Just like grooming your cat, a weekly inspection of their ears is a must, and if necessary, a cleaning. Some of the most common ear problems in cats include:

• Fungal infections on ear tips
• Yeast infections
• Bacterial infections
• Ear mites
• Allergies

As with everything, there is a right way and a wrong way to inspect and clean your cat's ears. A regular routine is the key and if you inspect (and clean, if necessary) your cat's ears on a weekly basis from the time the cat is a kitten, it will become a part of its life like brushing and the cat will not fight you on ear cleaning.

A few tips to make ear inspection and cleaning easier on you and your cat:

• As mentioned above, make it a regular routine. Do it weekly from the time the cat is young.
• Positive experience – during and after the inspection and cleaning of the ear's give your cat a treat.
• Happy cat – if your cat is not in a good mood, do not fuss with their ears. Only inspect and clean the ears if your cat is in a good mood.
• Sometimes, you may need an assistant to hold the cat while you clean the ears especially if your cat is new to the "weekly routine".
• Hold the tip of the ear between your thumb and forefinger and gently roll it up so you can see the inner part of the ear. If your cat tries to escape, you can use your remaining three fingers to GENTLY grip the loose skin on the back of its neck (scruff).
• Examine the ear for redness or discharge. Light brown wax is okay, but black, red or infected-looking discharge (i.e., yellow or green pus) indicate a problem that requires veterinarian treatment.
• To clean the ear: I use a makeup pad and an ear cleaning solution (found at pet stores or on-line pet suppliers). Gently squirt some of the ear cleaning solution into the ear, rub the ear at the base for 15-20 seconds to get the solution down into the ear to start breaking down any debris. Then using the makeup pad, wipe out the debris. If necessary, you can use a Q-Tip to get within the folds, but do NOT put the Q-Tip into the ear canal. If there is a large amount of debris, you may have to use more ear cleaning solution and then wipe it out with the makeup pad.
• If you see signs of infection or the ear is sore, please have your veterinarian examine your cat. Ear mites are one of the most common causes of ear infections in young cats and easily treated with a medication that your veterinarian will prescribe.

Ear Mites