If you’re a cat owner, you know that cats are notorious for getting dirt and other debris trapped in their ears. And if you own a Devon Rex, then you know that their big goofy ears are particularly prone to build-up. In this post, we’ll show you how to clean them out!
Keep reading for more tips!
Supplies You’ll Need
Let’s get started with the supplies you’ll need. As Confucius once said, if a craftsman wants to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t need a lot of supplies in order to give your Devon Rexs’ ears a good cleaning.
- A bowl of warm water
You need a bowl of warm water. The warm water is used to soften the wax and debris so that it can be carefully removed from the ear canal.
- Cotton balls
Load up on cotton balls. These are used to clean the outer ear and remove any wax or debris.
- A small towel or cloth
Grab yourself a small towel or cloth. A small towel is often used when cleaning a cat’s ears because it is easier to maneuver and control than a larger one.
- Cleaning Solution
You’ll need an ear cleaning solution. Look for a solution that is specifically designed for cats and contains no alcohol, as this can irritate the skin.
You may also be interested in our Devon Rex Grooming Guide.
Devon Rex Cat Ear Cleaning – Step By Step
Cover Clothes or Surfaces
Since you’ll be using water and a cleaner, it’s always a good idea to either wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet or put down a towel to protect your surfaces.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that your cat may struggle. So to avoid any cleaning solution or water going all over the place it’s best to use some towels or clothes.
This will make it a lot easier to clean up after the job is done.
Ask For Help
If you have someone else in your household who can help you, that’s great! Having an extra set of hands will make the process go by much faster.
As mentioned already your little alien cat may struggle while you mess with its ears.
So having a helper available to gently hold the cat or calm it down if it feels uncomfortable is a bonus.
Additionally, someone who the cat trusts such as a family member is also better for the cat as they will be able to calm down easier.
Secure Devon Rex In A Comfortable Position
You’ll want to make sure your Devon Rex is in a comfortable position before you go to work.
You might need to experiment with a few different positions until you find one that works best for your cat.
For example, some cats prefer to be lying down on their side while others prefer to be sitting up.
Once you’ve found the position that your cat is most comfortable in, gently hold their head still while you clean.
Place Solution
Now it’s time to start the cleaning process.
Using a cotton ball, soak up some of the cleaning solution and then place it into your Devon Rex’s ear.
Make sure not to put too much in as this can cause discomfort.
Gently Massage
Once the solution is in your cat’s ear, gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. This will help loosen any dirt and debris that is trapped inside.
Wipe Away Debris Or Gunk
After you’ve massaged your Devon Rex’s ear, use a clean cotton ball to wipe away any debris or gunk that has been loosened up.
Repeat Process With The Other Ear
Once you’re finished with one ear, repeat the process with the other one.
Give Your Devon Rex A Treat – Positive Reinforcement
After you’ve successfully cleaned your cat’s ears, it’s time to give them a well-deserved treat!
This is a great way to let them know that they’ve been good and that they’re all done.
Some good treats for a Rex include small pieces of cooked chicken, fish, or liver.
You can also give them a small amount of wet food or a few pieces of kibble.
A personal favorite of our cat Lai is Temptations salmon cat treats.
Sanitize Tip Of Solution Bottle
Once you’re finished cleaning your Rex, it’s important to sanitize the tip of the solution bottle.
This will help prevent any bacteria from getting into the bottle and contaminating the solution.
Keeping the bottle clean also means you won’t have to buy more the next time. So you’ll save a few bucks in the process, purrfect!
Should You Clean A Cat’s Ears?
Now that you know how to clean your Devon Rex’s ears, you might be wondering if you should be doing this on a regular basis. The answer is yes!
It’s generally recommended that you clean your cat’s ears every 1-2 weeks. This will help prevent any dirt or debris from building up and will keep them healthy.
If you have any questions about cleaning your Devon Rex’s ears or if you think there might be something wrong, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
They’ll be able to give you the best advice for your individual cat.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
As mentioned already, you should clean your cat’s listeners every 1 to 2 weeks, or as often as needed.
If you notice any dirt, discharge, or wax build-up, it’s time to give them a good cleaning.
Moreover, keeping a good eye on them can protect them from other problems such as mites.
What Is The Black Stuff?
The black stuff is most likely ear wax. Ear wax is a natural substance that helps protect the ears from dirt and debris.
However, it may be because your cat has mites. Here’s what to look out for while cleaning.
How Do I Know If My Cat Has Ear Mites?
There are a few signs that can indicate your cat has mites. These include:
- Excessive scratching.
- Dark brown or black discharge.
- Redness or inflammation.
- Crusty skin inside.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take your cat to the vet for an examination.
They’ll be able to properly diagnose your cat and recommend the best course of treatment.
What’s The Best Way To Prevent Ear Mites In Cats?
There are a few things you can do to prevent mites in cats. These include:
- Keep your cat’s listeners clean and free of debris.
- Avoid letting your cat share bedding or toys with other animals.
- If your cat goes outdoors, check them regularly for any signs of mites.
- Bring your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and screenings.
Can I Use Baby Wipes?
Baby wipes are not recommended for use on cats. This is because they can contain chemicals that may be harmful to your cat.
It’s best to stick to ear cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for use on cats.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean your cat’s listeners and what to look for, it’s important to make this a regular part of their grooming routine.
This will help keep them healthy and free from wax build-up, dirt, and debris. It’s also a good way to prevent mites from taking hold.
If you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your kitty’s listeners, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.
