How to clean cat’s earwax
As a pet owner, regularly cleaning your cat's earwax is an important step in maintaining healthy ears. Excessive earwax or improper removal can lead to ear infections and even hearing problems. This article will introduce in detail the cleaning methods, precautions and common problems of cat earwax to help you scientifically care for your cat’s ears.
1. Common types and causes of cat earwax

Cat earwax is usually divided into normal earwax and abnormal earwax. Here's a comparison of the two:
| Type | color | texture | Possible reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| normal earwax | light yellow or light brown | Dry, small amount | Natural secretion, no need for excessive cleaning |
| Abnormal earwax | Black, dark brown or bloody | Greasy, heavy or smelly | Ear mites, bacterial infections, fungal infections |
2. Steps to clean cat earwax
Here are detailed steps for cleaning cat earwax:
| steps | Operating Instructions | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Prepare pet-specific ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, and snacks (for soothing the cat). | Never use cotton swabs to avoid damaging the ear canal. |
| 2. Soothe the cat | Pet your cat gently in a quiet environment to relax it. | Avoid holding the cat down forcefully to avoid stress. |
| 3. Drop in cleaning solution | Drop the cleaning solution into the ear canal (about 2-3 drops) and gently massage the base of the ear for 10-15 seconds. | Pay attention to the temperature of the cleaning fluid and avoid being too cold or too hot. |
| 4. Wipe earwax | Wipe the external auditory canal with a cotton ball or gauze to remove dissolved earwax. | Do not go deep inside the ear canal. |
| 5. Reward cats | After cleaning is completed, reward snacks to establish a positive association. | Persist for a long time to allow the cat to adapt to the cleaning process. |
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Here are frequently asked questions about cat earwax removal:
| question | answer |
|---|---|
| How often should I remove earwax? | Normal cats need it 1-2 times a month. Cats with ear problems need to follow the doctor's advice. |
| Can I use human cleaning fluid? | No, human products may irritate your cat’s ear canal. |
| What should I do if my cat resists cleaning? | Adapt in steps, first touch the ears and then gradually introduce the cleaning solution. |
| Still smell after earwax removal? | It may be that the infection has not healed and you need to seek medical attention promptly. |
4. Under what circumstances do you need medical treatment?
If your cat shows the following symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately:
| Symptoms | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Frequently scratching your ears or shaking your head | Ear mites, allergies or foreign bodies |
| Redness, swelling or bleeding in the ear canal | severe infection or trauma |
| Significant hearing loss | Earwax blockage or otitis media |
| Earwax with pus | bacterial or fungal infection |
5. Methods to prevent excess earwax in cats
Regular care is key to preventing excess earwax:
| method | Description |
|---|---|
| Check your ears regularly | Observe the color and amount of earwax every week to detect problems early. |
| Keep the environment dry | Humid environments tend to breed fungi. |
| Eat a balanced diet | Supplement Omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier. |
| Prevent foreign matter from entering | Prevent water from flowing into the ear canal when bathing. |
Through scientific cleaning and preventive measures, your cat’s ear health can be effectively maintained. If you encounter any uncertain situation, it is recommended to consult a professional veterinarian and do not deal with it blindly.
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