Cleaning a cat's ears: when and how to do it safely
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Unlike dogs, a healthy cat handles most of its own ear care and generally doesn't need routine cleaning. The task becomes useful when there's visible excess wax, an unusual smell, or after a vet diagnosis. Browse all our health guides in the cat care and grooming section.
Contents · 6 sections
What do studies show about ear disease in cats?
A study published in 2026 in the journal Animals by Spada, Baggiani, Proverbio, Perego and Avizzano, conducted on a population of owned cats in Northern Italy, measured a 17% prevalence of otitis externa (study on MDPI), with abnormal ear cytology found in 19% of the cats examined, often without any obvious symptom noticed by the owner. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) and Malassezia yeast were among the most frequently identified causes.
Should you clean a cat's ears without a specific reason?
No, cleaning too often in a cat with no particular problem can irritate the ear canal and actually encourage the very infections it's meant to prevent. A monthly visual check is enough to spot excess wax, redness, or an odd smell, without stepping in every time.
How do you clean the ears step by step?
- Choose an ear cleanser made for cats, never soapy water or a cotton swab, which risks packing debris deeper into the canal.
- Warm the bottle in your hands for a moment to avoid a cold shock when it touches the ear.
- Gently massage the base of the ear after applying the solution, then let the cat shake its head to bring residue back up.
- Wipe the visible part of the ear with a gauze pad, never inserting anything into the canal itself.
What signs should raise concern?
A cat that scratches its ear frequently, shakes its head repeatedly, or shows heavy dark wax or a strong smell should be examined by a vet before any at-home cleaning: these signs point to an infection or a mite infestation that needs targeted treatment rather than routine maintenance.
What's the budget?
An ear cleanser costs €6–15 and lasts several months for occasional use. A vet visit for suspected otitis runs €35–60, including an otoscopic exam.
Frequently asked questions
Do outdoor cats get dirtier ears more often?
Yes, exposure to dust, grass, and parasites increases how often wax builds up in cats that go outside regularly.
Can you use a dog ear cleanser on a cat?
It's not recommended without a vet's advice, some concentrated dog formulas can irritate a cat's more sensitive canal.
Is ear cleaning part of regular grooming?
No, it stays occasional and targeted, unlike brushing, which should be regular. Browse all our guides on the cat hub.
In our shop, for this use: Stainless-steel pin brush for cats (€18.90) · the whole shop
For the gear, at Le Félin (same family, zero commission): Gros arbre à chat (from €149.99)
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
