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Dealing with smelly, dirty, goopy, or itchy cat ears? There are two main types of ear cleaners for cats, and the best type for your cat will depend on whether or not your cat has an ear infection.
General cat ear cleaners will work to clean dirt, debris, and buildup from inside your cat’s ears. This can help alleviate hearing issues, irritation, and itchiness, and promote overall health and well-being for your cat. However, if the problem points toward yeast, bacteria, ear mites, or fungi being behind your cat’s ear issues, consult your veterinarian and seek a medicated ear cleaner designed to fight the infection.
For tips on what to look for in a cat ear cleaner and tips on cleaning your cat’s ears at home, we spoke with Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover and chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital.
The Winners
Our favorite overall ear cleaner is Zymox Ear Cleaner with Bio-Active Enzymes. We were won over by the enzyme-forward ingredients and the formula that is gentle enough to use on sensitive ears. For cats that have an ear itch that a simple cleaning doesn’t seem to scratch, we recommend Zymox Plus Advanced Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Otic Dog & Cat Ear Infection Solution. This formula has the same non-irritating, enzyme-based ingredients that we love in our top pick, with the added itch-stopping power of hydrocortisone. Need an ear cleaner with a different application or with all-natural ingredients? We’ve got more recommendations for you:
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Zymox Ear Cleaner with Bio-Active Enzymes is an effective place to start for cleaning buildup and controlling yeast, bacteria, and biofilm before it gets out of control. We appreciate how this formula is non-medicated and utilizes a patented system of natural enzymes—including lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme—that employ a broad-spectrum approach to destroying microorganisms and promoting ear health. The plant-based surfactants target dirt and wax, flushing it out of your cat’s ear canal.
However, this ear cleaner is intended for ear cleaning, not treatment. If your cat has any long-standing ear issues or you notice the ear looks inflamed, infected, or irritated beyond the basics, you’ll want to take your pet to get checked out by their vet. Even if your cat is prescribed antibiotics, it can be helpful to flush and clean the ear with this cleaner as a first step in prepping the ear for antibiotic treatment.
Additionally, this ear cleaner can also be used to maintain ear health after a course of ear infection treatment. We like that it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive or recovering ears (a big plus for your cat, too).
As a bonus, the formula is nontoxic and safe even if small amounts are ingested by your cat (such as if they lick at the application site). However, propylene glycol, a moisturizing solvent included in Zymox, shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities and may be harmful to your cat if too much is ingested.
Available in 4-ounce squeeze bottle
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Sometimes helping calm an ear itch requires a bit of a boost. Zymox Plus Advanced Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Otic Dog and Cat Ear Infection Solution is our go-to pick for cats experiencing frequent itching of the ears. We really like that this formula eschews medicinal ingredients in favor of enzymes known to fight and break down yeast, bacteria, fungi, and biofilm.
This is especially key for cats with recurrent bacterial or fungal infections that become antibiotic-resistant. Hydrocortisone provides an added punch, since it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-itch.
This cleaner is also nontoxic and non-irritating to your cat’s ears, and can safely be used for an extended period of time. That said, this ear treatment also contains alcohol, which can be drying for some cats when overused, so be sure to use only as directed to avoid further irritating your cat’s already inflamed ears.
Using this product is a cinch thanks to the smaller size of the bottle and applicator, which can fit and be squeezed with one hand. This also makes application easier to control when you’re applying the product directly to your cat’s ear.
Keeping that in mind, it does make for a more expensive product per ounce, but it is still an overall good bang for your buck since it’s reliably effective for treating inflammation. Since this product contains hydrocortisone, it should not be used on cats that are pregnant or feeding kittens.
Available in 1.25-ounce squeeze bottle
How We Picked
We did hours of research into the best-rated and most popular ear cleaners for cats, keeping in mind the expert input from Dr. Greenstein. We took into account ingredients, format, what type of needs the ear cleaner meets, and ease of use. We prioritized function, format, performance, and safety when selecting our top picks.
What to Look For in Cat Ear Cleaners
Vet-Approved Ingredients
Dr. Greenstein recommends using commercial, vet-approved ear cleaners as your guiding gold standard since they contain special ingredients that work to break down earwax for a more efficient cleaning and ear-clearing result. If you’re working on treating an ear infection, these will also help set the stage to help prescription ear medications reach their target sites.
