The 10 Best Cat Ear Cleaners
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Cat's ears are susceptible to a variety of ailments, including ear mites, inflammation and wax buildup. Before those veterinarian bills start piling up, you can begin a regular cleaning regimen that will head off many issues before they take hold and cause an infection. Our selection of cleaners includes preventative choices and a few that can clear up mild problems before they become acute. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Virbac Epiotic Advanced
2. Petpost Wipes
3. Ear Well by Vet Well
Editor's Notes
May 20, 2020:
Cleaning your cat's ears is a chore that is often over-looked, especially because they only want to be touched when they say it's time to be touched. Many cats can go without regular cleaning, while others may produce excess wax or get themselves into messes more often. Although one benefit of having your own ear cleaner at home is to save yourself a trip to the vet, it's best to choose an ear cleaner ahead of time and bring it to a regular visit for their approval.
There are two basic choices when choosing an ear cleaner for your cat, either a liquid formula or the pre-soaked wipe.
Wipes like the Petpost Wipes and the Arava Pet Wipes can encourage more regular cleanings simply by being a lot less messy than the liquids. In general, you'll find they are not as economical as the liquid options, and you can only use them in parts of the ear where your finger can reach.
If your cat has chronic infections, mites or other issues, you will definitely want a liquid, even between infections, so that you can cleanse further into the ear canal. These liquids like the Virbac Epiotic Advanced and the Pet MD Otic-Clean are placed in the canal and massaged around, as their formulas actually work to keep the ear canal dry. Ear Well by Vet Well is even recommended for dogs and cats after swimming (or just falling into water), as a way to prevent swimmer's ear.
4. Zymox Otic
5. Colavita Olive Oil
6. Arava Pet Wipes
7. Pet MD Otic-Clean
8. Rubold Premium
9. Vet Organics Eco Ears
10. Earthbath Wipes
Tina Morna Freitas is a writer who lives in Chicago with her family and three cats. She has a B.A. in anthropology with a minor in English, and has built a freelance career over the years in writing and digital marketing. Her passions for cooking, decorating and home improvement contribute to her extensive knowledge of all things kitchen and home goods. In addition, her 20 years as a parent inform her expertise in the endless stream of toys and equipment that inevitably takes over the homes of most parents. She also enjoys gardening, making and sipping margaritas, and aspires to be a crazy cat lady once all the children are grown.