What are the Best Ear Drops for Cats?

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Our Top Pick
VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Cats

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Cats

A veterinarian-developed solution to clean and eliminate ear infections, itching, and scratching.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy
Best Anti-Itch
VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Flushes

VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Flushes

Medicated ear flush formulated to relieve bacterial and fungal infections.

Get on Amazon
Best Antifungal
VetWELL EarWELL Tris Flush

VetWELL EarWELL Tris Flush

This high-quality ear cleanser is formulated by veterinarians for effective and quick relief.

Get on Amazon
Best for Infections
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy

Created with a gentle but effective formula, especially for a cat’s sensitive ears.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy
Best Steroid-Based
Zymox Otic Ear Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

Zymox Otic Ear Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

A veterinarian-recommended solution that relieves a broad spectrum of ear problems.

Get on Koala HealthGet on Chewy
Best Soothing
Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanser for Cats

Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanser for Cats

A gentle cat ear cleanser containing aloe vera to soothe irritated ears and help with itchiness.

Get on Amazon
Most Affordable
Pet MD Otic Clean Cat Ear Cleaner

Pet MD Otic Clean Cat Ear Cleaner

Scientifically made gentle wipes for easy and effective cleaning that are also budget-friendly.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy

Can I Put Ear Drops in My Cat’s Ears?

Yes, you can use ear drops for cats.

Medicated ear drops that have been prescribed by the vet will help manage the inflammation, ease the pain, and provide a quick recovery.

What are the Benefits of Ear Drops for Cats?

Ear drops for cats are beneficial for various reasons:

  • Ear Cleaning. Cats that have been rescued usually have extremely dirty ears as they have been abandoned. Outdoor cats and swimmers will have dirt and grass in their ears. This debris will need to be cleaned out with ear drops to prevent any dirt or grass from further penetrating the inner ear. This can cause infection or even rupture the ear drums. Using ear drops will also help soften cat ear wax and make way for healthy ears.
  • Ear Problem Prevention. For cats with chronic ear problems, the veterinarian will provide ear drops to keep their ears clean and prevent infections before they begin. Cats with diabetes, otitis externa, allergies, and a weak immune system will also need regular ear drops to prevent infections and inflammation.
  • Ear Infection Treatment. Ear infections are extremely painful. Infections cause redness, swelling, bad odor, and discharge. Using medicated ear drops provided by a veterinarian, like antifungals to treat fungal and bacterial infections, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drops, will help to heal and soothe the cat’s ear problems.
  • Ear Mite Treatment. When a cat is found to have ear mites, it will be prescribed anti-parasitic ear drops by the veterinarian. These ear drops clean debris and discharge and, at the same time, kill the ear mites. Cleaning the debris and discharge will help the medicine properly penetrate the ear canal to be highly effective against ear mites and quicken the healing process.

The Best Ear Drops for Cats Reviewed

There are many ear drops for cats. To help you find the right fit for your pet, we have reviewed some of the best cat ear medications on the market.

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Cats

Price: $13.99

Material: Ear drops for cats 

Size: 8 oz

Recommended Uses: For animal use only. Use it 2-3x a day for excessively dirty pet ears, and 1-2x weekly for the maintenance of healthy ears.

Pet: Dogs & Cats

Lifestage: Dogs & cats of all life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Apply liberally to your pet’s ear canal. Massage the base of the ear. Allow your pet to shake its head, then clean the excess with cotton or cloth.

Summary: This is a veterinarian-formulated product that gently cleans, deodorizes, acidifies, and dries the ear canal. It is a gentle cleanser containing aloe vera that is safe for cats and can be used daily. It eliminates wax build-up, dirt, and debris. It helps to prevent ear infections and provides relief from itching.

Pros
  • Provides relief from ear infections
  • Works well against ear mites
  • Easy to use
  • Does not cause irritation
  • Has a great scent
Cons
  • May cause an allergic reaction in some cats

Ingredient Analysis: This cleaning solution contains aloe vera gel which can be soothing to sensitive ears. It also contains lactic acid and salicylic acid, which have antibacterial and acidic properties that will make the ear canal unfavorable for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Customer Reviews: This is an effective ear infection treatment with 4.6 out of 5 stars, along with 12,621 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it is a great product for cleaning and preventing infections.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is highly suitable for pets and is easy to use.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10): This product uses pet-safe and premium ingredients. It contains aloe vera gel which is known to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and aids in healing the lesions caused by ear mites in dogs. Also, it only contains less than 5% of alcohol.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This product is reasonably priced, and its quality matches the cost.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most reviews on Amazon stated that this product has done its job well of cleaning and deodorizing their pet’s ears. There were only a few reports of stinging after administering the product to their pet.
  • Product Variety (8/10): This product has only two varieties: VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats Cucumber-Lemon Scent and VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats Sweet Pea & Vanilla Scent.
VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Flushes for Cats

Price: $19.99

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 4 fl oz

Recommended Uses: For animal use only. Use daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Do not use on injured or perforated ear drums.

