Four Top Tips For Looking After Your Cat's Ears
A cat’s ears are one of his or her biggest assets. Their hearing is extremely sharp and is far superior to that of humans and canines. However, their ears and hearing can suffer if they are not cared for properly by their owner. Here are some top tips for looking after your cat’s ears to ensure they remain sharp and alert.
1. Clean your cat’s ears carefully
Cleaning your cat’s ears should be carried out with great care. You only want to clean the top area, not the canal. Use a soft material, like cotton wool, and a little cat ear cleaning solution to lift any dirt away. Never get water, or any other liquid, inside the ear canal as this can cause infections. If you have never cleaned your cat’s ears before, it is wise to ask your vet to show you how to do it correctly and safely.
2. Check your cat’s ears on a regular basis
You should inspect your feline’s ears once a week so you can detect any potential problems early on. We are not going to lie; most cats will not enjoy this process. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for a little struggle. If you are finding it difficult, try inspecting while sitting behind your cat, as this approach will be a lot less intimidating. You could also reward them after the inspection with their favorite treat. Eventually, they will realize that an ear inspection ends in a reward and, therefore, they will be more willing to sit patiently through this process.
What do you look for during the inspection? The external part of the ear should have a smooth, thin layer of fur on it, and the inside of this part should be light pink and clean. If you notice anything unusual like missing fur, redness or swelling this could be an indication that there is a problem, and you should consult your vet. The inside of the ear should be clean, with little or no wax. Significant buildup of wax, odor, redness or swelling should be investigated further.
3. Watch out for changes in your cat’s behavior
As well as, or instead of, physical symptoms, there are also some behavioral changes that might suggest there is a problem. This can include excessive scratching of the ears, shaking of the head and being very sensitive about their ears if you try to touch them.
4. Get advice from your vet if you suspect a problem
If you notice anything unusual, you should get this checked out. Most causes of ear problems can be treated effectively with medication, so don’t panic. Get a diagnosis from your vet. If it is a fungal or bacterial infection, you may be given a prescription for Surolan which you can easily process and buy online. Ear mites are another common cause of ear related illnesses in felines. These can also be treated effectively with medication prescribed by your vet.
Keeping your cat’s ears clean and healthy is vital for their overall health and well-being. A cat relies heavily on its sharp hearing. So while it might not seem like it at the time, they will be thankful that you are helping them to take care of their ears.
