The Best Cat Ear Cleaners in 2022
- The Best Cat Ear Cleaner
- 1. Virbac EpiOtic Advanced
- 2. Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution
- 3. Petpost Cat Ear Wipes
- 4. Lively Pets Ultra Otic Ear Cleaner
- 5. Zymox Ear Cleanser
- 6. Pet MD Otic Clean Ear Cleanser
- 7. Doggie Dailies Ear Wash
- 8. Otic Otomite Plus Ear Mite Treatment
- 9. NaturPet Ear Drops
- 10. RUBOLD Natural Ear Cleaner
Cleaning your cat’s ears is one of the essential parts of being a brilliant pet owner. Cleaning their ears on the regular is a super important part of the grooming process and if done correctly, will prevent ear infections and health issues down the line. Cleaning your cat’s ears often also gives you a chance to inspect them properly and if you notice any cuts, inflammation, or sensitivity you can take them for a veterinary check-up before the infection gets out of hand. While most ear infections are caused by ear mites, or a build up of yeast and bacteria, others can be caused by more serious illness. Thus, it’s always a great idea to keep an eye on those ears!
At home ear cleaning solutions will help you deal with dirt, bacteria, and fungus and enable you to keep your beloved pet’s ears healthy and smelling great. We’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite picks that will make cleaning your cat’s ears an easy feat. These products are safe, effective, and non-toxic and will give your feline-friend the most sparkling ears in town.
Our list compiles a range of products that cater to all needs and budgets and will leave you and your pet feeling ear-xceptional. So without further ado, let’s get have a look at our best cat ear cleaning solutions.
The Best Cat Ear Cleaner
1. Virbac EpiOtic Advanced
The Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner for cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens is a fabulous pick that has been praised by pet owners and vets alike. This non-irritating ear cleanser is formulated with anti-adhesive properties to prevent microbial attachment. It also features a patented anti-odor technology to eliminate ear canal odor. The active ingredient in this amazing cat ear cleaner is salicylic acid and this is a brilliant choice for keeping yeast infections away. This ear cleaning solution can be used to cleanse infected ears, or to clean ears prior to administering other medication. The solution is alcohol free and has a low PH of 2.2. Thus, the product will clean your cat’s ears gently without causing further irritation. Pet owners have praised this product for its ability to ward off ear infections and their related symptoms, its gentleness, and its user ease. As it is a self-drying solution, it won’t leave your cat’s ears damp (which is the perfect breeding ground for more bacteria!) This is a fantastic choice when it comes to cat ear care.
2. Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution
Key Features
Treats inflammation of the external ear caused by bacterial, viral, and yeast infections
Contains no antibiotics
Destroys antibiotic-resistant organisms
Easy to use
4-Ounce bottle
The Zymox Pet King Otic Ear Treatment Solution is a brilliant pick for tackling yeast infections, bacteria build up and ear mites. Users have commended this product for being able to get rid of the toughest ear infections, noting that it has led to huge improvements and much happier pets. This amazing product works by tackling the inflammation that is caused by viral, bacterial, and yeast infections and is able to destroy antibiotic-resistant organisms. If your cat is struggling with any of the above infections, this might be the perfect pick for you
3. Petpost Cat Ear Wipes
Key Features
Moist cotton pads for easier cleaning
Gentle coconut oil solution
Environmentally conscious
100 % money back guarantee
Petpost ear cleaning wipes are a brilliant pick for all cat lovers, and this product is specifically tailored for cats who are itching or scratching their ears, have a build-up of ear wax clogging their ear canals, have an odor coming from their ears, or have an infection caused by yeast, bacteria, or mites. These amazing wipes are made with ultra-soft cotton pads and are lathered in a coconut oil solution. This plant-based product works wonders and is able to remove debris and wax gently, all the while soothing sensitive ears. What is more is that the makers of this product believe in the effectiveness of their brand. If you and your feline-friend are not satisfied with the Petpost ear wipes, they will offer you 100 percent of your money back! Thus, this product boasts integrity and won’t disappoint. Users have commended these wipes for their gentleness, effectiveness in cleaning ears, and the fact that their cats love them! One user even described them as ‘magic.’
4. Lively Pets Ultra Otic Ear Cleaner
Key Features
Anti-septic and anti-fungal properties
Treats ear mites
Gentle on skin
Kills germs that lead to infection, odor, discharge, and discomfort
The Lively Pets Ultra-Otic ear cleaner is an anti-microbial and anti-fungal ear washing formula that has been designed to rid your pet of microbes that cause rashes and skin infections. You can administer this solution by simply squeezing a few drops of the solution into the ear canal. If your pet is experiencing a particularly bad case of ear mites, or there is a build-up of dirt, you can also put the solution onto a cotton ball and then clean the ear. Since this solution is so gentle on the skin that you can use it daily if the infection is bad. Once treated, this amazing solution can be used once a week for maintenance purposes.
