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How to Clean Your Cat's Ears Safely (and When Not To)

Good to know: general information, not veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.
Close-up of a white and ginger cat having its ear gently checked

Short answer: healthy cat ears usually do not need cleaning. PDSA says cleaning is not necessary unless your vet asks you to, but you should check the ears regularly. If you see wax, dirt, redness, heat or swelling, or your cat scratches its ears a lot, see a vet before cleaning, because infections and ear mites need medication. Never use cotton buds.

Do cats need their ears cleaned?

Not routinely. PDSA advises checking your cat's ears regularly as part of normal handling, and cleaning them only when a vet tells you to. That fits with the rest of a gentle care routine: see our guides to trimming claws, dental care and brushing and hairballs.

Signs of a problem

  • wax, dirt or discharge (PDSA);
  • redness, heat or swelling (PDSA);
  • intense itching, head shaking and ear scratching;
  • a build-up of earwax and signs of infection, which PDSA lists among the effects of ear mites.

Cleaning dirty-looking ears without checking first is not advised: PDSA says they may need medication instead.

Ear mites

PDSA describes ear mites as tiny skin parasites that cause intense itching, a build-up of earwax and ear infections. They usually affect both ears and are most common in kittens, though cats of any age can get them. Cats most often catch them from other cats. A vet will examine the ears and prescribe a tablet or spot-on medicine that kills the mites, sometimes more than one dose, and may add ear cleaner and drops. Other cats and dogs in the household need treating too.

  • Finish the whole course of drops even if the ears look better.
  • Wash bedding and grooming tools on a hot wash.
  • Household flea spray can be used on the environment but must never be put on animals, because it often contains permethrin, which is toxic to cats (PDSA).
  • Over-the-counter home remedies are generally less effective than products licensed by vets.
  • Regular flea treatment is the best prevention, because many flea and parasite products also kill ear mites. Our fleas guide explains what to check at home.

How to clean your cat's ears when a vet says to

PDSA lists these supplies: a non-slip surface such as a bath mat or towel, a cat-safe ear cleaner, cotton wool, gloves and treats. Then:

  1. Check with your vet first. Infections, mites or eardrum problems may need medication before cleaning.
  2. Get set up. Put on gloves and have everything within reach.
  3. Hold your cat gently on the non-slip surface. If you are alone, sit behind your cat with it between your legs.
  4. Apply the cleaner. Place the nozzle at the entrance of the ear and squeeze in some solution.
  5. Massage the base of the ear to loosen wax and dirt.
  6. Let your cat shake its head. Stand back, as liquid may fly out.
  7. Wipe the outer ear only, with cotton wool.
  8. Reward your cat with a treat.

If your vet has prescribed drops, PDSA says to clean first and apply the drops about 15 minutes later.

What not to do

  • Never use cotton buds. PDSA warns they can push dirt deeper and damage the eardrum.
  • Do not use a dog ear cleaner. Cat ears are more sensitive, so use a product made for cats.
  • Do not clean ears that look dirty without vet advice.
  • Be careful with oils. PDSA says olive oil is safe but messy, and should be warmed to body temperature if used.
  • Do not force a stressed cat. Stop, give a treat and try again later. If your cat will not let you, ask your vet or a vet nurse for help.

Make it a calm routine

Quick checklist

  • Check ears regularly; clean only if your vet says so.
  • Wax, dirt, redness, heat, swelling or scratching means vet first.
  • Use a cat-safe cleaner and cotton wool, never cotton buds.
  • Treat ear mites with vet-prescribed medicine and treat all pets in the home.

Keep reading

Sources

Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.