Cat Ear Care After Bath: Essential Tips!
What Causes Ear Infections in Cats?
Here are some common causes and permanent factors that can lead to ear infections in cats and dogs:
Not drying off properly after a bath
Ear mites
Excessive growth of yeast or bacteria, or their frequent simultaneous growth
Accumulation of earwax in the ear canal
Thick hair in the ear canal
Food or pollen allergies
Autoimmune diseases
Tumors or polyps in the ear canal
Broken eardrum
Inadequate ear cleaning
Foreign objects
Environmental irritants
Diabetics
Immunosuppressive diseases, such as FIV or feline leukemia virus
It is important to note:
After each bath, cats should have their ears cleaned, as their active nature often causes splashes of water during bathing, which can lead to moisture entering the ears. It is essential to use an antibacterial solution to clean the cat's ears after a bath to prevent moisture from remaining, which can lead to ear infections.
The unique ear structure of dogs and cats is more prone to bacterial growth.
Cat Ear Problems
What Are the Signs of Ear Infections in Cats?
Cats may continuously scratch, rub, or shake their heads, or tilt their heads, showing discomfort. The following are some visible symptoms:
Black or pale yellow discharge
Redness or swelling of the ear flaps or ear canal
Waxy buildup in the ear canal or nearby areas
Ear discharge resembling coffee grounds (indicative of ear mites)
Strong odor
Loss of hearing
Loss of balance or disorientation
Cat Ear Cleaning Method
① Dampen a cotton ball with petspecific ear cleaning solution and rub the entire ear for 1015 seconds to dissolve dirt thoroughly, then wipe clean;
② After wiping, use a cotton swab dipped in ear cleaning solution to gently clean the areas of the cat's ears that are hard to reach; (be careful not to go too deep, just clean the outer edges)
③ Hold the cat's ear and drop an antibacterial ear drop into it;
④ Gently massage and rub the base of the cat's ear, ensuring the ear drop is fully absorbed and covers the entire ear.
