Why and how often
A healthy cat looks after its own ears, so a weekly look is enough. A healthy ear is pale pink, clean, without dark debris and without a smell. Clean only when there is dirt in the part of the ear you can see.
Never put cotton buds or fingers into the ear canal: this pushes dirt deeper, and the eardrum is easily hurt. Dark debris that looks like coffee grounds often means ear mites, which a vet needs to confirm.
What you need
- Cotton pads or a soft, clean cloth
- Good light
- A soft brush for the hair around the ears Grooming
- Treats as a reward Treats
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Step by step
- Look inside the ear When your cat is calm, gently fold the ear back and look inside in good light. Compare both ears.
- Smell it A healthy ear barely smells. An unpleasant smell means the ear needs a vet.
- Wipe the visible part With a damp cotton pad, gently wipe only the part of the ear you can see, working from the inside out.
- Dry the ear If the ear got damp, dry it with a dry pad.
- Praise your cat After each ear, give a treat so that ear checks stay pleasant and your cat does not hide next time.
When to stop and see a vet
Do not clean, and see a vet, if there is dark debris or discharge in the ear, the ear is red or swollen, it smells bad, your cat shakes its head, scratches the ear until it is sore, holds its head tilted or will not let you touch the ear.