Pet: Dogs & Cats

Lifestage: Dogs & cats of all life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature. Avoid freezing.

Product Use Instruction: Apply to the ear canal and gently, but firmly massage the base of the ear. Use absorbent material to remove any excess solution.

Summary: This medicated ear flush gently cleans wax and dirt and prevents infection. It has a light, non-irritating scent that will eliminate bad odor. It will effectively eliminate itchy and scaly irritation and restore health and balance to the ear.

Pros
  • Great for chronic ear infections
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Prevents infections
  • Effective against wax and dirt
  • Provides relief from ear pain
Cons
  • Scent can be overbearing for some

Ingredient Analysis: This ear flush has two active ingredients, chlorhexidine, and ketoconazole, which are effective against yeast, bacterial infection, and ear mites. It also contains aloe vera leaf juice.

Customer Reviews: It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and 3,437 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it is a great product for preventing chronic infection.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Flushes for Cats & Dogs an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is highly suitable for cats and dogs and is easy to administer to a pet’s ears.
  • Ingredient Quality (8/10): This consists of two powerful ingredients, chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, which are essential in preventing bacterial ear infections in both cats and dogs.
  • Cost Effectiveness (7/10): The price of these ear drops for cats is well-aligned with their quality.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the Amazon reviews of this product state that this is effective in providing a remedy to chronic ear problems among pets.
  • Product Variety (8/10): There are only two varieties of this product: Vetnique Octibliss Medicated Ear Flush (Cleansing & Drying) and Vetnique Octibliss Medicated Ear Flush (Cleansing & Deodorizing).
VetWELL Ear Cleaner Solution & Infection Treatment for Cats

Price: $15.99

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 12 fl oz

Recommended Uses: For animal use only. Use it as directed by your veterinarian.

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: All life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Apply liberally to your pet’s ear canal. Massage the base of the ear. Clean the excess with cotton or cloth, and do not allow your pet to lick the treated area to prevent ingestion.

Summary: This is a veterinarian-formulated multipurpose ear flush for cats. It has gentle and non-stinging properties that are safe for regular use and effective against infections. The drops are made for multi-use flushing purposes and can be used on ears and on the skin. They are also safe to use in dogs.

Pros
  • Works quickly and efficiently
  • Has a pleasant smell
  • Great against seasonal allergies
  • Breaks down and cleans out ear wax and dirt
  • Safe for dogs & cats
Cons
  • Can cause allergic reactions

Ingredient Analysis: This product contains ketoconazole that helps to alleviate infections, itching, and build-up in the ears.

Customer Reviews: It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and 2,592 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it works well just after the first use.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving VetWELL EarWELL Tris Flush for Dogs & Cats an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is highly appropriate for addressing a pet’s ear problem.
  • Ingredient Quality (8/10): This formula contains ketoconazole, an active ingredient that helps reduce ear buildup, itching, and infections.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The product is well-formulated, and its quality matches its cost.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the feedback on Amazon state that these ear drops for cats do their job well of keeping their pet’s ears clean and shielding them from recurring ear infections.
  • Product Variety (7/10): There is only one variety of VetWELL’s Tris Flush Ear solution.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy Medicated Ear Drops to Help Relieve Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Cats

Price: $9.99

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 4 fl oz

Recommended Uses: This may be applied twice a day for pets with ear problems, and once every week for healthy and odor-free ears.

Pet: Dogs & cats

Lifestage: Dogs & cats over 12 weeks

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Fill the ear canal with Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy. Massage your pet’s ears, most especially below the ear canal, to open the canal and allow the solution to penetrate. Allow your pet to shake its head. Gently wipe the inside of the ears with a clean towel.

Summary: This premium medicated product is formulated to provide relief, gently cleanse, and prevent infections. It helps to reduce foul odors, redness, and swelling. It is a gentle product that will clean and dry the ear canal and can be used regularly.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Alcohol-free
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Effective against ear mites
  • Great against allergies
Cons
  • Can cause a little irritation if the ears are severely inflamed

Ingredient Analysis: This product contains lactic acid, which reduces excess moisture in the ear canal, and benzoic acid, which has antifungal properties to help treat infections. Salicylic acid, which is anti-inflammatory, and ketoconazole which helps to treat fungal and yeast infections.

