Cat ears need periodical cleaning as part of the weekly grooming process, to prevent different ear infections and the occurrence of parasites. The ear cleaning may also be required prior to administering ear drops or medication when your pet is affected by infections or ear mites. Cleaning the cat ears using olive oil is the easiest method, as olive oil is available for anyone.
Supplies Required
When cleaning your cat’s ears with olive oil, you will need a few additional supplies. A plastic ear dropper or a syringe is essential for the ear cleaning. You should also get cotton balls, a towel and a bowl of warm water.
The olive oil can be purchased in the stores or at natural supplies stores.
How to Clean Cat Ears
The olive oil should be warmed up to the cat’s body temperature; the easiest way to warm up the olive oil is to get a bowl of warm water and place the olive oil container inside the warm water bowl. Fill the ear dropper or the syringe with a bit of olive oil.
Place your cat on a table and if your cat is more agitated, get someone to help you and hold his back and front legs.
If your cat is smaller, you may pack him in a warm, comfortable towel, as he is more likely to stay put.
Wait until your cat stays still and get the ear dropper or the syringe. Hold the ear dropper near the ear; you don’t need to introduce it into the ear canal. Administer 1 or 2 drops in the round opening of the ear canal. Massage the ear area with circular moves to make sure that the liquid enters the ear canal. Repeat this move 5 times for each ear.
After the procedure is done, allow the cat to shake his head. The dirt and debris will mix with the olive oil and should dislodge; the olive oil is an efficient cleaner. Allow your cat 5 minutes of head shaking and then clean the outer part of the ear using some cotton balls or a clean towel.
Reward your cat with gentle words or a treat, so that he will associate the ear cleaning with a pleasant event.
Duration of Ear Cleaning
Cleaning the ears of your pet may take up to 10 minutes. Allocate 15 to 20 minutes to make sure you have time to prepare the cleaning supplies and have a few extra minutes in case your pet is not cooperative.
When to Clean the Cat’s Ears
Ideally, you should clean the cat’s ears as part of the grooming process, after brushing and massaging the cat, as these will relax him and make him more cooperative.
You may also schedule the grooming in the evening, after a play session, to make sure your cat doesn’t have too much extra energy and he is more likely to be cooperative.