Applying Ear Drops to Cats

Before you begin

It is important to remember that your cat's ear condition may be painful and that even a normally gentle or passive cat may respond by struggling, biting, or scratching. Use caution and patience while treating your cat's ears. Until the medication begins to control the problem and ease the discomfort, you may need to wrap your cat securely in a towel or blanket to apply the medication.

Read the drug label carefully and make sure you understand the prescription instructions before you begin.

Tips

• If the medication is cold, warm it by rolling the container in your palms before applying.
• Associate ear medication with good things. Show your cat the medication and give them a treat or cuddle, several times a day.
• Massage your cat around the neck and ears regularly so they recognize ear manipulation as good touch.
• Ear conditions can be painful. Ask your vet for pain medication if you have trouble.
• Cats’ ear canals are L-shaped. Pulling up on their ear flap straightens out the canal and helps ear medication flow through the canal better.

How to apply your cat’s ear medication

Administration varies according to medication type. Before you start, ask your veterinarian if the bottle or syringe can be placed in your cat’s ear.

1. Shake the bottle and draw up the liquid into a syringe or dropper.

2. Get into position. Choose a quiet area in your home, away from other pets or distractions, where you are least likely to be interrupted.

3. Hold your cat in your lap facing away from you. If she needs help keeping still, try wrapping her in a towel, leaving only her head exposed. It can help to have another person hold the cat.

4. Hold the dropper, syringe, or bottle between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand.

5. With your other hand, rub under your cat’s jaw to bring their head up a little. Then, with the same hand, reach around and gently grab the ear to be treated, pulling upwards slightly and rubbing around the ear, if possible.

6. Give the medication.

• If the bottle is designed to go into the ear: Gently place the tip of the bottle into the ear canal and give the amount of medication prescribed.
• If the bottle should not touch the ear: Hold the ear up to straighten the ear canal as much as possible, then squeeze the dispenser so the prescribed amount drops into the ear canal.

7. Gently massage the base of the ear in a circular motion. Be cautious and calm. You should hear a “squishing” sound as you massage the medication deep into the ear canal. Some cats may not allow you to do this. In this case, do not force your cat to endure the ear massage.

8. Release the ear and let your cat shake its head. Any debris in the ear canal may shake out of the ear. Gently wipe any accumulated debris from around the ear with a tissue or cotton ball.

9. Wipe off the tip of the bottle or syringe with a clean cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.

If your cat is resistant to having ear medication applied, contact your veterinary team for more advice. Your cat may need some additional pain medication prescribed.