Top 8 Best Cat Ear Cleaners for Safe and Gentle Ear Care

Today, your cat’s ear might be remarkably clean; but just like us, their ears can get dirty, too. Or worse, they can also get ear infections.

That’s why we can’t emphasize enough the importance of cleaning your cat’s ears regularly using only the best cat ear cleaner.

And in this article, we’ll talk more about cat ear care, ear infections, how to prevent microbial attachment, ear mites, and other ear problems that can potentially damage your cats' ear when not treated.

We also know how hard it is to choose the best ear cleaning solution in the market today; so, we’ve also made a list, including our top 3 picks, for the best ear cleaners in 2022.

Also Read: Reviews of the 5 Best Cat Eye Drops

Causes of Ear Infections in Cats

Ear infections in cats often occur due to an underlying medical condition, unless your cat was infested with ear mites from another pet or animal.

While ear mite infections are the simplest cause of ear infections in cats, there are still other conditions that may increase the chances of your dearest kitty getting feline ear infections.

Below are some of the other risk factors:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Excessive wax buildup
• Environmental irritants, and allergies (from food or pollen)
• Lack of or improper ear care practices
• Excessive bacterial or yeast growth
• Presence of polyps or tumors in the ear canal
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Diseases that affect the immune system, such as FIV

8 Best Cat Ear Cleaners

1. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner 

This non irritating ear cleanser is our top pick for the best cat ear cleaner in the market today. It’s made by Virbac, one of the leaders in pet healthcare solutions known for providing the highest-quality products in several areas of pet health.

The gentle formula used in this ear cleaning solution makes it possible to clean your pet’s ears without causing further irritation even if he already has an active ear infection.

This vet-recommended product is formulated with anti-adhesive glycotechnology which helps prevent microbial attachment and prevent infections.

What’s more, this ear cleanser features a patented anti-odor technology that gets rid of unpleasant odors in your cat’s ear canal.

This ultra-effective and safe ear cleaner was formulated for routine ear cleansing for sensitive ears, for cats with chronic otitis externa, and in removing debris and ear wax before the administration of other medications.

This cleanser has a low PH, so it won’t interfere with the actions of other ear medications. And it is also a self-drying solution, so, it helps in keeping your kitty’s ears free from moisture to prevent bacterial growth and yeast infections.

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2. Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is a top-favorite among pet parents because of its triple action formula that helps treat viral, fungal (including yeast), and bacterial infections (including Staphylococcus).

It’s a product manufactured by PKB Animal Health, one of the leading manufacturers of pet care and veterinary products.

The product’s exclusive LP3 Enzyme System is an ideal alternative to antibiotics and harsh chemicals. And it’s tested and proven to provide fast acting relief from itchy ears, sore and smelly ears, infections, and irritations.

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3. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy

Those saying that keeping a cat’s ear clean can be expensive probably haven’t heard of this product.

You can purchase the 8 oz bottle of this medicated solution on Chewy for only $7.76, which makes it one of the cheapest ear cleaning products out there.

But don’t take its affordability as a sign of weakness – this ear cleaner is formulated with lactic acid, ketoconazole and salicylic acid that help promote healthy ears with regular use.

The product is also crafted in the USA using globally-sourced ingredients, and it is free from harmful ingredients like parabens, dyes or synthetic fragrances.

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4. Zymox Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats

The Zymox range of products, which are manufactured by Pet King Brands is trusted by pet parents and veterinarians for more than 20 years.

Together, their pet ear cleaners, shampoos, leave-in coat conditioners, topical creams, and hot spot sprays work to soother your pet’s ear and skin problems and to manage yeast and fungal infections without resorting to harmful chemical ingredients.

This non-irritating and refreshing ear cleanser is specially formulated to be used as a maintenance to manage dirty ears, and not as a treatment for ear infections.

Nonetheless, it does contain a variety of enzyme systems that help gently maintain healthy and fresh-smelling ears.

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5. Vetnique Labs Oticbliss Vet-Strength Hydrocortisone & MicroSilver BG 

This advanced formula features 1% Hydrocortisone to help reduce inflammation and relieve itching or irritation caused by allergies, infections or moisture buildup.

It also contains 0.2% MicroSilver BG, a proven antimicrobial ingredient that helps combat bacteria and maintain a balanced ear environment.

To further promote comfort, the formula includes naturally derived chitosan, known for its soothing and protective properties that help support delicate ear tissue.

Safe for both dogs and cats, these ear drops are ideal for pets prone to ear discomfort, helping keep their ears clean, calm, and healthy with every use.

It is also alcohol-free, so it can clean and dry your cat’s ears without causing further irritation.

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6. PetArmor Ear Rinse for Dogs & Cats

This ear wash is a product of PetIQ, a leading, and rapidly growing pet care and wellness company, which works tirelessly to provide pet parents with affordable, and effective products and services for their furry family members.

PetArmor Ear Rinse is made for cats and dogs, and it features a powerful, yet gentle formula that kills yeast and odor-causing bacteria while gently removing wax, dirt and damaged tissues in your pet’s ears.

This dual-action ear wash can be your perfect partner in eliminating your cat’s habit of shaking his head and scratching his ears caused by inflamed, and dirty ears.   

Before rinsing your cat’s ear, shake the bottle first to make sure that the solution is evenly distributed. Completely fill your pet’s ear canal, and gently massage the base of his ear.

Remove the excess solution with a cotton ball. And repeat the application as necessary, or as prescribed by your veterinarian.

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7. PawSono Dog & Cat Finger Ear Wipes

Keep your pet’s ears fresh, clean, and healthy the gentle way with this ear wipes — the perfect organic option for pets without ear infections.

