrosis has no specific symptoms and depends on the disease that led to it.

Treatment

Getting rid of necrosis can only be radical: a partial or complete amputation of the ear is carried out. In the case of partial amputation, when necrosis did not have time to capture the entire ear, only the damaged area is affected.

Benign formations

These formations do not directly threaten the pet's life, however, in the absence of the owner's reaction, they tend to grow, leading to a partial or complete deaf cat. Such tumors include papillomas and fibromas. They usually occur due to a weakened immune system and are common among older individuals whose bodies are not capable of the previous degree of protection.

Symptoms

The cat shows anxiety, often and loudly meows for no reason;
The cat makes clumsy, uncoordinated movements that were not previously characteristic of him;
The cat tilts its head to the side (toward the affected ear).

Treatment

Papillomas are usually removed surgically. In some cases, pets try to inject novocaine intravenously or under the base of the wart, which leads to its reduction and even disappearance. Among other things, the pet is prescribed immunostimulants and vitamin complexes that prevent the emergence of new formations. At the time of treatment, papillomas are lubricated with antiseptic ointments.

otodecosis

Otodekoz is provoked by a certain type of mites, which are localized in the auricle and external auditory canal. It is not possible to notice the tick itself, therefore we can only suspect this pathology based on the consequences of its vital activity. Otodecosis is transmitted to a pet from infected individuals, which can be not only cats, but also dogs, ferrets, arctic foxes.

Before any measures are taken, the ear is completely cleaned, then special preparations are instilled into it (Amitrazine, Tsipam, Aurikan, etc.). Drops for withers are also used (Frontline, Stronghold). At the time of treatment, it is advisable to isolate the pet from other animals in the house, if any. To check the success of treatment, a repeated scraping from the auricle is taken from the animal.

Otitis

Otitis, as well as necrosis, is the result of a number of other untreated diseases, allergies or fungi. The cause for the occurrence of otitis media can also be immunodeficiency. Otitis occurs in both chronic and acute phases. It is localized on all types of ears according to the degree of depth (external, middle, internal). The further otitis media penetrates, the more difficult it is to cure and cope with the consequences.

The most dangerous is otitis media, which occurs without pronounced signs. Redness of the skin of the ear can be barely noticeable, and other symptoms are often absent, up to a sharp deterioration in the health of the pet. Perforation of the eardrum in such cases comes as a complete surprise to the owners. However, the most dangerous complications of otitis media are meningitis and possible hearing loss. Inflammation of brain tissues can also lead to other severe brain diseases.

Symptoms

The pet loses its appetite, does not take part in games and avoids communicating with the owner;
In the case of purulent otitis media, whitish discharge periodically flows from the pet's ears, indicating the opening of ulcers;
The cat stops turning the affected ear at sharp sounds;
Sometimes otitis media is accompanied by paralysis of neighboring muscles - in a sick pet, an eyelid, lip, or ear itself may sag;
The cat scratches the ear until it bleeds and often shakes its head.

Treatment

The fight against otitis proceeds with the help of broad-spectrum antibiotics or antifungal medications (depending on the disease provocateur). The veterinarian prescribes a special solution for washing the ears at home.

Preparing for an ear wash

Before you start cleaning your pet's ears, it is important to stock up on the appropriate "equipment", which includes:

Cotton swabs or swabs. Please note that homemade sticks in the form of matches with wrapped cotton wool are unacceptable, as they can cause injury to the pet's delicate ear;
Cleansing liquid. In the role of such a liquid, both special gels (which are purchased at zoo pharmacies) and saline solutions (purchased at ordinary pharmacies) can act. If the pollution is insignificant, and the procedure is carried out periodically, it is allowed to use ordinary water, which is desirable to boil. The use of hydrogen peroxide and various soap solutions is dangerous for cat ears;
Towel. For the reliability of the procedure, it is desirable to fix the body of the pet. In addition, after cleaning, you will need another towel or gauze in order to remove residual fluid from the animal's ears.

Types of purges

Keep in mind that there are different types of cleanings depending on the condition of the cat's ears. If you want to prophylactic cleansing, then the owner may well cope himself at home. If we're talking about therapeutic lavage to remove traces of the vital activity of a tick, for example, then you will need the help of a veterinarian and special preparations. Next, we talk specifically about preventive cleaning of the ears, which does not require in-depth knowledge or preparation for its implementation.

