Cats keep themselves clean, including their ears! For this reason, ear cleaning with a cat ear cleaner or ear wash for cats isn’t a usual part of regular cat care routines. In some cases, however, cats may need help with cleaning their ears. This is especially true if there is a buildup of earwax, an ear infection, or ear irritation or itchiness.
In this vet-approved guide, we talk about the best cat ear cleaners and tips for safe usage. Our vets will also provide answers to the most commonly asked questions on using a cat ear cleaner or an ear flush.
How Often Should I Clean My Cat’s Ears? [Avoiding Overcleaning]
Overcleaning your feline friend’s ears can cause irritation and is one of the reasons why ear cleaning is not part of a regular care routine for cats. However, your cat may need help with ear cleaning in the certain cases.
If you observe any of the following, we highly recommend consulting a trusted vet to get personalized recommendations on the frequency of at-home ear cleaning.
1. A Buildup of Earwax in Cats
Keep an eye out for light brown earwax on the outer areas of your cat's ear as this is a sign they probably need help with their ear cleaning. Cat allergies can also manifest as excessive earwax production. In addition, certain breeds of cats are more susceptible to wax build-up, such as Sphynx cats and brachycephalic breeds like Persian and Himalayan cats.
2. Ear Irritation or Itchiness
A variety of things can cause your cat’s ear to be irritated or itchy, such as excess ear wax, ear infections, or even a foreign body getting lodged in the ear canal. When a cat’s ear is itchy or irritated, you may notice excessive scratching, head shaking, head tilting, or redness due to scratching.
3. Ear Infection in Cats
While ear infections are less common in cats than in dogs, cats can still develop ear infections — especially if they have earwax buildup, a compromised immune system, allergies, or diabetes. Ear infections in cats can also be caused by ear mites, bacteria, or yeast. Some of the most common signs of ear infection in cats include itchy ears, discharge from the ears, dark debris, and visible inflammation.
What Can I Clean My Cat’s Ears With?
Non-medicated cat ear cleaners are recommended for flushing out excess earwax. A high-quality, vet-approved ear cleaner is formulated to be non-irritating and to break up solidified earwax in a cat’s ear canal.
Meanwhile, medicated cat ear cleaners are typically used if a cat has an active bacterial, fungal, or ear mite infection.
Note: AVOID solutions like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, plain water, homemade ear cleaners, and ear cleaners formulated for other animals. These are very likely to be harmful to cats. Q-tips must also be AVOIDED; these can lodge debris further into a cat’s ear or rupture their eardrum.
Is It Okay to Clean Cat Ears with Water?
Plain water CANNOT be used to clean your cat’s ears. Whether distilled, tap, mineral, or in any form, water is NOT recommended because it can get stuck in a cat’s ears. This can cause discomfort and create a moist environment for yeast or bacteria to thrive.
What is the Best Cat Ear Flush? [Not Medicated]
The following are common cat ear cleaners that are used for flushing out solidified or excess earwax when needed. These ear washes for cats are formulated with effective yet gentle ingredients that a majority of cats tolerate well. However, we always advise consulting your vet before using these on your cat.
Note: Sploot Veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns, advises pet parents to NOT use cat ear cleaners that contain steroids like hydrocortisone without the appropriate veterinary guidance. This ingredient can make any bacterial or yeast infection worse, particularly in ear washes that do NOT contain antibacterial or antifungal ingredients.
1. Epi-Otic® Advanced Ear Cleanser
- Non-medicated ear wash for cats; available on SplootRX
Epi-Otic® Advanced Ear Cleanser is an ear wash for cats that is formulated for regular use. It has a neutral pH and does not cause stinging for your feline companion. It also helps in reducing inflammation.
2. pH-Notix Enhanced Ear Cleaner
- Non-medicated ear wash for cats; available on SplootRX
PH-Notix Enhanced Ear Cleaner is formulated to break down excess, solidified earwax. It also contains ingredients that emulsify debris and help flush it out of a cat’s ears. Its oil-free formula soothes and moisturizes the ear canal, supporting its natural barrier. Last but not least, this ear wash for cats contains proprietary “lipacides” to help reduce earwax accumulation.
3. Earthbath Ear Wipes for Cats & Dogs
- Non-medicated ear wash for cats; available on SplootRX
Cat ear cleaners in bottles are best for cleansing the ear canal. However, if you’re looking for a cat ear cleaner that is solely for cleaning your cat’s ear flaps, Earthbath Ear Wipes for Cats & Dogs is a great choice.
Earthbath Ear Wipes for Cats & Dogs contains witch hazel, a gentle cleanser/astringent, along with plant extracts for deodorizing effects. This non-irritating formula is applied to soft wipes that are convenient and easy to use.
Medicated Ear Wash for Cats
Some cat ear cleaners are medicated with antifungal, antibacterial, or anti-ear-mite ingredients. These formulations are NOT recommended for regular or routine usage.
Important Note: Make sure to get clearance from a trusted veterinarian before using any medicated cat ear cleaners. Misusing medicated ear wash for cats can lead to building up the resistance of pathogens in undiagnosed, self-diagnosed, or misdiagnosed ear infections.
4. Oxyfresh Ear Cleaner
- Medicated cat ear cleaner: ear mites, antibacterial; available on SplootRX
Oxyfresh Ear Cleaner is a cat ear cleaner that helps soothe ear infections and itchiness in the ears. It helps remove ear mites, reduce bacterial growth, and provide relief for sensitive ears — including ears that are red from scratching.
5. TrizEDTA® Aqueous Flush
- Medicated cat ear cleaner: antibacterial; available on SplootRX
TrizEDTA® Aqueous Flush is a medicated ear wash for cats with antibacterial properties. It is gentle but effective with no harsh chemicals like alcohol or nonoxynol. It also alkalinizes the ears, which helps inhibit bacterial growth.
6. TrizULTRA+Keto® Flush
- Medicated cat ear cleaner: antibacterial, antifungal; available on SplootRX
TrizULTRA+Keto® Flush is a medicated ear cleanser for cats prescribed for either short-term or long-term use, depending on the cat’s needs. This earwash is formulated with antimicrobial ingredients that inhibit bacterial growth through alkalinization, disrupt bacterial cell walls, and inhibit bacterial enzymes. Though this earwash targets both bacterial and fungal pathogens, it has a mild, non-stinging formula.
Final Thoughts on Ear Cleaning for Cats
To wrap up this article, here are a few things to remember when considering getting a cat ear cleaner:
- Always consult a vet first.
- Always allow your cat to shake their head after administering ear cleaners. (This is a natural response from cats; it also helps in flushing out the debris)
- Always use soft, clean cotton wipes when cleaning your cat’s ears.
- Always reward your cat with treats after ear cleaning (this helps create a positive association).
- NEVER use Q-tips.
- NEVER use medicated cat ear cleaners without seeing a trusted vet.
- NEVER use make-shift or homemade ear cleaners.
Sploot: Your Go-To Cat Vet for Compassionate Care
If you have further questions about cat care, cat grooming, ear infections in cats, or other aspects of your feline friend’s health, we’re here to help!
Sploot Vets offers complete vet care, with primary (preventative), urgent, and emergency vet services under one roof. We have numerous vet clinics in Denver and Chicago, offering next-level vet care for cats. Our doors are open daily (365 days a year, with extended clinic hours)! We’re here for you whenever you need us.
Your cat will love our fear-free vet clinics and friendly veterinary staff. Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
