Ear infections in cats are, without a doubt, quite common. However, not many cats are often welcome to the idea of letting you administer ointments, cleaners or medications to their ear (or neighbourhood of the ear area) without putting up a fight. Fortunately, we have compiled a set of steps to help you make treating cat ear infections less of a harrowing experience.
1. Get Them Used to the Idea that their Ears Should be Treated Regularly
Naturally, even the gentlest of cats will react by biting, scratching or trying to get away as soon as you start exploring the inner innards of their ear. You have to get your kitty used to the idea that touching their ears is not necessarily a threat to their wellbeing. And here’s where positive reinforcement comes in. Having said that, you may want to wrap them in a blanket, towel or pillowcase before attempting to medicate their ears.
2. Prepare your Cat Ear Treatment Supplies
Since administering cat ear treatment is not the easiest of tasks, you may want to get your supplies ready (well in advance) to minimize any back-and-forth movement which would make the whole experience harder. Get your supplies such as food/treats, cotton balls, disposable gloves and ear treatment/cleaner to the treatment area before getting the cat. Speaking of which, it also helps to know exactly which ear you are aiming to treat if only one of them is problematic.
3. Get into the Habit of Cleaning Both Cat’s Ears
Even if only one of the ears is infected, it still helps if you can clean both ears whilst administering the medication. You should aim to clean both ears (including the healthy one) but only administer treatment to the infected one only. The reason for this is because the infection can be easily passed between the ears and it helps if you can disinfect both years during the administration of the medication.
4. Apply the Medication After Waiting for a Few Minutes
It is advisable to wait between 10 and 15 minutes before administering the treatment after cleaning the ear canal. And when doing so, ensure that you squeeze the liquid medication down the ear canal without the nozzle getting into contact with any part of the infected ear.
References: Daily Paws, VCA hospitals, Spruce Pets