We clean the ears of a cat - a step-by-step instruction

Keep in mind that too frequent cleaning of the pet's ears leads to damage to the ear microflora, which is also fraught with various diseases. The frequency of cleanings depends on the breed and should be discussed with the veterinarian.

By the way! Hairless cats produce more earwax and need to be cleaned frequently.

Features of cleaning the ears of a kitten

Many veterinarians say that the kitten's ears are still too tender for massive cotton buds and swabs. However, it is still necessary to clean the miniature ears of a pet from the accumulated secret and dirt. For such a procedure, saline is usually used in a vial, which is smoothly poured into the pet's ears. First, three to five drops are instilled on the inner surface of the ear, after which another six to seven drops are instilled into the ear canal.

After instillation, the kitten's ears are massaged for a couple of minutes to better pass the liquid. It is necessary to massage the ears at the base - so the saline solution is distributed more evenly. At the end of the procedure, lower the kitten and let him shake out the sulfur and secretions that have come out of the ears thanks to the preparation. After that, wipe the kitten's ears with a towel to get rid of any residual liquid.

Video: We clean the ears of a kitten

Breeds in need of special attention

Finally, I would like to dwell on the breeds, whose genetic characteristics have awarded their representatives with a specific structure of the ears. Such cats need a special approach and more complex tactics for cleaning the ears.

Table 1. Cat breeds with genetic ear mutations

Breed	Features of care
	The famous "folded" ears of the Scots should be checked frequently for possible contamination and inflammation at least three times a week.
	A hairless cat with large, high-set ears, slightly bent forward, acting as real "dust collectors". In the auricles of Levkoy, sulfur quickly accumulates, which needs to be cleaned.
	Mutations have affected not only the limbs of the representatives of the breed, but also the ears, which require careful care that prevents suppuration and inflammation. It is advisable for munchkins to take bath procedures in hats
	The wide-set ears of the representatives of the breed are folded in the same way as those of the Scottish Fold cats, however, they do not fit so tightly to the head. There are poodles with classic ears - caring for them is no different from the usual
	Representatives of the breed became famous for their ears, curved ninety degrees and pointing outward. When cleaning the ears of curls, it is important not to damage the fragile cartilage, and therefore their ears should not be straightened or pulled out.
	The ears of the representatives of the breed really look like elven ones - expanding at the base and tapering towards the end, they smoothly bend back, forming an arc. Ear hygiene requires gentle handling of cartilage, which can deform under the onslaught of the owner.
	Dwelfs are the sum of several breeds at once, such as the Munchkin, Sphynx, and American Curl. A complex pedigree gave the representatives of the breed a unique appearance and uniquely complex care for the ears, which inherited all the mutations of the "ancestors"

I like it I don't like it

Ears are a cat's weak point, so they need to be kept clean. Every owner should know how to clean a cat's ears. Hearing hygiene is necessary for the prevention of otitis media, otodectosis, and prevention of hematomas.

If the cat is healthy, the earwax has a yellowish or slightly brown tint. It stands out quite a bit to protect against the penetration of fungi, bacteria and insects.

The process of sulfur formation is individual and depends on many factors: living conditions, nutrition, breed. Some representatives of the cat's ears often get dirty, while others require cleaning every six months.

In a healthy cat, the ear should not get dirty quickly. If after cleaning after 3-4 days a plaque forms, there is a discharge, an unpleasant smell - a reason to contact the veterinarian.

In case of detection of a dark, black coating, dirt, measures must be taken - this is the first sign of otodectosis -. In this case, the plaque may be in the form of flakes or similar to ground coffee. The presence of liquid secretions of any color in the ear canal indicates the onset of otitis media.

Cleaning frequency

In healthy cats, the ears are self-cleaning. Sulfur is released to the surface when chewed. Plus, the animal itself removes its excess with its paw while washing, shaking its head. But some cats have a lot of discharge, and the owner must help the pet.

To understand when it's time to clean your cat's ears, you need to periodically inspect. It is best to do this in good light. This makes it easier to determine the type of plaque and the condition of the auricle. Animals walking on the street are examined daily in order to promptly detect the ingress of a foreign body.

