How to wash a cat’s ears to remove ticks? - briefly
Use a cat‑safe ear cleaner or warm water with a soft cloth to gently flush the ear canal while the animal is gently restrained. Dry the ear with a clean towel, inspect for remaining ticks, and remove any visible ones with tweezers.
How to wash a cat’s ears to remove ticks? - in detail
Cleaning a cat’s ears to eliminate ticks requires preparation, careful technique, and post‑procedure monitoring.
First, gather the necessary supplies: a veterinarian‑approved ear‑cleaning solution, sterile cotton balls or gauze, fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, and a soft towel.
Begin by restraining the cat gently but securely on a flat surface, using a towel to limit sudden movements. Put on gloves to protect both the animal and the handler from potential pathogens.
Inspect the ear canal for visible ticks. If a tick is attached near the entrance, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers, pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, apply a small amount of antiseptic solution to the bite site.
Next, introduce the cleaning solution. Fill a clean cotton ball with the liquid, then squeeze gently to release a few drops into the ear canal. Allow the solution to soften debris and any remaining parasites for 30–60 seconds.
Using a fresh cotton ball, wipe the outer ear and the visible portion of the canal, rotating the ball to lift wax, dirt, and dead ticks. Do not insert the cotton deep into the canal, as this may damage the tympanic membrane. Repeat the application of solution and wiping until the cotton appears clean.
After cleaning, dry the ear with a separate cotton ball to prevent moisture buildup, which can foster bacterial growth. Observe the cat for signs of irritation, redness, or discharge over the next 24 hours. If any abnormal symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Regular ear examinations, performed weekly, help detect ticks early and reduce the need for intensive cleaning sessions. Maintaining a tick‑preventive regimen, such as topical repellents prescribed by a veterinarian, further minimizes infestation risk.