How should I apply drops in a cat's ears for ticks? - briefly
Gently restrain the cat, lift the ear flap, and place the prescribed drops into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to spread the medication. Repeat on the opposite ear if required, adhering to the veterinarian’s dosage instructions.
How should I apply drops in a cat's ears for ticks? - in detail
Apply ear medication to a cat with tick infestation only after the veterinarian has prescribed the appropriate product. Follow these steps precisely:
- Gather supplies: prescribed ear drops, cotton balls or gauze, a towel, disposable gloves, and a calm environment.
- Secure the cat: place the animal on a stable surface, wrap gently with a towel to limit movement while keeping the head accessible.
- Inspect the ear: look for visible ticks, excess wax, or debris. Remove any surface ticks with tweezers, taking care not to crush the body.
- Clean the canal: moisten a cotton ball with a veterinarian‑approved ear cleanser, wipe the outer ear and the entrance of the canal. Do not insert cotton deep into the ear.
- Measure the dose: check the label for the exact volume per ear, typically 0.5 ml for small cats; larger breeds may require 1 ml. Use the dropper provided with the medication.
- Administer the drops: lift the ear flap, hold the dropper upright, and place the measured amount into the canal. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to the ear to prevent contamination.
- Massage the base: gently rub the ear base for 10–15 seconds to spread the medication throughout the canal.
- Allow drainage: keep the cat’s head tilted upward for a minute so excess fluid can exit. Wipe any runoff with a clean gauze.
- Repeat on the opposite ear: follow the same procedure if both ears are affected.
- Observe: monitor the cat for signs of discomfort, excessive scratching, or worsening inflammation. Contact the veterinarian if adverse reactions appear.
Maintain a regular ear‑care schedule as advised, typically once a week during tick season, and keep the environment free of tick habitats to reduce reinfestation risk.