How to properly clean a cat's ears

Technique, how to clean the ears of a cat at home for the purpose of prevention:

Put the cat on your knees. If it resists, fix it with a towel, leaving only the head free. It is important to calm the cat, speak to him in a gentle voice.
Gently unfold the ear. From this, the cat will not experience discomfort, it does not hurt him.
It is difficult to remove completely on dry dirt. To treat the auricle and the passage, use a special spray that softens the wax. The lotion must be chosen neutral without the content of medicinal substances. Can be cleaned with petroleum jelly or olive oil, saline. The most budget option is warm boiled water. Often water cannot be used, because. the skin may deteriorate.
Moisten a cotton pad (preferably without stitched edges) and gently insert it into the ear with your finger.
Pass the disk without pressure along the inside of the auricle. A separate disk is used for each ear so as not to accidentally spread the infection.
If the surface is wet, wipe with a dry swab or towel.

Read also: How to teach a kitten (cat) to go to the tray

There are hard-to-reach places in the ear - folds, from where sulfur and dirt are removed with a cotton swab, also dipped in a solution.

However, veterinarians do not recommend cleaning the ear canal with a cotton swab at home. The ear canal of cats is curved. The risk is great - to push the contents deep into the canal and damage the eardrum. If you still decide to use cotton swabs, you must act carefully. All movements must be directed outward.

Cleaning for heavy soiling

If during the inspection a large accumulation of sulfur is found, washing is carried out with drops and sprays. The tool penetrates well into the ear canal and softens sulfur plugs. You can safely instill 5-10 drops and massage the base of the ear well.

It is better not to release the pet for 2-3 minutes, so that the liquid is accurately distributed through the auditory canal. Then you can let the cat shake it out along with the softened deposits. After that, it is enough to wipe the inner surface of the sink with a cotton pad dipped in the same agent.

You need to rinse until the ears are completely clean.

How to clean ears

For the care of the ears, various products are produced: cleansing wipes, impregnated cotton swabs, sprays, lotions, drops.

It is important to choose the right tool. Only hygiene preparations without medicinal additives are suitable for caring for a healthy animal.

Choices (drops, lotions):

Beafar (Beaphar Ear-Cleaner);
Cliny;
Pro Sense (Pro-Sense Ear Cleanser Liquid);
Excel (Excel Ear Cleansing Liquid);
Espree Ear Care;
Zoo-hygienic ear lotion from VEDA;
Otifri (Otifree);
Otodepine;
Top-Vet Otopherol;
Epi-otic (Epi-Otic);
Fitolar;
Dewdrop.

Tools that cannot be used

The following remedies should not be used without a doctor's prescription:

Reading 15 min. Published on 01.02.2020

Cleaning the ears of a healthy cat or cat: should it be done?

Cats are very clean, but they cannot clean their ears on their own. The release of ear wax is characteristic not only of humans, but also of animals. Dust, particles of wool, dirt often get into the ears. All this, accumulating, impairs hearing and contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora. Mother licks the ears of small kittens, and the care of an adult pet falls on the owner's shoulders.

In a healthy animal, sulfur is light brown in color, without a strong unpleasant odor. It is important to remember that excessive accumulation of secretion and dirt in the auricle becomes a good environment for the development of infection and inflammation. Cat ears should be inspected once every 2 weeks, and cleaned at least once a month.

During the examination, you can see changes that indicate problems with the health of the pet. Normally, the auricle should be pinkish, warm and slightly oily. Sulfur serves as a kind of barrier that prevents dust and dirt from entering the ear canal. Ideally, it should be released in small amounts and evenly distributed over the auricle.

What you need to clean your ears

Many cats do not like the cleansing procedure, they can break out, scratch, hiss, and even bite. It is best to teach from an early age, as cleaning a kitten's ears is easy. A kitten whose ears have been cleaned slowly, without sudden movements since childhood, has no fear of such a procedure. Some pets even like it, they close their eyes and lie still.

Adult uncooperative animals are best wrapped in a large towel or thin blanket. It is important that the cat does not have the opportunity to pull out its paws. So you not only easily carry out cleaning, but also protect yourself from deep scratches.

What you need for cleaning:

cotton pads (sponzhiki), they can be replaced with a soft cotton cloth;
cotton buds;
a special cleaning lotion or gel, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.

Since sometimes it is urgent to clean the ears of a cat at home, a special lotion can be replaced with vegetable oil or warm boiled water.

