Answer: Though not often needed, there are three main reasons for cleaning a cat’s ears: to remove an accumulation of natural wax, [particularly if the cat is not to be shown (this is especially common in Rex cats); so remove dust or water from the ear; and as part of the treatment for an ear condition, usually ear mite infection.
It is good idea to check the inside of a cat’s ears during grooming, or if the cat is regularly seen to shaking, rubbing or scratching its ears. Cat’s ears are seldom acutely inflamed but if they are the canal below the ear flap appears reddened, is painful when handled and may be full of moisture (exudates or pus). There may even be a foreign body in the ear canal. In these cases it is best that you seek veterinary advice before attempting any cleaning.
Ear miters are the most common cause of irritation and information of the ear in cats, especially the young, and, as described later, they cause the formation of dark wax and grayish crusts in the ear canal. This condition is requires treatment with ear drop which contain a drug to kill the mites. There are best obtained from your veterinary surgeon. But before each application, it is important to clean as much debris as possible from the ear canal t allow the drops to penetrate. Never put any form of powder into the ear; it tined to set like concrete and completely blocks the canal.
First, stand small bottle of olive oil or liquid paraffin in a bowl of hot water until it is lukewarm. Do not heat it in a saucepan; it can get for too hot and scald the ear. Have some cotton wool handy and some cotton buds. Then place the cat on a working surface and if possible have someone else to help your restrain it. Grasping its scruff with your left hand (if right-handed), turn its hand so that the ear is uppermost. Fill up the ear canal almost to the top with warm oil, and then gently massage the base of the ear with your four-finger and thumb to loosen the debris. Wipe away excess oil with a swab of cotton wool wrapped around your finger. Repeat as necessary. Darning the application or removal of the oil it is usual for the cat to shake its hand violently, so perform this cleaning somewhere where oil splashes can be tolerated. Then clean out all the remaining oil and debris by carefully using one or more of the cotton buds. Clean around all the folds of the ear but don’t push too hard. Finally, you should apply the ear drops (usually from a squeezy plastic dropper bottle) and wipe any spilled oil from the cat’s hair. If necessary repeat this procedure for the other ear.
