How to Clean Cat Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cats are famous for their scrupulous self-grooming habits. But sometimes they may need help keeping their ears clean. Knowing how to clean cat ears is a helpful skill if your kitty ever needs some at-home assistance. By paying close attention to this area, cleaning a cat's ears can also help you identify concerns you might've otherwise missed, such as debris buildup or infection.

The golden rule for pet care is safety first. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about cleaning your cat's ears, ask your veterinarian for help. They can share tips and provide a tutorial to help build your confidence as a cat parent.

Should I Clean My Cat's Ears?

When should you clean your cat's ears? What if you have a kitten — is there anything you should know about how to clean a kitten's ears? Generally, most cats and kittens don't require ear cleanings to keep this delicate area healthy and clean.

In some cases, your vet may recommend regular at-home cleanings to reduce infection risk, particularly in breeds prone to ear infections. Otherwise, if you notice something amiss (e.g., odor or discharge), contact your vet so they can examine your cat's ears. Depending on what they find, they may prescribe medication or recommend routine at-home care.

What Can I Use to Clean My Cat's Ears?

First, gather your supplies. Once you get started, you'll want everything within arm's reach.

Here's what to use to clean cats' ears:

• Cotton pads or balls

• Liquid ear-cleaning solution formulated specifically for cats

• Alcohol wipes (to sanitize the bottle)

• A towel or blanket to wrap around your cat if necessary

Consult your veterinarian before purchasing an ear cleaner. They can help you find a product for your cat's needs.

What Not to Use to Clean Cat's Ears

Never use cotton swabs or astringents like vinegar, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

How to Clean Cat Ears

Follow this general step-by-step guide to help ensure a smooth ear cleaning and support your cat's ear health.

1. Gently Hold Your Cat in Place

Start by washing your hands. Then, coax your cat onto your lap and gently hold them in place. If your kitty's a reluctant cuddler, carefully pick them up and place a towel loosely around them to add a sense of safety and security. If you have a human helper, they can hold your cat while you clean their ears or vice versa — wherever your cat seems most comfortable.

2. Calm Your Cat

Take a moment to ensure your cat is calm, speaking to them in a soft, soothing voice. If your cat likes physical touch, shower them with loving pets. Maintain a calm, gentle demeanor throughout the cleaning and after so your cat associates it with positive interactions. If they show signs of stress, stop and let them calm down before trying again. Never force it.

3. Examine Your Cat's Ears

Check your cat's ears for debris, inflammation, discharge or wax buildup. Take note of any foul odors or skin concerns, like bumps, wounds, scratches and lesions, which can indicate infection. If you notice any of these signs, stop and contact your vet for advice. Cleaning an infected ear can be painful for your cat and may worsen the condition.

You'll also want to stop and consult your vet if your cat's tilting their head, scratching their ears excessively or showing signs of hearing loss. In general, it's a good idea to incorporate an ear check into your cat's weekly routine to monitor ear health.

4. Clean the Ear

If your cat's ears pass the visual and sniff tests, gently pull back their ear flap, or pinna. Working alone? You can do this! Fold back the flap with one hand, using the other to hold the bottle of ear cleaner close to — not touching — your cat's ear. If the tip of the bottle touches your cat's ear, clean it with an alcohol wipe before proceeding to the next ear to reduce the spread of bacteria and yeast.

Following the dosage instructions on the package (or the amount your vet instructed, if different), dispense the drops of cleaner in one ear. Then, gently massage the base of the outer ear to ensure thorough coverage and loosen debris.

5. Let Your Cat Shake Their Head

Your kitty will shake their head during and after the process. Let them. It helps debris move out of the ear canal. Ear cleaner may splash when they shake, but that's OK!

6. Wipe the Ear

Use a cotton pad or ball to gently wipe debris from your cat's ear. Never put anything — including fingers and cotton swabs — into your kitty's ear canal. Repeat the process on the other ear.

7. Reward Your Cat

After cleaning both ears, give your cat a special treat or engage them in their favorite game to help them associate ear cleaning with a positive reward. Wrap up the cleaning session by washing your hands again.

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat's Ears?

Unless you see obvious signs of debris, you don't need to clean your cat's ears very often. Many cats don't require any additional ear cleanings at home, while others may do best with cleanings once every few months. Some cats, like Scottish Folds or sphinxes, may benefit from more frequent ear cleanings. With so much variation, your vet is your best resource for determining how often you should clean your cat's ears. Ask them for guidance! Together, you're a powerful duo working toward your cat's happiest, healthiest life.