How should you clean a cat's ears from ear ticks? - briefly
Gently remove visible ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping each tick close to the skin and pulling straight upward. Afterwards, apply a veterinarian‑approved «ear solution» with a soft cotton ball to clean the canal, avoiding deep insertion of cotton swabs.
How should you clean a cat's ears from ear ticks? - in detail
Cleaning a cat’s ear canal when ear ticks are present requires a systematic approach to avoid injury and ensure complete removal.
First, gather necessary supplies: a veterinarian‑approved ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, fine‑point tweezers or a tick removal tool, disposable gloves, and a soft towel. Verify that the solution is safe for felines; solutions containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can irritate delicate tissue.
Next, restrain the cat gently but securely. A towel wrap can limit movement while keeping the animal comfortable. Wear gloves to protect against potential pathogens carried by the ticks.
Inspect the ear opening. Visible ticks appear as small, brown or reddish specks attached to the ear canal wall. If the ear is excessively waxy, apply a few drops of the cleaning solution, allow it to soften debris for 30–60 seconds, then gently flush with a syringe filled with warm (body‑temperature) solution. Drain the fluid by tilting the head and wiping the outer ear with a cotton ball. Repeat until the canal looks clear of wax.
Proceed to tick removal:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or a specialized tool.
- Apply steady, gentle upward traction.
- Avoid twisting or crushing the tick’s body, which can leave mouthparts embedded and increase infection risk.
- If the mouthparts remain, use a sterile needle to lift them out carefully.
After each tick is extracted, clean the area again with the ear solution and a fresh cotton ball. Continue the inspection until no additional ticks are detected. A final wipe with a dry gauze prevents residual moisture, which could foster bacterial growth.
Monitor the cat for signs of irritation, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Persistent symptoms warrant a veterinary examination, as secondary infections may require topical or systemic medication.
Regular preventive measures—monthly ear examinations, maintaining a clean environment, and using veterinarian‑recommended ectoparasite preventatives—reduce the likelihood of future infestations.