Ears are arguably one of the cutest features on our cats, as proven by the many cat-ear hats, hoods and costumes there are out there. Since cats use their ears so much to communicate, it can be endearing to see all of the different ways they move around. Just like us, though, their ears need some special care to keep infections and other ailments away. There’s nothing too complicated about caring for your cat’s ears, but it’s good to know some key tips on keeping them clean and healthy.
#1 – Clean
Cleaning your cat’s ears is the most important part of keeping them healthy. There are many different ways to clean your kitty’s ears and there are several different products you can use. What’s best for your cat should be determined with your veterinarian, as they’re going to know what’s safest and most effective. It’s recommended that your clean your cat’s ears about once a week, unless there is an infection or other ailment that requires treatment. For healthy ears, however, once a week should be enough to remove all of the dirt, wax, and allergens that make their way in.
#2 – Examine
A good ear exam at home can help catch an infection early on, making treatment faster and more comfortable for your feline friend. Ear infections can become very, very painful, and making sure you start treatment as soon as possible is important. Before you clean your cat’s ears once a week, check to see how much dirt and debris are inside and take note – if you notice more and more each week, it could be a sign of infection building up. Also pay attention to any scabs, redness, or other irritation. Mites, fleas, and ticks are also harder to spot, but gently working through the hair during your exam will help you see them. Make sure your veterinarian examines your cat’s ears during his or her yearly check-up, too.
#3 – Diet Control
While cleaning removes environmental allergens, cats that have food allergies are susceptible to ear infections as well. For example, if your cat is allergic to beef, consuming a lot of beef in their diet can cause very bad ear infections. In order to keep your kitty’s ears healthy, you’ll have to make sure that diet isn’t playing a role in chronic ear infections. You are what you eat, they say, and your cat’s ear health is just as much effected by diet as the rest of their bodies.