Say goodbye to ear odor, dryness, and itching with our natural plant-based formula featuring witch hazel, coconut oil, and aloe vera. These soothing ingredients work together to cleanse and nourish while maintaining your pet’s ear health naturally.

Completely alcohol-free and fragrance-free, PawSono wipes are gentle on sensitive ears and safe if licked, making them ideal for regular ear care.

The extra-large, non-slip finger design ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing for effortless and precise cleaning every time. Keep your furry friend’s ears clean, calm and happy — the natural way.

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8. NaturPet Ear Drops Homeopathic Medicine for Ear Infections

This is a product of NaturPet Inc., a company that truly cares for companion animals, having worked with different reputable organizations, and donated products to improve the lives of as many animals as possible.

Also, all of their products are produced in a GMP-certified facility, to ensure their safety, and efficacy while meeting quality standards.

This non-toxic natural solution is made with a blend of 100% natural herbs and oils that work together to clean ears and promote optimal ear health.

Apply a few drops of this solution for your cat’s inner and outer ear infections, swimmer’s ears, as well as for general cleaning.

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How to Prevent Ear Infections in Cats?

Ear infections in cats can be prevented fairly easily. Routine examination of your cat's ears can help determine any potential infection that can affect them. It can be difficult to prevent bacteria, fungi, and viruses from invading your cat's ears. However, by practicing good ear hygiene, you can help keep these pesky microorganisms away.

Regular cleaning with the help of an appropriate and effective ear cleaner can help prevent infections by removing dirt and particles that can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

Regular ear cleaning can also help you spot early signs of infection, and enables you to act as soon as possible before it gets worse. Some of the signs that you should watch out for include foul odor, redness, and swelling.

Things to Consider When Buying Cat Ear Cleaners

Choosing ear cleaning pet products should not be hard, especially if your vet has given his recommendations considering that he knows what your cat needs as far as his health is concerned.

However, when purchasing a cat ear cleaning product without veterinary advice, you should be mindful of the following factors:

Easy Application

Other cat owners prefer otic drops or ear wipes. What makes these drops so effective is that they cover areas within the ears which cannot be reached with the use of a clean wipe alone.

The downside would be you have to put the solution inside the ear for at least ten seconds before drying out the solution, which can quite cause some problems.

Alcohol free wipes offer minimal mess when applied correctly. However, they cannot reach certain areas of the inner surface of the outer ear.

Purpose

While ear cleaning products are specifically formulated in cleaning your cat’s ears and preventing infections, you might want to consider some other purposes, too.

Is this product designed specifically to be effective against bacteria? Are your cats suffering from ear infections? Does your cat need an ear mite treatment? Is it a matter of cleaning? Do you need a deodorizing product, and so on?

Efficacy of Active Ingredients

You have to consider the effectiveness of the product’s active ingredients in hitting the desired purpose or goal of using a certain ear cleaner or ear care product. Some ear cleaning products use natural formulas.

However, although these usually do well, they often require a longer application to see good outcomes. Usually, when you want something quicker, you should look for other active ingredients. These other products may work quickly and efficiently but can have several side effects, too.

Safe Ingredients

As previously mentioned, several key ingredients need to be present to safely achieve the results that we want from a specific product.

That being said, an ear cleaning solution should be safe, yet effective to avoid any additional ear problem for your kitty.

In this regard, we can say that products that contain all-natural ingredients are safer. They are also effective, but you just have to wait longer to see favorable results. 

Benefits of Using Cat Ear Cleaners

While cats may be good at cleaning their ears, senior cats, those with allergies, as well as those living in humid conditions may need extra help now and then. And there are just several benefits of ear cleaners that we, pet parents, cannot just ignore.

Prevents Ear Infections

Symptoms of feline ear infections include the unusual accumulation of wax inside the ears. When this happens, bacteria and yeasts can colonize these wax-like compounds and begin to spread infection.

Cleaning the ears of your cat regularly can reduce or eliminate infections and reduce ear pain at the same time. Also, regular cleaning can help prevent ear mites from causing more problems in your cat’s ears.

Saves You From Costly Vet Fees

Ear infections are usually treated using antibiotics or medications for the associated symptoms. These medications are not cheap, and you have to administer them to your cat’s ears every day for 14 days, depending on the severity of his condition, and the causative organism.

This amount does not include veterinarian professional charges or expenses for laboratory work. Cleaning your cat's ears often so you can prevent infection and potential hearing loss is a much cheaper alternative to waiting for problems to arise.

Prevents Hearing Impairment

Hearing impairment is often caused by ear infections, but it can also be due to immensely dirty ears. Once the ear canal is blocked by a huge mass of waxy substance, it is expected that one’s hearing would be compromised. The reductions of sound amplifiers in your cat’s eardrums, which result from the blockage, can impair your cat’s hearing.

Allows for the Periodic Assessment of the Pet's Ears

It doesn't happen each day when cats get examined and evaluated for abnormal growths, swelling, discolorations, and discharges in their ears. However, the use of ear cleaners allows you to check the condition of your cat’s eardrums regularly.

Takeaway

Applying an ear cleaner is your best bet if your cat needs instant relief from ear irritation that is caused by dirt, and opportunistic microorganisms.

And as mentioned above, our topmost pick for the best cat ear cleaner is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner. Its gentle formula is effective even for cats with irritated and sensitive ears, and it also features an exclusive anti-odor technology that keeps your pet smelling fresh.

If you are looking for the most popular option, with consistently high positive reviews on Chewy and Amazon, you can go for Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone. Finally, if you are hunting for an affordable, yet effective ear cleaner, our top pick would be Frisco Cat Ear Cleaner.