5. Zymox Ear Cleanser
Key Features
Effective, non-toxic way to manage dirty ears
No harsh chemicals or cleaners
Leaves ears smelling fresh
Easy to use
The Pet King Zymox Ear Cleaning Cleanser with Bio-Active Enzymes is a fantastic pick and offers a non-toxic way to manage ear infections and dirt build-up in your cat’s ears. The bio-active enzymes ensure that the ears are thoroughly cleaned and this is a great product for both maintenance and prevention of ear infections. Pet owners have praised this product for its gentleness and have noted that it works effectively in cleaning the ears and not causing any stress to the animal due to its neutral smell. Whether your cat is dealing with wax that is clogging the ear canal, a yeast infection, or a bacterial one, this product might just be the perfect pick for you. It’s also selling for under 20 dollars and thus offers great quality at a great price.
6. Pet MD Otic Clean Ear Cleanser
Key Features
Veterinarian formulated and scientifically designed to deodorize, clean, dry & acidify ears.
A safe and gentle cleanser with aloe vera for daily Use.
Eliminates build-up of wax, fluid, dirt, and debris to stop your pet from scratching.
Pleasant sweet pea scented drops help ears smell great
The Pet MD Otic ear cleaner has been approved by veterinarians for dogs and cats. It has been specifically designed to target ear problems and can clean, deodorize, acidify, and dry ears to prevent harmful microbes from causing damage. This solution is a safe and gentle option and is formulated with aloe vera to ensure it doesn’t cause any arm. The gentle nature of this product means that it won’t sting, burn, or aggravate the delicate ear canal. Using this as a preventative can prevent the build-up of wax and dirt and ultimately stop your cat from scratching their ears and causing further harm. Since it is vet approved it’s super safe and it will not disappoint.
7. Doggie Dailies Ear Wash
Key Features
Safely loosens and removes ear wax, dirt, and debris
Reduces and controls ear odor
Gently and effectively soothes itchy, uncomfortable ears
Helps prevent yeast infections and ear mites
Perfect solution to maintain ear health and cleanliness
This amazing pet ear cleaner soothes and freshens your pet’s ears and leaves them feeling fresh and clean. The gentle formula is made with aloe vera, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and echinacea and will soothe your pet’s ears as it cleans them. Doggie Dailies pet ear cleaner will gently remove debris, dirt, and ear wax and has been formulated by veterinarians to ensure ultimate safety and care. The bottle also includes a special applicator to make administering the solution easier, and the perfect blend of natural oils will have your furry-friends purring with pleasure. This product really is a fabulous cat ear cleaner and is selling for an absolute bargain!
8. Otic Otomite Plus Ear Mite Treatment
Key Features
Eliminates ear mites without irritation
Ear mite treatment for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens
The Otomite Plus Ear Mite Treatment is a fantastic choice if your darling cat is dealing with those pesky critters. Ear mites can cause great distress to your furry-friends and it’s imperative that they are dealt with quickly. Since over a half of all ear infections in pets are caused by ear mites, this is a great solution to have on hand. This mixture gets rid of ear mites without causing your pet any irritation and users have commended its effectiveness in eliminating ear mites. Although the product works well, it’s also important to disinfect everything your cat has touched if it’s dealing with ear mites to prevent another outbreak from occurring. As an added tip it is useful to clean your pet’s ears with some ear wipes before applying this product to ensure that it can target the ear mites effectively.
9. NaturPet Ear Drops
Key Features
Safe and natural as the product is made without cortizone
Eases inflammation and pain
Efficiently removes dirt, wax, dust, debris, and bacteria from your cat’s ears
Alleviates unpleasant odors
No chemicals
Naturpet ear drops offer a non-toxic solution for dealing with your cat’s ear infection. This natural cat ear cleaner is made without cortizone and thus won’t cause harm or irritation to your cat’s ears. Whether you need to tackle ear mites, infection caused by yeast or bacteria, or a build-up of ear wax in the canal, this is a great choice. Especially if you’re all about those natural products! Pet owners have noted that this product is easy to use and yields great results for pets who are struggling with infections that leave their ears sore and prone to itching. This soothing product is a great pick if you don’t want to use chemicals and will leave your cat’s ears fresh, clean and smelling wonderful. This product is also only selling for just over 10 dollars and thus combines quality with value.
10. RUBOLD Natural Ear Cleaner
Key Features
Soothes and calms itchy ears caused by infection and ear mites
Won’t sting or burn your pet
Safely loosens and removes dirt, ear wax, and debris
Leaves ears feeling fresh and clean
Perfect for routine clean and maintenance
Free from harsh chemicals and thus completely safe for you and your pet
The Rubold Natural Pet Ear Cleaner is a great pick for those want to avoid harsh or overtly medicated products. This product boasts an array of natural ingredients including coconut, pal, and citrus extracts and will leave your cat’s ears feeling clean and soothed. Although gentle, this product is able to effectively rid your pet’s ears of infection, fungus, yeast, bacteria, and ear mites and is designed to soothe while it heals. It is even suitable for young pets over three months, and thus is an exceptionally gentle solution. You can also use this product to clean other parts of your cat as it is ideal for cleaning dirty paws, bodies, and faces. Rubold is able to swiftly tackle mud, dirt, and grease and will have your feline-friend feeling sparkly and clean in no time.
Best Cat Ear Cleaners Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider When Buying Cat Ear Cleaners
When buying an ear cleaning solution for your pet, there are a number of things that you need to consider. Will the product be for daily use, or is it only to cure an infection? Does your cat have ear mites, or is the infection caused by yeast, fungus, or bacteria? You will also want to think about what kind of ingredients you are wanting to use. Would you rather use natural products that are free from toxins, or is a medically formulated solution better suited to your needs? Are you simply wanting to prevent ear wax clogging the ear canal, or do you have a more serious problem at hand?
Knowing what is wrong with your cat's ears will enable you to choose the best solution. If you are unsure of what is causing your cat's ear problems it's always a fantastic idea to take them to their vet for a check-up and get an expert opinion on their unique case. While many cases are caused by ear mites, or outside debris, more serious cases can be caused by illness or growths. Thus, if you are unsure about what the problem is, it's always best to take them to your vet and get a medical opinion.
Benefits of Using Cat Ear Cleaners
There are multiple benefits to using a cat ear cleaner. Although cats are good at cleaning their own ears, older cats, those living with allergies, and those that live in humid conditions might need some extra help from time to time. Some of the benefits of using cat ear cleaners include:
- Keeps your cat's ears clean and healthy
- Prevents infection by getting rid of yeast, fungus, and bacteria
- Soothes sore ears
- Gets rid of ear mites
- Keeps your pet's health in check
- Helps cats with allergies or those living in humid conditions where bacteria can build up
- Aids in overall pet hygiene
You may also like some of our cat grooming guides, such as cat shampoos, cat grooming gloves and cat nail clippers.
Our Top Pick
After much deliberation over these wonderful cat ear cleaners, we have opted for the Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner for cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens as our best pick. It has been praised by pet owners and vets alike. This non-irritating ear cleanser is formulated with anti-adhesive properties to prevent microbial attachment. It also features a patented anti-odor technology to eliminate ear canal odor. The active ingredient in this amazing cat ear cleaner is salicylic acid, and this is a brilliant choice for keeping yeast infections away. This truly is a fantastic choice and will leave your cat purring with happiness and comfort.
FAQ
Q: How will I know if my cat has an ear infection?
Although most cats won't be prone to regular ear infections, they can cause harm if they are not properly dealt with. Most ear infections are caused by ear mites, but if your veterinarian has given your cat the all clear from mites, then it might be from a fungus, bacteria, yeast infection, allergies, or in serious cases, a growth or disease.
Some contributing factors to ear infections include:
Yeast or bacteria overgrowth (sometimes both at the same time)
A build-up of ear wax
Allergies to pollen or certain foods
Polyps or growths in the ear canal
Diabetes
Overgrowth of hair within the ear canal
Debris from outside like dirt, or blades of grass
Diseases that impact like immune system like FIV
Some signs that your cat is suffering with an ear infection are:
Redness and inflammation
Discharge from the ear n the ear canal
A build-up of ear wax
An unpleasant odor coming from their ears
Loss of hearing
Scratching at their ears because they are itchy
A loss of balance
Q: How can I help prevent ear infections?
The best way to prevent your cat from getting ear infections is to check them regularly and clean them if you see a build-up of debris, wax, or dirt. Healthy ears should be a pale pink color and there should be no obvious smell coming from them. If you check your cat's ears and notice an infection it's always best to take them to the vet so that you can treat the infection before it gets worse. Remember that it is never a good idea to insert anything into their ear canal as this can cause permanent damage and pain.
Q: How should I prepare my cat for an ear cleaning?
Unfortunately, most cats won't enjoy getting their ears cleaned and there is a chance that you might have to deal with them hissing, scratching, pawing at you or running away. This might be especially true if they are in pain caused by a bad infection. However, you can make the experience a calmer one by following these tips.
Start with general grooming. Brush your cat until they start purring. This is a sign that they are enjoying themselves and they will begin to relax.
Remember to brush around the ears as matted hair can cause ear infections too. Head over to our review of the best brush for cats for more choices.
When they are relaxed begin administering the drops, or using the ear wipes.
Offer them a treat to reward their compliance and keep them feeling sweet.
If you are really struggling, or your pet is really unhappy, think about going to a professional groomer, or a vet.
Q: Can I use human ear drops to clean my cat's ear?
Animal ear cleaning solutions have been properly formulated to deal with their specific needs. It can be unsafe to use human products on animals and before you do you should always consult your vet. It is always best to buy products that are created for animals and formulated by veterinarians.
Sources
- Caring for your Cat’s Ears - International Cat Care
- How to Clean Cats’ Ears - Fuzzy Rescue