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7 Best Cat Ear Cleaner in Canada: How to Choose, Use, and Buy Safely
- Max Wu
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Most cats don’t need their ears cleaned often. You should only clean your cat’s ear as needed, when you see visible wax or dirt. For many healthy cats, that’s once a month or even less often. If you’re not sure what your cat needs, always check with your veterinarian.
Understanding Cat Ear Health and Common Issues
Healthy cat ears are pink, clean, and don’t smell weird. You shouldn’t see much wax. If your cat’s scratching a lot, there’s a strong odor, or you spot discharge, something’s probably off and needs a closer look.
Signs of Cat Ear Problems
Take a peek inside your cat’s ears once a week. Watch for odor, redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, as these may indicate an underlying problem.
Visual signs: Dark brown or black debris, redness, swelling, or ears that feel unusually warm.
Behavioral signs: Frequent head shaking, persistent scratching at the ears, or sensitivity when you try to touch their head.
Pain or neurological symptoms: Crying when the ear is touched, loss of balance, or walking in circles are urgent warning signs that require immediate veterinary attention.
Ear Wax Buildup and Odor
Normal wax is light brown with little to no odor. A small amount is normal and helps protect the ear canal.
Healthy wax is thin, light, and comes out easily with regular grooming.
Abnormal wax is dark, thick, or crusty. Black debres could be normal, but it might also mean ear mites or yeast. Bad smells are another red flag. Sweet smells means yeast problems, gross and foul usually means bacteria.
Types of Cat Ear Products
Prescription ear solutions – Used for treating ear infections or chronic ear disease. These medicated products may contain antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids, and require a veterinarian’s prescription (Note: if infection is suspected, treatment with prescription medication is necessary — not routine cleaners.)
Ear cleaners – Suitable for regular maintenance and prevention of buildup. Products like Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced are widely recommended for routine use.
Pet ear wipes – Convenient for quick cleanups and surface debris. Options such as Earth Rated Ear Wipes are easy for busy pet owners.
Over-the-counter medicated ear solutions (non-prescription) – Contain steroid ingredients to help with itchiness and inflammation. Stronger than basic cleaners, but not a replacement for veterinary-prescribed treatments.
Popular Cat Ear Cleaners Brands & Products in Canada
Cat ear cleaners come in various forms including wipes, liquid solutions, and foaming formulas, each designed to address specific ear care needs.
Virbac EpiOtic Advanced stands as one of the most recommended cat ear cleaners by veterinarians. This non-prescription product typically costs $12 - 22 CAD per bottle (118ml / 237ml). The neutral pH formula makes it gentle enough for routine use.
The key ingredients include salicylic acid to help remove wax and debris effectively and EDTA for weakening the bacteria. It also contains docusate sodium that dries ears. The solution is pH-balanced, alcohol-free and doesn't sting, making it well-tolerated by most cats.
Product highlights:
Removes excessive wax buildup
Controls ear odors
Provides a drying effect
Prepares ears for medication application
Safe for regular use 2-3 times weekly
This cleaner offers excellent value for comprehensive ear maintenance. It's particularly effective at dissolving stubborn wax accumulations that other cleaners might miss.
Oti-Scrub foaming solution uses enhanced foaming action for thorough ear canal cleaning. The cleanser costs approximately $12 - 20 CAD per bottle (237ml / 473ml).
The formula contains 0.2% salicylic acid and 0.1% aloe vera. Salicylic acid provides gentle exfoliation while aloe vera soothes irritated tissues. The foaming action helps penetrate deeper into ear canals than liquid cleaners.
Product highlights:
Foaming action for better penetration
Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells
Aloe vera provides soothing relief
Effective for heavy wax buildup
The foaming formula makes it particularly effective for cats with significant wax accumulation.
Pro-Otic HC is an anti-inflammatory ear solution that contains hydrocortisone, priced around $23 CAD per bottle (60ml). This medicated formula targets inflammation and provides therapeutic benefits beyond basic cleaning. The hydrocortisone reduces itching, inflammation and discomfort in the ear canals.
Product highlights:
The only medicated ear preparations available OTC
Contain hydrocortisone 1% (a corticosteroid)
Reduces discomfort and swelling in the ear canal
Relief irritation and redness
Note: Pro-Otic HC is not a general ear cleaner. If there is persistent discharge, odor, or pain, a veterinary exam is recommended to rule out infection or eardrum damage. Pet owners should ideally use this under veterinary supervision.
