feline ear cleaning solution?

[thixle]

Looking for a "recipe" for a liquid ear cleaning solution for my kitties. What is safe to use in their ears? Diluted hydrogen peroxide is what I use on my other family members

[phatchristy]

http://www.medi-vet.com/felineearcare.aspx

Generally cats ears are rather 'self cleaning' and cats generally have super clean ears and very little noticable wax at all. One exception to the wax rule is pedigreed cats--for some reason pedigreed cats do seem to have more wax.

Why would you want to clean a cats ears? If they are noticably dirty in a bunch of kittens they may have ear mites.

[Nicole915]

Originally Posted by phatchristy

http://www.medi-vet.com/felineearcare.aspx

Generally cats ears are rather 'self cleaning' and cats generally have super clean ears and very little noticable wax at all. One exception to the wax rule is pedigreed cats--for some reason pedigreed cats do seem to have more wax.

Why would you want to clean a cats ears? If they are noticably dirty in a bunch of kittens they may have ear mites.

Well put, phatchristy.

Is there a reason that you would like to be cleaning your cat's ears? Do they have an otic condition? If so, what is the issue?

[thixle]

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back.

I was told by a well-meaning friend that cleaning ears and clipping toenails should be part of a basic cat care program. I am not an expert on cats at all, and friend showed me the (expensive) ear cleaning solution... I just figured someone here would have a more natural (and less expensive) version.

Glad to know I haven't been "neglecting" my cat's ears I was feeling kinda bad about never, ever cleaning their ears or trimming their nails(? never knew)

Thanks!

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by thixle

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back.

I was told by a well-meaning friend that cleaning ears and clipping toenails should be part of a basic cat care program. I am not an expert on cats at all, and friend showed me the (expensive) ear cleaning solution... I just figured someone here would have a more natural (and less expensive) version.

Glad to know I haven't been "neglecting" my cat's ears I was feeling kinda bad about never, ever cleaning their ears or trimming their nails(? never knew)

Thanks!

http://www.caws.org/catclaws.html in case you don't know how to clip claws.

I usually clip the front every 1-2 weeks, and the back about once a month. It's a good idea to get a routine going from when they are kittens, kitten claws in particular as so small and sharp (ouch). If you do adopt an older cat, it is possible to slowly train them to be OK with it. One of mine I trained with it's favorite cat treat. Otherwise she was VERY difficult to clip when I first got her. Now she tolerates it knowing she gets lots of treats and loving when I do it!

[thixle]

Originally Posted by phatchristy

http://www.caws.org/catclaws.html in case you don't know how to clip claws.

Thank you for that link. Wish I had known last spring that I could do that-- my window screens wouldn't have such large holes

I used to clip birdie toenails, and it seems to be about the same. I always thought scratching posts took care of nails I don't think my old kitty would go for it, but the younger one surely needs it.