People usually end up here after spotting dark wax, a sour smell, head-shaking, or scratch marks around a cat’s ears—and wondering what’s safe to use at home, and what could make things worse. The stakes are simple: the ear canal is delicate, and the wrong product (or the right product used the wrong way) can turn mild irritation into a painful infection, or hide a problem that needs treatment.
Below is a clear, practical approach to cat ear care: what “normal” looks like, when to leave ears alone, how to clean safely when it’s genuinely needed, and which chemicals to treat with real caution—especially insecticides that are dangerous around cats.1, 2
What healthy cat ears look like
A healthy ear is usually pale pink inside, with little or no visible wax and no strong odour. A small amount of dry, light-coloured wax can be normal. Many cats never need routine ear cleaning at all.3
When not to clean (and to book a vet visit instead)
Skip home cleaning and organise a veterinary check if you notice any of the following. These signs often point to otitis (inflammation/infection), ear mites, a foreign body, allergy flare-ups, or an injured eardrum—situations where cleaning can be painful and sometimes risky.4, 5
- Redness, swelling, heat, or obvious pain when the ear is touched
- Bad smell, wet discharge, pus, or bleeding
- Frequent head-shaking, persistent scratching, or raw skin around the ear
- Dark, crumbly “coffee-ground” debris (often seen with ear mites)
- Head tilt, loss of balance, or sudden hearing changes
Safe ear cleaning at home (when it’s appropriate)
If your cat seems comfortable and you’re only dealing with mild wax or dirt, a gentle clean can help. Aim to clean the visible parts of the ear, not to “scrub” the canal.
What to use
- A vet-recommended ear cleaner made for cats (or a product labelled for cats and used exactly as directed)
- Cotton balls or gauze squares
- A towel (for a calm wrap if needed)
What not to use
- Cotton buds (they can push debris deeper and can injure the canal)
- Human ear drops unless your vet has specifically advised them
Most cats don’t need frequent cleaning; over-cleaning can irritate the ear and set up a cycle of inflammation.5, 6
Step-by-step: a gentle clean
- Pick a quiet moment. Sit your cat on your lap or a stable surface. If your cat wriggles, wrap them in a towel with the head out.
- Look first. If you see redness, swelling, wet discharge, or your cat reacts as if it hurts, stop and book a vet visit.4, 5
- Add cleaner as directed. Hold the ear flap up and apply the cleaner at the ear opening. Don’t push the nozzle down into the canal.
- Massage the base of the ear. A gentle massage helps loosen wax and debris.
- Let your cat shake. This moves loosened material outward.
- Wipe only what you can see. Use cotton or gauze to clean the inner flap and the folds you can reach comfortably. Never probe deeper.
If the ear looks dirty again within days, or the odour returns, that’s often a sign the underlying cause hasn’t been dealt with and a check-up is worthwhile.4
Chemicals and “natural” products: what to be cautious about
“Chemical-free” is mostly marketing language. The more useful question is whether a product is proven safe for cats, used in the correct dose, and appropriate for the condition you’re treating. Cats are especially vulnerable because they groom thoroughly and can ingest residues from their coat and paws.
Insecticides: the high-risk category
Some insecticides are a genuine danger around cats, particularly certain dog-only flea/tick treatments containing permethrin (a pyrethroid). Cats can become seriously ill from direct application or from close contact with a recently treated dog (snuggling, grooming, sleeping together).1, 7, 8
Australian labelling rules for veterinary ectoparasiticides include specific warnings about keeping cats away from dogs treated with permethrin products, and note reports of severe toxic effects, including death.1
“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe
Essential oils are a common example: they’re plant-derived, but that doesn’t make them harmless for cats. If you’re considering a home-mixed product, assume it could irritate skin, upset the gut if licked, or interfere with veterinary treatment—especially inside an ear canal where tissues are thin and sensitive. When in doubt, ask your vet before applying anything new.
Understanding pet product labels (quick checks that matter)
- Species-specific directions: “For dogs only” means exactly that. Keep it away from cats.1, 7
- Active ingredients: Look for permethrin/pyrethroids in flea/tick products and be cautious in cat households.1, 7
- Warnings about contact between pets: Some products require separating cats and dogs for a period after application.1
- “Use only as directed” isn’t filler: With veterinary chemicals, dose and method are part of the safety profile.1
A simple ear-care routine that suits most cats
- Weekly glance and sniff: A quick check for odour, discharge, redness, or tenderness is usually enough.3
- Clean only when there’s visible wax or your vet has advised it: Most cats don’t need regular cleaning.5
- Act early on changes: Ear problems tend to worsen quietly, then become suddenly obvious—often with pain.
Final thoughts
Good cat ear care is mostly restraint: notice small changes, avoid improvised chemicals, and clean gently only when it’s truly needed. When ears are smelly, sore, or producing discharge, the safest move is usually a diagnosis first, then treatment that matches the cause.4, 5
References
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – Ectoparasiticides for dogs and cats: specific labelling requirements
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – Common household dangers for pets (includes pyrethroid insecticide sensitivity in cats)
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) – Grooming your cat (ear health: check weekly; seek vet advice for infection/cleaning)
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Otitis externa in animals (clinical signs and diagnosis)
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Ear cleaning and administering ear medication in cats
- PetsCare (Australia) – How to clean your cat’s ears safely (common mistakes and what to avoid)
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – Permethrin-containing products (dog spot-ons and other insect control products): toxicity risk to cats
- Cat Protection Society of NSW – Permethrin poisoning factsheet
- Victorian Department of Health – Pesticide classes and associated hazards (pyrethrins/pyrethroids overview)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom