Cleaning a cats ears is important for his health and comfort.Here is how and why.
Just like humans, cats need their ears cleaned. This article will describe the importance of cleaning a cat's ears and how to do it. You should always talk to your veterinarian and have him/her show you the proper way if this is your first time.
It is important to clean cat's ears for several reasons. A cat's ears generate the normal wax buildup. This wax buildup, if left too long, can cause problems, some of which are temporary hearing loss, discomfort and odor.
If a cat's ears are left unclean for a substantial amount of time, the wax can accumulate and cause temporary hearing loss. If this occurs, it's best to make an appointment with your veterinarian for an ear cleaning. Neglecting a cat's ears can also result in the cat experiencing discomfort. Some signs your cat's ears are bothering him/her.
1. Shaking the head
2. Scratching the ears
3. Pawing at the ears
These discomforts are easily taken care of by cleaning the ears. Waxy buildup also produces an odor if left for to long, which is also taken care of by cleaning.
Another reason you should clean your cat's ears is to check for ear mites. An ear mite is a tiny, microscopic parasite that lives within a cat's ear. Although not as damaging as most parasites, they are a nuisance, very contagious, can be detrimental to a cats health if left untreated for a long time, and easy to treat and get rid of. While cleaning a cats ears, if you notice a substance that looks like coffee grounds you might want to make an appointment with your veterinarian for an ear cleaning.
The most difficult part of cleaning your cat's ears is keeping him still. The best way to clean cat's ears is to take a gauze pad, wet it with warm water, wrap the gauze pad around the tip of your finger, and swipe the cat's ears until it comes clean. If you don't have any gauze pads available to you, you can use Q-tips. A cat's ear canal makes a 90-degree turn. Insert the Q-tip into the cat's ear and gently swab the ears until clean.
If this is your first time, remember to always speak to your veterinarian and ask him/her to show you the proper way to clean your cat's ears.
