Cleaning Ears?

My cat tends to have a brown waxy build-up in her ears on occasion. She was just recently brought to the vet, so i know she's healthy, but i'm wondering if it was ok to clean this build-up, and what the proper method would be. she's fairly docile, i'm just worried about damaging her ears.. are damp q-tips ok to swab with? is it even necessary for me to clean it?
thanks to anyone who has suggestions!

Did the vet check her ears?

The best way to clean a cat's ears is to take a cotton roll and tear off a small piece, soak it in water(warmed) and wring it out well, so it does not drip. Take the roll and place it gently in the ear and twist it carefully to pick up excess gunk. Only work with the parts of the ear that you can see, never use q-tips because if your cat squirms you could accidently jam the q-tip down into her canal and rupture her eardrum. Just keep working carefully with the warm water and cotton, and again wring out the cotton well you do not want water to drip down into the cat's ears.

You can also purchase some ear cleanser from a veterinarian. They are cleaning/drying solutions. Also, most pet stores are now carrying ear wipes that are pre-moistened and you just wipe the ears with them.

Originally posted by hissy
Only work with the parts of the ear that you can see, never use q-tips because if your cat squirms you could accidently jam the q-tip down into her canal and rupture her eardrum.

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Very important advice!

I used q-tips to clean Mr's ear a long time ago B4 I knew this. He was always really good about holding still to let me work on him, but for some reason one day he shook his head & I ruptured his eardrum! Poor guy couldn't walk straight and couldn't eat...I had to hospitalize him so they could give him Valium so he would eat & not go into fatty liver failure. He healed up OK, but to this day I feel horrible about doing that to him.

I use the pre-moistened ear wipes now...very soft & gentle.

Oh Tess, I am sorry to hear that you and MR had to go through that!

Thanks MA - that's why I'm so glad when people ask & they're given good advice! I'd hate to see anyone else go through that.

I am glad that I read this thread , I always clean with q tips .For sure not any more , I will look for the pre-moistened ear wipes . Tuxedokitties, where do I get them ? First time I hear about them .

The kittens give one another's ears quite thorough cleaning. Sometimes it looks as if they are licking each other's brains LOL!

Most pet stores such as PetCo and Petsmart carry the ear wipes

Thanks Sandie , I was in hope maybe wal mart . Petsmart is one hour away from me . Oh well , I get it by my next trip when I buy food for my babies

You can order online from both Petsmart and Petco. I have the link to Petsmart on my web site below!

DragonLady , OMG I just look at your web site . Your babies are so cute and pretty . The alter ones , the red male befor he was shaved look like my persian I had , his name was Samy . That alter girl is absolutly gorgeos (sp) .

Hi Purrfectcatlove,
Glad to help! As Sandie and Teresa mentioned, I get the pre-moistened ear wipes at the pet supply store.

Momof10, that's a cute pic!