Earth Rated Ear Wipes offer convenient cleaning for pet owners who prefer ready-to-use cat ear wipes. These hypoallergenic wipes typically cost $13 - $14 CAD for a pack of 60 wipes.
The wipes contain gentle cleansing agents and are formulated specifically for both cats and dogs. They work well for routine maintenance cleaning of the outer ear areas. Pet owners find them particularly useful for cats who resist liquid ear cleaners.
Product highlights:
Pre-moistened and ready to use
Hypoallergenic formula
Suitable for regular maintenance
No mess application
The wipes provide good value for owners seeking hassle-free ear care. They're especially helpful for cleaning visible dirt and wax from ear flaps.
MalAcetic combines acetic acid and boric acid for effective ear cleaning. The product typically costs $17 - 28 CAD per bottle (118ml / 237ml).
Acetic acid helps to control bacteria and yeast. Boric acid helps to dry out the ear and reduce excess moisture. These acids create an environment that discourages bacterial and yeast growth while effectively dissolving wax and debris. It is recommended for dogs prone to ear infections or with chronic ear problems.
Product highlights:
Dual acid system for enhanced cleaning
Formulated to cleanse, dry and degrease the ear
Discourages microbial growth
Help create an healthy ear environment and prevent infection
Vetoquinol offers a gentle ear cleaner priced between $10-15 CAD per bottle (120ml / 237ml).
This cleaner contains denatured alcohol to dry out the external ear canal and evaporate excess moisture. Lactic acid helps to lower the pH of the ear and prevent bacteria and fungi growth. It's designed for routine use in healthy ears.
Product highlights:
Dyring and acidifying actions
Promote health environment within the ears
Prevent external ear infections
Gentle for routine use
Ubasan is an alcohol-free ear cleaning solution with salicylic acid plus lactic and D-Malic acids, typically costing $8-18 CAD per bottle (120ml/ 250ml/ 500ml). It is designed to gently remove wax and debris, soothe the ear canal, and help prevent external ear infections.
Key advantages:
Suitable for multi-pet households
Gentle enough for regular use
Helps maintain ear hygiene and prevent external ear infections
The antiseptic action provides extra protection beyond basic cleaning.
How to Use Cat Ear Cleaners Safely and Effectively
Step-by-Step Cleaning Cat’s Ear Instructions
Before you begin, choose a quiet space and gather your supplies: a veterinary-approved ear cleaner, cotton balls or gauze, and a towel to help gently hold your cat if needed.
Don’t use cotton swabs or finger wipes inside the ear canal, they can push wax further in or hurt your cat’s ears.
Here’s the process:
Apply cleaner - Fill the canal with solution. Avoid touching the ear with the bottle tip.
Massage - Gently rub the base of the ear for about 20-30 seconds to help loosen wax and debris.
Let them shake - Your cat will probably shake their head, which helps bring debris to the surface.
Wipe away debris - Use cotton balls or gauze to wipe away debris from the outer ear folds only.
Finish one ear before starting the other. This reduces the chance of spreading infection if only one ear is affected.
Tips for Reducing Stress of a Cat During Cleaning
Pick the right moment: Clean after a meal or play session when your cat is calmer.
Build trust: Regularly handle and rub your cat’s ears during cuddle time so cleaning feels more natural.
Use positive reinforcement: Offer treats, gentle praise, and breaks if needed.
Ask for help: A second person can help gently hold your cat if they’re squirmy.
Keep sessions short: Forcing a stressed cat may cause injury and make future cleanings harder.
Many ear cleaners have mild scents. Let your cat sniff the bottle first to reduce surprises. Starting ear care routines early in life often helps kittens adapt more easily
Safety Precautions and When to Avoid Cleaning
Do not attempt ear cleaning if your cat shows signs of infection or injury. In these cases, consult your veterinarian first.
Call the vet if you see:
Bad odor or unusual discharge
Blood in the ear
Redness, swelling, or obvious pain
Lots of scratching or shaking
Head tilting or balance problems
Important: Only clean ears when the eardrum is intact. Using cleaning solution with a ruptured eardrum can cause severe complications, including hearing loss.
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