Aside from vet-approved ingredients, Dr. Greenstein recommends looking for vet-approved formulations since they “may also have a specific pH and other components that act as gentle astringents to help dry out excessive moisture in the ear, as well as ingredients with antimicrobial action.” Look for:
- Aloe vera, a natural skin soother
- Vitamin E, also a natural skin soother
- Salicylic acid, which helps dry out the ear
- Hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory
- Alcohol, for its anti-microbial and drying properties (small amounts only)
Ingredients to Avoid
- Hydrogen peroxide
- High concentrations of alcohol
- Anything overly acidic or astringent that may burn or irritate your cat’s skin
- Common ingredients that are toxic to cats when ingested or absorbed through the skin, such as chloroxylenol
Administration Method
Cat ear cleaner comes in several forms, so be sure you’re grabbing the best type for your cat. This may be a learning curve as cats will have their own preference. The most common types of cat ear cleaner are wipes or flushes. Wipes can be used as needed and will require you to gently stick your finger in your cat’s ear to wipe it clean from the inside.
Cat ear cleaner flush is meant to be gently squirted into your cat’s ear straight from the bottle, massaged in, and then wiped out. However, since most cats won’t tolerate liquid being squirted into their ear, Dr. Greenstein recommends using the ear cleaning solution to dampen a cotton ball or soft towel and using that to wipe out the ear.
Tips for Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears
Although some cats may tolerate it, Dr. Greenstein admits that it’s likely your cat will not like having fluid poured directly into its ears, as with a flush-style ear cleaner. Cats normally keep their ears dry, and they may not welcome the sudden and unusual flush of fluid.
When it comes to application, she advises against the use of cotton-tipped swabs. Just like with human ears, it’s easy to cause accidental injury to structures inside the ear.
Instead, opt for a cotton ball or gauze square moistened with your chosen ear cleaner. Use this moistened ball or wipe to clean the ear by swiping it inside the ear flap and the outer ear canal. You may have to work in steps to get your cat comfortable enough to stay still for ear cleaning.
More We Recommend
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Best for Kittens: These Well & Good wipes are round pads that are presoaked in ear cleaning solution. The smaller size makes them ideal for use on cat and kitten ears.
Unlike larger pad wipes or sheets manufactured to use across species from cats to dogs to even horses, these smaller wipes are more manageable for wiping out little cat ears and reduce wasted product. Your kitten will also be thankful for the low-to-no scent of these wipes.
These wipes are non-medicated, so we like that they can be used for simple ear cleaning and to dissolve wax buildup (especially useful for stray kittens) without also exposing your cat to unnecessary extras. That said, you’ll want to be careful not to get the wipes near your cat’s eyes since this product does contain a common cat eye irritant, phenoxyethanol, which is used as a preservative.
Available in 100-count jars
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Best for Ear Flushing: Dechra’s TrizULTRA + Keto flush is a patented vet-recommended formula that helps to treat and maintain ears that are prone to mild yeast or bacterial infections. This particular flush formula also contains ketoconazole, an antifungal that can treat and prevent the recurrence of fungal infection in the ear (but can also be toxic to cats if ingested).
The non-stinging and fragrance-free wash is ideal for cats and can be less stressful for cats that already have issues with flush-style administration. We also like that this flush works to clean and prep the ear for topical antibiotic treatment in cats with more severe infections.
Available in 4-ounce and 12-ounce squeeze bottles
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Best Natural Option: Cats have more sensitive ears than dogs, especially when it comes to medicine, chemicals, and fragrances, which is why we like this gentle ear cleaner for use on sensitive ears. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Ear Cleaner for Cats contains 98 percent natural ingredients, such as soothing aloe leaf juice, nourishing avocado oil, and a mix of probiotics to help maintain the ear’s biome of good bacteria.
It’s alcohol-free, and there are no added fragrances, but, FYI, the natural ingredients tend to have their own smell that your cat may or may not be okay with. Just keep in mind that this is designed to be a cleaner for dirty ears, not a treatment for infections. Oh, and purchasing a bottle of this ear cleaner will also provide one day’s meal for a cat in need.
Available in 4-ounce squeeze bottle
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Pet Parent Favorite: Nearly 21,700 shoppers at Amazon gave Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy Wash a five-star rating, so it’s safe to say that pet parents love it. The active ingredients in this alcohol-free, non-irritating ear flush include salicylic acid and ketoconazole to target and prevent bacterial and fungal infections and lactic acid to reduce excessive moisture in the ear canal. It can also break down the debris and wax buildup that cause odors and provide food for ear mites to feed on.
