Cats are largely self-sufficient, and they need little intervention from humans in their daily care. Now and then, though, they need you to be a little more than their personal chef and litter box cleaner. Although their grooming skills are extraordinary, they will sometimes need help getting their ears truly clean. If you’ve ever wondered “how to clean my cat’s ears,” we have tips for you.

When Do I Need to Help?

On the whole, cats can can clean their ears on their own. Cats are wired to minimize any signs of weakness. Because of this, your cat will never let you know that he or she needs assistance, but there are some signs to watch out for. If you notice the following, it might be time to clean your cat’s ears:

  • Visible dirt. If constant grooming is not helping remove this dirt, your cat could use a helping hand.
  • Repeated scratching of the ears. Sometimes cats will scratch their ears repeatedly if there is an irritant they can’t reach. 
  • Head shaking. If your cat’s ears are bothering them, they might constantly shake their head to try to clear them. 

What Makes My Cat’s Ears Dirty?

Cats are susceptible to a lot of irritants that can clog up their ears, and could potentially even negatively affect their health. Built up earwax can get stuck in the ear canal and make your cat uncomfortable. Ear mites, which are tiny parasites, might set up shop in your cat to feed off their skin cells and blood. Your cat can even suffer from an ear infection. Try to take a look inside your cat’s ears at least once every few weeks. If you see something that needs your assistance, help your cat or schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. 

How to Clean My Cat’s Ears

Now that you know the when and the why, it is time to learn the how. Cleaning your cat’s ears is a simple process that makes a big difference to their overall health. Here’s how to clean your cat’s ears effectively:

  • Start with a couple of clean cotton balls. 
  • Invest in a vet-approved cat ear cleaning solution.
  • Put a few small drops onto the cotton ball. Be sure not to completely saturate it.
  • Flip back your cat’s ear and try to hold the head steady (you might need two people for this part if your cat is wiggly).
  • Gently rotate the cotton ball against the ear to remove the wax without putting the solution too far into the canal. 

If your cat refuses to let you clean their ears, you might want to schedule a professional grooming appointment. Routinely cleaning your cat’s ears can help prevent more serious health issues. 

At Union Lake Pet Services, we are committed to helping pet owners provide top-notch care for their pets. From grooming to boarding, we provide the resources you need to keep your pet happy, healthy, (and clean). To learn more about our services or to sign your pet up, please call (248) 363-6262.