How to clean the ears and eyes of hairles cat. The auricles and eyelids of the sphynx, bambino or elf are not protected by hairs, so they get dirty faster than in cats of other breeds. Not only dust gets inside, but also pathogenic microorganisms that can cause inflammation. To prevent this, sphynx, bambino or elf need regular cleaning of their ears and eyes. Let’s find out with what frequency and how to conduct it correctly and how to prepare the cat for an unpleasant procedure for him.
Why clean the ears of a cat?
Cats, like humans, have sulfur accumulating in their ears. This secret is produced by the ceruminous glands. Its main function is to lubricate and protect the auditory canals from dirt, fungal and bacterial infection.
The amount of sulfur differs from animal to animal. In some cats, the glands work more intensively, so more secretions are formed. If too much of it is allocated, it threatens to cause traffic jams. Blockage of the auditory canal can provoke inflammation. That is why it is important to periodically clean the ears of domestic cats.
It’s interesting! Sulfur can destroy some strains of E. coli, staphylococci and streptococci. However, with a decrease in immunity, its bactericidal properties weaken.
In sphynxes, bambinos or elfes the hearing organs are completely open, not protected by woolen hairs, because of this, dust particles, pathogenic microorganisms and insects easily get inside them. Therefore, they must be cleaned regularly. Due to poor care, representatives of these breeds, especially kittens, often suffer from ear scabies and otitis media.
Examination of the animal before the procedure
It is necessary to clean the ears of a sphynx, bambino or elf cat regularly, but it is necessary to take into account the physiological characteristics of the pet. Regular examination of the sphinx will help determine the need for the procedure. It is necessary to check the condition of the hearing organs on a weekly basis.
This approach will help to detect infection with otodectes, the development of purulent otitis and other problems in time. Owners of sphinxes usually inspect their ears before bathing.
To assess the condition of the ears, you will need good lighting. The cat should be placed on a flat surface, lightly pressed, fix the head, turn out the shell. You need to act carefully, you can not allow rough and sudden movements, so as not to scare the pet.
The presence of sulfur inside the ear is a normal phenomenon. In a healthy cat, it has the consistency of a paste and is colored in a light brown shade. The secret is evenly distributed over the inner surface of the sink and has no unpleasant odor.
There are no combs on the scalp and ears, and no fluid is released from the ear canal. But there are other situations.
What should alert you?
If too much sulfur is found during examination or during cleaning, although it was not noticed before, it means that some changes have occurred in the pet’s body. This may be due to metabolic disorders, allergies or inflammation of the ear.
During the inspection, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- The presence of effusions and a fetid smell from the ear, the appearance of greenish crusts in the ear canal. This happens with purulent otitis media.
- Scratches on the outer and inner surfaces of the sinks. This indicates itching.
- The cat behaves restlessly, tilts its head, shakes it, sleeps badly.
In some cats, sulfur is almost not formed, and the ears inside look dry and even peel off. This may mean that there is not enough fat in the animal’s diet.
With any of these problems, it is better to contact a veterinarian. It is impossible to clean the ears of the sphynx, bambino or elf at home with purulent inflammation, it is dangerous.
How to properly clean the ears of sphynxes, bambinos or elfes?
It is important to choose the right time to clean the ears when the cat is in a good mood and is not busy with anything. If the pet has played out, there is no need to distract him, he will still break out to continue the entertainment. It’s better to wait until he calms down, and then get down to business.
Frequency of ear cleaning
Sphynxes, bambinos or elfes have their ears cleaned 1 time in 7 days. More frequent intervention is not recommended, as it can disrupt the natural microflora. If no sulfur or dirt is found in the sinks during the inspection, you should not worry the animal once again. The exception is the recommendation of a veterinarian.
Inventory
Before you start cleaning the ears of the sphynx, bambino or elf, you need to prepare everything. For the procedure you will need:
- several cotton pads – 6-8 pieces;
- cotton swabs;
- special lotion;
- a towel or sheet for fixing the animal.
Ear cleaning products
Not every tool is suitable for cleaning the ears of a cat. For example, you can not use a soap or alcohol-containing solution. Veterinary pharmacies and pet stores sell special lotions for regular ear hygiene.
If there was no lotion at hand, you can replace it with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or ordinary saline solution. But it’s better not to save on cats.
It is preferable to use special ear cleaning products – they include plant extracts and oily substances that soften sulfur better and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
How to prepare a pet for the procedure?
For the most part, sphynxes, bambinos or elfes normally treat bathing, cleaning ears and eyes. However, some do not like any interference. It is important to properly prepare the animal for the procedure – take it in your arms, talk gently, stroke, calm down.
If the pet is inclined to resist – to scratch or bite, it is better to ask someone from the family to help hold it. When no one is around, you can wrap the cat in a towel, but not too tight, and put it on your lap.
Attention! You can not shout and treat the cat rudely. Such actions will only frighten her. Next time the pet will show even more resistance. In addition, the owner risks losing his trust forever.
Step-by-step instructions
Since the ears of cats are a very sensitive part of the body, you need to perform the procedure carefully. Even careful manipulations can cause unpleasant sensations.
How to clean the ears of a sphynx, bambino or elf yourself:
- Lay the cat on his knees and fix his head with his left hand, simultaneously grab the auricle with his thumb and index finger and turn it out.
- With your right hand, insert 2-3 drops of lotion into the ear canal.
- Massage the ear to distribute the product inside.
- Wait 1 minute until the contents of the auricle soften.
- Clean the inner surface of the ear with a wet sponge.
- With a cotton swab, gently remove small sulfur particles in hard-to-reach places.
Important! Do not insert the wand into the ear canal deeper than 1 cm – this can cause pain and even injure the eardrum of a sphinx, bambino or elf.
After completing the manipulations with one ear, you should do the same with the second. We recommend treating the animal with a treat after cleaning the ears. Then the procedure will become associated with something pleasant in the future.
Features of eye care
The eyes of sphynx, bambino or elf lack eyelashes, so they also need special care. Normally, a small amount of light brown secretions accumulates in the inner corners, which then dry out and turn into dark crusts. They should be removed daily if possible.
Tonics are used for the hygiene of the sphinx’s, bambinos or elfes eyes. They include purified water, glycerin, salt, boric acid, herbal extracts. For animals with sensitive skin, it is better to choose hypoallergenic lotions.
Such funds can be completely replaced with a saline solution. In most cases, they do, because sphinxes, bambinos and elves often suffer from allergies.
How to clean the eyes of a pet?
Cleaning is performed with a wet cotton pad or swab. First, wipe one eye, removing dirt from the outer corner to the inner. Then take a clean sponge and treat the eyelids in the same way on the other side.
At the end of the procedure, it is necessary to make sure that the villi from the cotton pad do not get on the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Important! It is recommended to use a composition whose temperature is close to 38-40°C (100-104°F). A cold tonic will cause unpleasant sensations in a sphynx, a bambino or an elf.
So, it is necessary to clean the ears of sphynx, bambino or elf every 7 days, and the eyes – daily. In order for the cat to learn how to respond normally to hygienic procedures, you need to treat him gently, and after manipulations, always treat him with something delicious.
However, it is undesirable to clean too often, since sulfur serves to protect the hearing organs from infections.