You should know that any cleanser is applied to a cotton pad. Do not put it in the ears of cats in any case.

Cat breeds with increased sulfur production

Cornish Rex kitten

In cats, the hearing organs are arranged in the same way as in humans, and consist of three main sections. The auricle itself is located in the outer one, in the middle section there is the tympanic membrane and special auditory ossicles that help the animal to pick up sound. The inner ear consists of nerve canals and the vestibular apparatus, which is necessary for orientation in space. Despite the same structure, the hearing apparatus 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 turn 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. More than others, Persians, British and lop-eared Scots are prone to the formation of earwax. They need to carry out the procedure at home weekly, but ear sticks cannot be used so as not to damage the eardrum. It is easier to do this with a special lotion and a cotton pad.

Ear cleaning rules

So that for carrying out hygiene measures you do not have to run after your pet around the house, pull it out from under the bed or remove it from the closet, you should play a little with it or caress it before the procedure. All that is needed must be prepared in advance. In order to calm the cat, it is enough to stroke it and talk in a calm, quiet voice. Prepare your favorite treat. A small piece can be given in advance.

How to properly clean your ears:

wrap your pet in a thin blanket;
gently bend the ear outward so that all the curves of the inner part become visible. It doesn't hurt cats;
soak a cotton pad or soft cloth in a cleanser, and gently wipe the entire inside of the ear;
if there is a lot of dirt, then you should take a clean disc and repeat the cleaning;
the cotton swab should also be moistened and all bends thoroughly cleaned. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated.

Can a cat's ears be cleaned? Is it done in certain cases, or should it be cleaned regularly?

Such questions often come to the mind of people who are not familiar with feline anatomy.

The ears of a cat are an almost perfect organ for perceiving sounds and adjusting balance.

The vestibular apparatus located in them allows these animals to always land on all fours.

Timely cleaning is the best way to avoid ear problems

If a cat's ears are dirty, it has a negative effect on hearing, as the sulfur accumulated in them forms plugs that prevent the normal passage of sound waves.

In addition, sulfur plugs put pressure on the eardrums and can cause deafness of the animal, vomiting and nausea.

In addition, the animal may develop dizziness and various chronic diseases of the hearing organs.

That is why it is not only possible, but necessary, to clean these important organs.

In addition, it is necessary to regularly monitor the health of the cat's ears.

Before deciding how best to clean them, you need to establish the cause of contamination.

Important! If the animal has large ears, they will "collect" much more dust and dirt from the environment with which the pet usually interacts. But even in cats with small ears, particles of dirt get into the ears, which then settle on the inner surface of the auricles.

Breeds with large ears include , , , , , .

When the amount of dirt and dust in the ears reaches a large amount, special glands are activated in the animal, which produce earwax in large quantities.

Sulfur closes dirt access to the cat's middle ear.

This reaction of the body is absolutely normal and does not require increased attention.

Savannah cats have very large ears that can collect a lot of dust.

Interesting! Sometimes there are cases when the sulfur glands produce a large amount of protective sulfur all the time. This is most often found in cats, the coat of which is either extremely small or completely absent.

This trend is observed due to the fact that the hairs, which, in fact, are the protection of the ears from dirt, are absent.

Since there is much more wax in the ears of cats of these breeds, animals need to pay more attention and regularly clean the ear canals.

Breeds with minimal coats include: , and elf.

If a cat has no hair, it produces more earwax

Sometimes cleaning does not give the effect that the owner expects - the ears get dirty very quickly, despite regular care.

This may indicate infection of the cat, or the presence of chronic otitis media.

In this case, it is necessary to show the animal to the veterinarian.

To properly check the cleanliness of the cat's ears, they need to be folded back.

Some are afraid to “turn inside out” the ears of their pets, but this does not cause any discomfort to the animal.

The inner wall of the ear must be perfectly clean.

The owner should pay attention to the following signs that may indicate a cat's illness:

Dark deposits;
Accumulations of dirt;
Black spots;
brown bumps;
Combs.

Frequent examination helps to identify problems with the ears and treat them in a timely manner.

For the convenience of checking the ears, you can buy a small flashlight that will help you look deep into the auricle.

How to clean the ears of cats at home

How often should you clean? It depends on the breed of the animal, its state of health, its age and temperament.