It is gentle enough for daily use on cats over 12 weeks of age and can be used in conjunction with the brand’s line of ear wipes. The only downside to this ear flush is that the liquid pours out too fast, rather than in small drops, which makes it harder to administer if you have a nervous or restless kitty.
Available in 4.8-ounce and 9.6-ounce squeeze bottles
Other Products We Considered
In addition to our recommended ear cleaners for cats, we also evaluated these, but decided against adding them to our list.
Dr. Gold’s Ear Therapy: We like that this water-based ear cleaner relies on ingredients including salicylic acid to dry out the ear, lactic acid to smooth rough skin, and glycerin to dissolve waxy buildup. The formula also reduces inflammation with tea tree oil and witch hazel, while anti-fungal ingredients work to treat and prevent fungal, yeast, and bacterial infections. We’re less thrilled with the added fragrance and potentially toxic ingredients such as propylene glycol and ketoconazole, which can be dangerous for cats if ingested, leaving you to be vigilant about leaving product behind that could be licked up in their next cat grooming session.
Vetoquinol Ear Cleaning Solution: This ear cleaner is made with a combination of denatured alcohol (the kind that smells), salicylic acid, and lactic acid to help dry out mucky ears. It also contains aloe vera to help soothe irritated skin. We like that even though it contains alcohol, it’s still gentle enough to use several times a week, or for routine ear maintenance, and it helps to acidify the ear to prevent ear infections. However, it’s only available in a larger 16-ounce size, which can feel like product waste for small issues—and it doesn’t come with ear tips, so you’ll need to buy cotton balls or pads to administer.
FAQ
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Do cats need their ears cleaned?
A typical healthy cat only needs a routine cleaning no more than every few weeks—and some cats won’t need any maintenance at all. Don’t worry about keeping your cat’s ears squeaky clean. In fact, Dr. Greenstein warns that you can do more harm than good by trying to dig into every nook and cranny or doing it too often.
Instead, she advises that cat parents “get in the habit of checking their kitty’s ears weekly to screen for any issues and assess buildup or any signs of infection.”
However, she notes that if your cat has a history of ear infections or irritations, underlying allergies, or a narrowing of the ear canal, you may need to clean your cat’s ears regularly. The insides of a cat’s ears can be a breeding ground for infections in some cases, she warns. Though some lucky cats have clean ears that don’t really need attention, others can be prone to collecting excessive dirt and wax—and will need to be cleaned.
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Can you use dog ear cleaners on cats?
Dr. Greenstein points out that most of the cat ear cleaners on the market are labeled as useful for cats and dogs. It’s safe to use these products on either cats or dogs, but we recommend following the species advice on the product, so if it doesn’t have cats listed, don’t use it.
There is one notable feature of many ear cleaners marketed to dogs that are also labeled for cats—fragrance. Many dog ear cleaners are scented. Many cats do not like scents. “If your cat is bothered by strong scents, you’ll want to avoid some of the more fragrant products for dogs,” suggests Dr. Greenstein.
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How do I restrain a cat for ear cleaning?
Cats typically don’t like being restrained, and their small size can make it difficult. Dr. Greenstein notes that a good time to attempt ear cleaning is when your cat is comfy and relaxed or in a lazy mood, and to have treats and calming words at the ready to positively reinforce the experience. If mild restraining is needed, try to restrain them in a way that feels non-threatening.
Hold them in your lap with their back end up against your body and your arms on either side so they can’t wriggle backward and flee. “Know your cat,” she says, “if they seem stressed or fidgety, you may need an extra set of hands to help, or simply stop and reattempt later when your cat isn’t on high alert.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
K. Alex Beaven is a lifelong cat owner who has dealt with her fair share of ear icks and emergencies over the years. She is happy to report that her cat, Bo, has some of the healthiest ears his vet has seen, even if he likes to act like they are clogged whenever he is doing something he isn’t supposed to do. Alex has written for The Spruce Pets since 2023, and some of her articles include The Best Kitten Foods, Best Bone Broth for Cats, and Best Lickable Cat Treats. For this piece, she gathered expert input from Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover and chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital.
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