Cleaning your cat's ears at home

You may have never considered cleaning your cat’s ears, or perhaps you already do so regularly, or have been advised to start by your veterinarian. Ear cleaning can be an important part of managing various ear conditions.

It can be difficult to know how and when to clean the ears, what products to use, and where to begin. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

Cat ear anatomy

What we call ‘the ear’ is actually a whole host of delicate structures working together, with only some of these parts able to be seen from the outside. So, what actually makes up the ear as a whole?

Why is it important to know about the ear?

Understanding the complicated anatomy of the ear helps us to understand why ear infections are rarely simple, and why cats show certain symptoms of ear disease. If your cat shows a lack of balance, incoordination, or if their head is tilted to the side, this can indicate that the middle and inner ear are affected.

Knowing the anatomy also explains how looking at the outside of the ear isn’t sufficient to know what is going on inside. We can also learn what parts of the ear can be cleaned. Waxy discharge can build up in the ear canal and onto the pinna. This can be carefully cleaned, if indicated, to keep the ear canal open and clean. Bacteria thrives in moist, dirty, dark and low oxygen conditions, so keeping the ear canal clear can reduce the likelihood of infection. The ear drum separates the canal from the middle and inner ears, which never require cleaning, and so cleaning should not be attempted if there is any suspicion that the eardrum is ruptured. While cleaning cats’ ears, you should never insert cotton wool buds into the ear canal, as it can push earwax and other debris further down the ear, which can lead to damage to the eardrum.

As a rule, it’s a really good idea to get your cat used to having their ears handled and examined regularly at home. You’ll learn to know what’s normal, and can pick up problems more quickly.

Many cats do not require routine ear cleaning. Most cats’ ears produce normal amounts of wax and self-regulate to maintain good hygiene. However, some cats will need ear cleaning, as they are prone to waxy or yellowish discharge in the ears. Other common causes of ear discharge include:

In any case, if you notice waxy discharge in your cat’s ear, we prompt you to seek medical attention as it requires more than only ear cleaning. 

If you notice your cat seems off balance or wobbly, has their head tilted to one side or seems to be walking in circles, don’t clean their ears but seek veterinary attention. Your cat may have a problem with their middle ear. 

Depending on the temperament of your cat, you might be viewing the task of ear cleaning with some apprehension. Getting your cat used to having their ears handled can be hugely beneficial if you are going to be cleaning them. Frequent gentle handling, using treats to cement this as a positive experience in your cat’s opinion, can be really helpful to accustom your cat to these kinds of procedures. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning cat ears: 

6. Now let them shake their head. 

7. Use the cotton wool to gently wipe away any wax, debris and cleaner from the inside of the ear flap and the top of the canal. Never insert anything down into the canal (including cotton buds), this just pushes debris down further into the canal towards the delicate eardrum. 

8. Give your cat some fuss and another treat. Ear cleaning is not a pleasant experience, but with time and patience (and some tasty treats!) it can become very well tolerated.

Various recipes for homemade ear cleaning products can be found online, but these should be avoided: they can be very irritating at worst, and ineffective at best. A veterinary recommended product is best: effective at removing wax and debris but not abrasive or inflammatory to the delicate ear structures.

Make sure you choose a veterinary recommended cleaning solution to clean your cat’s ears. A good cleaning agent should be gentle to not irritate the skin, but also effective in removing excess earwax and debris. It’s ideal to look for a solution that has a moisturising action to help maintain the ear canal’s natural skin barrier as well. A product such as DOUXO® SPA Ear cleaner based on micellar technology is perfect for regular care.