Okay so I’ve been thinking about cleaning my cat’s ears but I’m kinda nervous 
like, is there a way to do it without freaking them out? I read somewhere you’re supposed to use a cotton ball and not a swab… also, how often are we actually supposed to clean their ears? Mine doesn’t look too bad but sometimes there’s visible dirt. Just trying to avoid hurting her or making her hate me lol. Anyone done this successfully?
Yeah, I clean my cat’s ears every few months. Just make sure you use a vet-approved cleaner and not some random stuff. Cotton balls only, no Q-tips ever!
West said:
Yeah, I clean my cat’s ears every few months. Just make sure you use a vet-approved cleaner and not some random stuff. Cotton balls only, no Q-tips ever!
Wait, what’s wrong with using a Q-tip? I thought that was fine…
@Riley
Nah, Q-tips can actually push stuff deeper or hurt their ear canal. Cotton balls are way safer.
@Riley
Yep, swabs = big nope. I saw a video where someone injured their cat’s ear with one
I wrap my kitty in a towel burrito style 
helps keep her chill while I clean. Then I give her a treat after.
Keller said:
I wrap my kitty in a towel burrito style
Omg towel burrito 
that’s adorable. Do they actually stay still though?
@Mika
For the most part, yeah. She wiggles a bit but way less than without the towel. Helps me get to her ears without chaos.
Only clean ‘em when you see gunk tbh. Cats usually take care of their own cleaning. Too much cleaning can actually irritate their ears.
Kenan said:
Only clean ‘em when you see gunk tbh. Cats usually take care of their own cleaning. Too much cleaning can actually irritate their ears.
So like, once a month or??
Kenan said:
Only clean ‘em when you see gunk tbh. Cats usually take care of their own cleaning. Too much cleaning can actually irritate their ears.
So like, once a month or??
If they get dirty fast, maybe every 1–2 months. But some cats barely ever need it.
FYI if you ever see stuff that looks like coffee grounds in there, go to the vet. That’s a sign of ear mites, not just dirt.
Mackenzie said:
FYI if you ever see stuff that looks like coffee grounds in there, go to the vet. That’s a sign of ear mites, not just dirt.
Oh dang I didn’t know that 
thank you for the heads up!
Mackenzie said:
FYI if you ever see stuff that looks like coffee grounds in there, go to the vet. That’s a sign of ear mites, not just dirt.
Yesss ear mites are nasty and need real treatment, not just cleaning. Don’t ignore that stuff.
Honestly I just have my vet or groomer do it lol. I tried once and my cat acted like I was trying to murder her 
Avery said:
Honestly I just have my vet or groomer do it lol. I tried once and my cat acted like I was trying to murder her
Lmao same. I gave up and just let the professionals handle it. Peace of mind is worth it.
Avery said:
Honestly I just have my vet or groomer do it lol. I tried once and my cat acted like I was trying to murder her
fair enough. I might try once and see how it goes. Backup plan is calling the vet for sure.