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At the moment my cats have remarkably clean ears. This was not always the case, however. Over the years they’ve managed to get every ear problem imaginable, from infected cuts and yeast infections to dermatitis and gunk. As a result, we have a cabinet full of cat ear cleaners, plus some ear wipes.
Why and When to Clean Your Cat’s Ears
The insides of a cat’s ears can be a breeding ground for infections. While some lucky cats have clean ears that need no attention, others seem to be prone to collecting dirt and wax. That’s especially true if your cat has a history of ear irritations or infections. If that’s the case, you may have to clean your cat’s ears regularly. This article from PetMD details why, as well as how to approach cleaning. Fortunately, cleaning your cat’s ears is not difficult, especially if they are already accustomed to being groomed.
Note that If your cat’s ears are inflamed, bleeding, or have a bad smell or discharge, you’ll want to visit the vet promptly to find out what’s wrong. Depending on the cause and the extent of your cat’s ear condition, your vet will probably recommend one or more of these four types of treatment:
- Ear mite medication. Getting rid of mites requires prescription-strength ointments with powerful ingredients. You’ll need additional prescription products to eliminate mite eggs so they won’t hatch and reinfect the cat (see more in the section below on mites).
- Anti-fungal cleaner. Anti-fungal products are used to treat yeast infections, which are common in moist areas such as the interior of the ear.
- Anti-bacterial cleaner. These address bacteria—but not fungal infections—which is why it is important to have a veterinarian diagnose the condition before beginning treatment.
- Anti-microbial cleaner. Many general-purpose cat ear cleaners are anti-microbial. While they don’t eliminate bacteria and fungi, they do increase the acidity of the ear as well as breaking up gunk and dirt. After applying the cleaner, swab the ear clean using a cotton ball or soft cloth. Anti-microbial treatment can discourage infection and is often used after a cat has been treated for an infection to prevent a recurrence.
You’ll find a few cat ear cleaners that combine both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications.
A Note About Ear Mites
Ear mites are a serious health problem for cats. They can cause permanent damage to a cat’s hearing and balance, so it’s important to get them diagnosed by a vet. The Cornell Feline Health Center goes into detail about mites, the uncomfortable symptoms, and the treatments. If your cat has ear mites, your vet will prescribe a specific medication to combat them, such as Milbemite Otic Solution for Cats. You’ll also need prescription medicines to kill any lurking mite eggs, which can hatch weeks later and cause a new infestation or spread to other cats—sadly, mites are highly contagious.
The Best Cat Ear Cleaners
Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial cat ear cleaners do not require a prescription, and many of them are available as wipes as well as liquids.
You’ll find that most of the cat ear cleaners on the market are labeled as useful for cats and dogs. If your cat is bothered by strong scents, you’ll want to avoid some of the more fragrant products for dogs. Also avoid cleaners that contain essential oils, some of which can be harmful to cats, especially if ingested. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has a list of essential oils to watch for—including lavender, citrus, and tea tree oil.
For best results, check with your vet for advice about which type of ear cleaner to use for your cat’s specific ear issues. Here’s our list of the 10 best cat ear cleaners to clean and soothe your kitty’s ears.
Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone
Zymox ear treatment gets top ratings from pet parents, possibly because it can treat both bacterial infections (including types of staph) and fungal infections (including yeast). It’s available in versions that contain different percentages of hydrocortisone, which relieves itching and inflammation. You can also find a version without hydrocortisone.
Shop on ChewyDechra TrizChlor Flush for Dogs and Cats
This anti-bacterial liquid is designed to treat skin and ear conditions. It’s a good choice if your veterinarian has diagnosed a staph or other infection that responds to chlorhexidene. The water-based formula is soothing and won’t irritate sores or abrasions; it’s also available in wipes.
Shop on ChewyDechra TrizUltra and Keto Flush
This is a multipurpose anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal flush. It can also be used as a pre-treatment that can be applied 15–30 minutes before a topical antibiotic treatment. The active ingredient in this fragrance-free solution is ketoconazole, an anti-fungal.
Dr. Gold’s Ear Therapy for Cats and Dogs
Dr. Gold’s Ear Therapy is a popular formula that cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes the ear canal. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties effectively treat both fungal and yeast infections. This ear cleaner is also alcohol-free, so you can minimize irritation to your cat’s delicate ears.
Shop on ChewyFrisco Cat Ear Flush
Here’s another anti-bacterial, anti-fungal solution. This cat ear cleaner contains the anti-fungal ingredient ketoconazole, plus it has a light apple scent.
Shop on ChewyVirbac Epi-Otic Advanced Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner
This non-irritating ear cleanser, with a mild citrus aroma, makes it easy to remove debris and wax from your cat’s ears—and keep it out. It includes an anti-adhesive ingredient to prevent microbial attachment and discourage infections.
Shop on ChewyOtiRinse Ear Cleansing/Drying Solution
OtiRinse is an acidifying cleansing solution that’s designed to break up and dislodge debris in your cat’s ears. It includes aloe vera to soothe the ears as well as a light floral scent.
Shop on ChewyVetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution
With soothing aloe vera, this cleanser helps maintain healthy cat ears and prevent infections. It’s a good choice for weekly ear maintenance if your cat is prone to ear issues.
Shop on ChewyPetkin Jumbo Dog and Cat Ear Wipes
This gentle formula uses witch hazel and aloe vera gel to soothe and clean your cat’s ears. The snap-lid bottle and easy-to-use wipes are convenient for travel.
Shop on ChewyPet MD Anti-Microbial Dog and Cat Ear Wipes
These alcohol-free wipes are pre-soaked in a solution designed to prevent infections that can be caused by yeast, bacteria, and dirt build-up. If your cat (like mine) reacts to ear drops by shaking her head and getting most of the drops on you, these wipes are an easier and neater ear-cleaning solution!
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- How to Groom a Cat: Step by Step Advice
- How (and Why) to Massage a Cat
- How (and Why) to Bathe a Cat
- These 8 Cat Brushes and Grooming Tools Will Keep Your Cat Purring
- 8 Best Flea Treatments for Cats
Featured image by Alvan Nee/Unsplash
