Quick answer: Check your cat’s ears once a week. If you see a little dirt or wax, put a vet-recommended ear cleaner on a cotton ball, fold the ear back and gently wipe only the part you can see. Never push anything into the ear canal. Redness, odor, dark debris, discharge or head shaking need a vet visit before any cleaning.
Cats are famously good at keeping themselves clean, but their ears are one place where a little help from you can make a real difference. Learning how to clean a cat’s ears safely is mostly about knowing when to leave them alone. Most healthy cats need nothing more than a quick weekly check and an occasional wipe of the visible part of the ear. This guide explains what healthy ears look like, how to clean them step by step without causing harm, and the warning signs of ear mites and infections that need a vet.
Do cats need their ears cleaned?
Many cats never need their ears cleaned at all. The ASPCA recommends checking your cat’s ears about once a week for wax, debris and signs of infection, and cleaning only the visible part of the ear when you see dirt or a little wax. Cleaning more than needed, or pushing deep into the ear, can do more harm than good.
Some cats may need more regular help, such as cats that produce more wax or cats your vet is treating for an ear problem. In those cases, follow your veterinarian’s instructions on how often to clean and which product to use.
What healthy cat ears look like
A quick look once a week is enough. The ASPCA describes healthy ears like this:
- Outer ear flap (pinna): a layer of hair on the outside with no bald spots, and a clean, light pink inner surface.
- Inside the ear: pale pink, with no debris or odor and very little or no earwax.
Do your check in a quiet room with no other pets around. Gently fold back each ear and look down toward the canal. If you see discharge, redness or swelling, or the ears are caked with wax or smell bad, the ASPCA advises having them checked by a veterinarian rather than cleaning them yourself.
| What you see | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pale pink, clean, no smell | Healthy ear | Nothing; keep up weekly checks |
| A little light wax or dust on the ear flap | Normal | Gently wipe the visible area |
| Dark, dry, coffee-ground debris | Possible ear mites | See your vet for diagnosis |
| Black, brown or yellow discharge with odor | Possible infection | See your vet before cleaning |
| Redness, swelling or pain when touched | Inflammation or infection | See your vet |
| Swollen, puffy ear flap | Possible ear hematoma | See your vet promptly |
What you need
- A liquid ear cleaner made for cats. The ASPCA recommends asking your vet which one to use.
- Cotton balls or pieces of gauze.
- Treats to reward your cat.
- A towel, if your cat is wriggly, and a helper if possible.
- A familiar, comfortable spot. Many cats relax best on their favorite bed or perch; browse our cat beds, pads and furniture for ideas.
Avoid cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper or injure the ear. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, oils or home remedies unless your vet has told you to.
How to clean your cat’s ears, step by step
- Pick a calm moment. A relaxed, sleepy cat is easier to handle than one ready to play. Settle them on your lap or a soft surface such as the Teddy Fleece Cat Pad.
- Look first. If you see any of the warning signs in the table above, stop and call your vet. Cleaning an infected ear or an ear with a damaged eardrum can make things worse.
- Moisten a cotton ball or gauze. Put a little vet-recommended cleaner on it. Do not pour cleaner into the ear unless your vet has shown you how.
- Fold the ear back gently. The ASPCA suggests folding the ear back and wiping away any debris or earwax you can see on the underside of the ear.
- Lift, do not rub. Lift dirt and wax away instead of rubbing it into the ear.
- Stay out of the canal. The ASPCA warns not to clean the ear canal itself, because probing inside your cat’s ear can cause trauma or infection.
- Reward and repeat on the other side. Give a treat and plenty of praise. Short, positive sessions make the next one easier.
Ear checks fit nicely into a regular grooming routine. Our guides on how often to trim your cat’s nails and how to brush your cat’s teeth cover the rest of the routine.
Signs your cat has an ear problem
The ASPCA lists these signs that your cat’s ears should be checked by a vet:
- Persistent scratching or pawing at the ears
- Sensitivity when the ears are touched
- Head tilting or shaking
- Loss of balance or disorientation
- Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
- An unpleasant smell
- Black or yellowish discharge, or dark brown wax buildup
- Hearing loss or bleeding
Ear mites
Ear mites are common, highly contagious parasites. The ASPCA notes that they usually cause intense itching and redness, with dark material that looks like coffee grounds in the ear canal. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ear mites are the most common cause of outer ear infections in cats, and they are more common in kittens and outdoor cats, although adult cats can catch them from infected kittens. Mites can also leave the ear open to a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. If one pet has ear mites, ask your vet whether the others in the home should be treated too.
Ear infections
VCA explains that cats are normally fairly resistant to ear infections, so when one happens, especially if it keeps coming back, your vet will look for an underlying cause. That can include mites, allergies, a foreign body, a polyp or a tumor. Your vet will usually examine the ear canal with an otoscope to see whether the eardrum is intact and whether anything is inside the canal.
Why you should not use drops without a diagnosis
It is tempting to reach for an over-the-counter ear product, but VCA advises against treating without a diagnosis. Your vet first needs to check that the eardrum is intact, because if it is ruptured, certain medications can cause hearing loss. Different bacteria and fungi need different treatments, and problems such as polyps will not clear up with drops alone.
What happens if an ear infection is not treated?
VCA notes that nearly all diagnosed and treated ear infections in cats can be cured. Left untreated, though, an infection can lead to an aural hematoma, a painful swelling of the ear flap that usually needs surgery, and deep infections can damage or rupture the eardrum, leading to an inner ear infection and even permanent hearing loss. Prompt care keeps your cat comfortable and avoids these problems.
If your cat hates having their ears touched
- Start by simply touching and stroking the ears for a few seconds, then reward with a treat.
- Build up slowly over several days before using a cotton ball.
- Wrap your cat gently in a towel if they wriggle, and ask a helper to hold and comfort them.
- Stop before your cat becomes upset. If they still will not tolerate it, ask your vet team to help.
Some cats find handling stressful. Our article on signs of stress in cats can help you read their body language.
Make grooming time cozy
A calm cat is easier to groom. Our soft, washable Teddy Fleece Cat Pad makes a comfy spot for ear checks, brushing and nail trims.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my cat’s ears?
The ASPCA suggests checking your cat’s ears about once a week. Most cats only need a gentle wipe when you see dirt or wax. Follow your vet’s advice if your cat has an ear condition.
Can I use cotton swabs to clean my cat’s ears?
It is best to avoid them. Cotton swabs can push debris deeper or injure the ear. Use a cotton ball or gauze and clean only the visible part of the ear.
What does ear mite debris look like?
Ear mites often cause dark, dry debris that looks like coffee grounds, along with itching and redness. See your vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Can I use water or hydrogen peroxide to clean cat ears?
Use a liquid ear cleaner made for cats and recommended by your vet. Avoid homemade solutions unless your vet tells you otherwise.
Why does my cat keep shaking their head and scratching their ears?
Head shaking and scratching can be signs of ear mites, an ear infection, allergies or something stuck in the ear. Your vet needs to examine the ear before treatment.
Can ear infections in cats go away on their own?
They should not be left untreated. Untreated ear infections can lead to a painful ear flap swelling called an aural hematoma and can damage the eardrum.
Keep reading
- How often should you trim your cat’s nails?
- How to brush your cat’s teeth
- Cat dandruff in winter: causes and fixes
- Cat hairballs: how to prevent them
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian.
