Paws and Care: My Heartfelt Journey Helping Cleo Beat Her Ear Woes
Life with Two Furry Londoners
Regal Cleo [Image by Hadinet Tekie]
Living in the vibrant heart of London, I’ve found that my two indoor cats, Kyro and Cleo, fill my life with endless love, entertainment, and (sometimes) a bit of chaos. As a dedicated cat parent, I want to do everything I can to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable.
Cleo, in particular, has her own little quirks — one of which is her ear health. For some time now, I noticed her ears looked a little darker inside, and she was scratching her head more often. That led me on a journey of discovery about ear health, what I can do as a loving owner, and how I can help her feel her best.
Today, I want to share my personal experience dealing with Cleo’s ear wax build-up — what I do, what I’ve learned, and how it’s strengthened my bond with her. If you’re a fellow cat lover with a curious or troubled kitty, I hope my story offers some comfort and practical tips.
Noticing the Signs: When Cleo’s Ears Seemed Off
It started subtly. Cleo was scratching her ears more frequently, and I noticed a slight dark discolouration inside her ears when I looked. Usually, her ears are pink and clean, but there are times when there is a small amount of wax, and she is a little less comfortable. At the start, I was unsure of what it was. I worried that she was having issues with ear mites. I asked my trusted vet to check her ears on her next visit and was introduced to the world of cat ear wax build-up.
As a caring owner, I immediately wanted to do the right thing. I know that ear health is vital for a cat’s overall well-being. Ear wax build-up can be common, especially in indoor cats, but it’s important to keep it in check.
My Personal POV: The Joy and Responsibility of Caring for My Cats
Living in London with Kyro and Cleo means I’m constantly learning about their needs, personalities, and health quirks. I love that being a cat parent means being attentive and proactive. Their tiny health issues, like this earwax situation, remind me how much trust they place in me to keep them safe and comfortable.
I’ve always believed that caring for cats is a balance — giving them independence, respecting their instincts, and providing love and medical care when needed. This experience with Cleo has deepened my understanding of how important it is to be observant and gentle, especially as Cleo detests me going anywhere near her ears.
Understanding Ear Wax in Cats: Why It Happens
Deep dive into the wax topic! [Image by Pixabay]
Before I started treating Cleo’s ears, I did some research. In cats, a certain amount of earwax is normal, helping to trap dirt and debris. But excessive build-up can cause discomfort, infections, or signal underlying issues.
Common causes include:
- Natural wax production
- Ear infections (bacterial or fungal)
- Allergies
- Ear mites (less common in indoor cats, but worth noting)
- Hygiene issues or trapped debris
Thankfully, Cleo shows no signs of pain or foul smell, which often accompany infections. Still, I knew I had to act to prevent any discomfort.
What I Do to Care for Cleo’s Ears
Gentle grooming session [Image by Bishop Stortford Vets]
As a loving owner, I want to help Cleo feel comfortable without causing her stress. Here’s what I do:
1. Regularly check her ears
I keep an eye on her ears weekly, gently inspecting the inside for wax, dirt, or redness. I do this calmly during cuddle time, speaking softly to reassure her.
2. Use a safe, vet-approved ear cleaning product
I’ve invested in gentle, feline-friendly unscented wipes. I tried using the drops, but Cleo would have none of it. To avoid further distress, as she already dislikes any ear touching, I stick to the wipes, which she allows after some coaxing. Out of all the wipes I have tried during my cat adventures, these are the ones my two seem the most happy with. (Paid Ad)
3. Softly clean her ears
Using a cotton ball or wipe dipped lightly in the solution or without, I gently wipe the inside of her ears. I avoid deep cleaning or poking around — just removing excess wax and dirt.
4. Observe her reactions
Cleo sometimes flinches if I touch a sensitive spot, so I go slowly and praise her for being brave. If she shows signs of pain or if the wax is excessive, I’ll consult my vet.
5. Follow up with a vet if needed
This is key. If I notice persistent wax, a bad smell, or her scratching more, I’ll schedule a veterinary appointment for a professional check-up.
When to See the Vet
While I prefer to handle minor wax build-up at home, I know there are times when professional help is necessary:
- If her ears smell foul or have discharge
- If she’s in obvious pain or sensitivity
- If the wax is excessive or persistent despite cleaning
- If she shows signs of head shaking or balance issues
Pro tip: Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, a quick vet visit can prevent bigger problems later.
Additional Tips for Ear Health
- Keep her environment clean and free of dust or irritants.
- Ensure her bedding is fresh and free of mites or bugs.
- Maintain her overall health with regular vet check-ups and a good diet.
- Avoid inserting anything deep into her ears — let the professionals handle it if needed.
Living with Cats in London: A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way
Post-ear wax session. Chill time! [Image by Pixabay]
London’s urban environment can sometimes mean dust and allergens inside my flat, so I try to keep everything as clean and allergen-free as possible. That includes their ears! I’ve learned that regular checks and gentle cleaning can make a big difference in their comfort and health.
Caring for Cleo’s ears has turned into a bonding moment for us — her trusting me to help her stay happy and healthy makes our bond even stronger.
Final Thoughts: Loving, Watching, and Caring
Every little health issue, like Cleo’s earwax, reminds me how important it is to be attentive and gentle. Cats are such wonderful, complex creatures, and their health is worth the small effort it takes to keep them feeling good.
If your kitty has similar issues, remember: gentle, regular care and professional advice are your best tools. And most importantly, love and patience make all the difference.
Thanks for reading my story — if you’re caring for a kitty with ear issues, I hope my experience helps you feel less alone on this journey.
For more insight and fun facts, check out my other blogs!
Warm Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This post shares my personal experiences and what has worked for Cleo. If your cat shows signs of infection or discomfort, please consult a professional veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