The activity of the sulfur glands depends on.

Therefore, breeds that have small ears need an ear check and cleaning once every two weeks.

For example, cats can have their ears cleaned once a month.

Early accustomed to ear cleaning, cats tolerate this procedure much more calmly.

Veterinarians advise to accustom a cat to ear cleaning from a young age, as this process is unpleasant.

A trained animal endures the procedure, while an untrained animal constantly twitches and tries to escape.

To minimize the risk of injury, it is best to have two people cleaning the ears of an unprepared animal, with one person cleaning and the other holding.

Before cleaning, the cat must be fixed with a towel, and the claws must be trimmed first.

For proper care of the cat, you need to prepare equipment for cleaning the ears in advance.

Usually, it consists of the following things:

Cotton buds. They will need one or two on each side if they are clean, or three or four if the animal's ears are dirty. Veterinarians prohibit the use of homemade cotton buds for cleaning, such as sticks or matches with wound cotton wool, which can easily scratch the inside of the ear. It is best to use children's cotton buds with a limiter.
Ear cleaning gel. Many breeders use improvised means for cleaning, such as vegetable oil and water. But it is much better to buy a special tool - gel for cleaning cat ears. You can also use sterile saline. In no case should you use liquids containing alcohol for cleaning, clean with hydrogen peroxide and ordinary soap, as this will lead to drying of the skin, sores, increased production of sulfur and itching.
Towel. They need to fix the cat, which can twitch or shake its head at the wrong moment. Often, sudden movements during ear cleaning lead to injury.

Ears are very sensitive organs that require careful handling.

Whether it's regular preventive or therapeutic cleaning, all actions should be performed very carefully and slowly, because the cat's ears are very sensitive.

To begin with, you need to twist the ear as much as possible, bending it to the limit. This will facilitate access to the entire surface of the organ and thus speed up the cleaning procedure.
Dip a cotton swab in the gel and wipe the animal's ear with it. Under no circumstances should the gel be squeezed directly inward.
A cotton swab should be immersed in the ear to a depth of about a centimeter. Some owners are afraid to reach the eardrum and pierce it. But this is anatomically impossible due to its location.
You need to brush outward rather than inward to clean out rather than push dirt in.

Otitis and ear mites in a cat

Otitis media is a very common disease in cats, and its symptoms are often confused with normal ear contamination.

Contrary to popular belief, this disease is very dangerous and can lead to hearing loss, meningitis and death of the animal.

In fact, this is a bacterial inflammatory process in the animal's auditory canal.

There are such types of otitis media:

Otitis externa;
Otitis media;
Otitis media.

Chronic otitis is manifested in periodic pain in the animal, which makes it nervous and aggressive during exacerbations.

Otitis media can be progressive, requiring surgery.

There are several causes of otitis:

Most often, otitis externa occurs due to the presence of otodectosis, or ear mites, in a cat.

This is a very common disease in cats.

The result of an ear mite is a characteristic “dirt” mixed with sulfur

Usually, ear mites appear in young cats.

At the same time, purulent masses accumulate in the auricles of a sick animal, it becomes covered with a dark crust.

Since the ears are covered with dark spots from mites, otodectosis can be determined visually with regular checks of the auricles.

This disease is caused by the mites Ototdectes cynotus.

The tick feeds on skin particles, which causes severe itching in the pet.

Otodectosis is transmitted only by contact of one animal with another. Therefore, pets are not at risk.

Also, ear mites are safe for humans.

The symptoms of the disease are quite obvious.

During otodectosis, the cat constantly and forcefully combs his ears, worries and shakes his head.

Sulfur is profusely secreted in the ears.

Due to itching and discomfort, the cat combs the ears themselves and the skin near them to bloody scratches.

If the disease is not treated, other bacteria develop in the ear canal, aggravating the disease.

Before treatment, the cat must be shown to the veterinarian

Otodectosis is treated quite easily, especially if the disease was detected in a timely manner.

Although this disease is simply diagnosed, it is still better to consult a veterinarian who will give comprehensive information about the disease itself, its stage and degree of damage.

For the most accurate diagnosis, you need to examine the cat's ear discharge under a microscope.

Only after that the doctor prescribes treatment.

As a treatment, the veterinarian usually prescribes anti-mite (for example,), antifungal and antibacterial drugs.

For example, cat ears are washed with various antiseptics, including chlorhexidine.

Before using these drugs at home, you should thoroughly clean out all the dirt and sulfur from the ears of the animal so that the drug can effectively act on the inner wall of the auricles.

Usually the treatment lasts no more than a month, after which the cat should be re-examined by a veterinarian.

Many are interested in how to clean the ears of a cat. After all G Dirty ears in a cat can cause hearing loss and other problems. This procedure should be performed regularly, periodically checking these areas of the body for abnormal spots and scratches.

Ears in cats are the organ of hearing and perform the function of balance. They quickly become contaminated with dead particles of the epidermis and dust. Sometimes sulfur plugs form in them or ticks start. For this reason, experts always recommend that owners monitor the condition of the auricles of their pets.

Periodically, the ears of the animal should be examined for the presence of sulfur, pollution, pathological secretions. All this is a fertile environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. As a result, otitis and other diseases develop. If necessary, be sure to clean the ears of the pet. But it is important to follow the precautionary rules so as not to cause him pain and not injure the eardrum.

Cats differ in the peculiar structure of the auricles, which makes manipulation difficult. If the pet is shy, then this further complicates the procedure.

How often to clean your ears

Healthy cats are allowed to clean their ears once every 3-5 weeks. But the frequency of the procedures also depends on the breed. For example, in Abyssinian cats and some other short-haired breeds, sulfur is produced in large quantities. Therefore, they need more frequent care. In long-haired cats, long hairs are a natural filter against pollution.

Do not clean your ears too often, because this will disrupt the healthy ear microflora. In any case, it is best to discuss this issue with your veterinarian.

What means to choose for cleaning the ears

Care must be taken in the choice of ear cleaning products. The use of the following fluids is strongly discouraged:

soap solution;
alcohol;
table vinegar;
hydrogen peroxide.

They dry out the skin, provoke increased sebum secretion and even cause a chemical burn. It is better to consult a veterinarian, and he will recommend the appropriate drug.

There is a wide variety of products on the market now. Here is some of them:

Top-Vet Otoferonol Gold. Anti-inflammatory drops with acaricidal and antimicrobial action.
Anandin Plus. Drops with bactericidal properties. Used for otodectosis.
Lotion-spray Fitolar. Hygienic product with a unique composition. It has wound healing, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Otifri. A cleansing lotion that relieves itching and inflammation. Significantly reduces the number of fungi and bacteria in the external auditory canal.
Veda Otodeptin. Drops containing pine oil. Used for hygienic purposes. Helps repair damaged tissue and eliminate infectious diseases.
Petrolatum. A good and safe agent for softening sulfur and impurities.
Chlorhexidine. Actively fights impurities without irritating delicate skin.

How to clean your cat's ears at home

First you need to prepare the necessary devices. These include:

cotton buds;
cotton pads;
specialized solutions.

Next, the pet is fixed so that it does not break out. Otherwise, it is possible to injure the ear due to careless movements. If the cat has a violent temper, then it is better to carry out a hygiene procedure with an assistant. It is allowed to wrap the animal in a towel to protect it from scratches and bites.

The next step is to bend and twist the auricle in order to examine its contents. With special care, open the ears of pets of lop-eared breeds, trying not to damage the cartilage. For a better visual inspection, you can use a bright flashlight.

If there is little pollution, then it will be enough to wipe the ear with a cotton pad previously moistened with a disinfectant. If there is a lot of secretions and dirt, then it is necessary to act according to the following algorithm:

Drip saline into the ear canal and massage the ear a little.
Let the cat shake its head so that it shakes out the rest of it.

It is important that the solution is not too cold or hot before use.

When cleaning the ears with cotton swabs, experts advise extreme caution and certain rules:

Do not make sudden circular movements.
You can not penetrate deep into the ear canal. All manipulations are carried out in the field of view.
Movement should be directed outward. Otherwise, sulfur and other contaminants can be pushed too deep.

Most cats do not like this procedure because it is not very pleasant and even a little painful. It is better to teach your pet to it from an early age. Then he will gradually get used to the manipulation, and will then endure it calmly.

Regular cleaning of the ears is an important hygienic and preventive measure. It allows you to keep the animal good hearing and prevent a number of diseases.