Customer Reviews: It has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and 18,289 reviews. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the purchase of the ear cleanser as it is highly effective.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy for Dogs & Cats an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is highly suitable and age-appropriate for pets.
  • Ingredient Quality (9/10): Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy contains Ketoconazole, which helps to cure yeast and fungal infections, and salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory organic compound. It is also alcohol-free.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of these ear drops for cats is very affordable and is perfectly aligned with their quality.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the Amazon reviews state that this product works well in addressing terrible ear infections. Only a few reviews mentioned irritation as a side effect.
  • Product Variety (7/10): This product has only one variety.
Zymox Otic Ear Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

Price: $23.79

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 1.25 fl. oz

Recommended Uses: No pre-cleaning of painful ears is required – fill the ear canal and let this powerful solution get to work.

Pet: Dogs & cats

Lifestage: Dogs & cats of all life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Fill the ear canal with this product and massage your pet’s ears to allow the solution to penetrate.

Summary: This ear solution helps to manage ear problems. It contains no harsh ingredients making it gentle and safe for use on cats. It is highly effective against chronic and acute otitis caused by bacterial, fungal, yeast, and other feline ear infections. It is powerfully formulated to work without the need for antibiotics.

Pros
  • No pre-cleaning is required
  • Effective against feline acne as well
  • Is highly effective by itself
  • Great for both prevention and treatment
  • Effective against chronic infection
Cons
  • Reports of a counterfeit product being sold cause severe harm, permanent damage, and even death to the pet

Ingredient Analysis: It contains patented LP3 enzymes to help break down dirt and maximize the efficiency of cleaning and healing. It also has 1% hydrocortisone which is anti-inflammatory and provides relief from itching.

Customer Reviews: This product has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars and 56,790 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it is highly effective and works wonders. However, there have been reviews that pets have had severe reactions and received chemical burns, muscle loss, disorientation, and diarrhea.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Zymox Otic Ear Solution an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (910): This product is highly appropriate for pets and is age-suitable.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10): This product has patented LP3 enzymes that help break down dirt and increase cleaning and healing effect. Additionally, it contains 1% hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory agent that eases irritation.
  • Cost Effectiveness (7/10): This product is a bit pricey, but its quality matches its cost.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the Amazon reviews state that the solution is highly-effective in alleviating the symptoms of severe ear infections in pets. Only a few reviews posit that this solution is too harsh for pets with sensitive ears.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has 3 varieties. It has the following solutions: Zymox Otic Ear Solution for Acute and Chronic Otitis Externa, Zymox Otic Ear Solution for Removing Ear Exudate and Maintaining Ear Health, and Zymox Otic Ear Solution for Inflammation Relief.
Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanser for Cats Cleans and Deodorizes with Gentle Ingredients

Price: $7.09

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 4 fl. oz

Recommended Uses: For animal use only.

Pet: Cats & Dogs

Lifestage: Cats & dogs of all life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Shake well and apply this ear cleanser generously into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear for 1-2 minutes, and wipe away any excess solution.

Summary: This is a veterinarian-formulated product with gentle yet effective ingredients that will help remove wax, dirt, and other organic matter. It provides gentle cleansing and soothes irritated ears. It also relieves the ears from itching, eczema, fungal infection, insect bites, fleas, and contact dermatitis.

Pros
  • Not scented
  • Effective against allergies
  • Good value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Provides relief from itching
Cons
  • Can cause allergic reactions in some cats

Ingredient Analysis: This product contains SDA alcohol, aloe vera, which is anti-inflammatory and will help with soothing the cat’s ears, salicylic acid, which is a drying agent, and sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is toxic for cats and can also be carcinogenic when combined with other elements.

Customer Reviews: It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with 1,971 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it works well against ear wax and dirt and provides optimum cat ear care.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanser for Cats an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10): This product is suitable for both cats and dogs. It is also age-appropriate.
  • Ingredient Quality (8/10): It contains salicylic acid, which helps promote new cell growth in the ear canal, and aloe vera, which is vital in reducing inflammation.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This product is very affordable, and the quality matches its cost.
  • Customer Feedback (7/10): Most reviews on Amazon state that this product has helped a lot in reducing the symptoms of ear infections in their pets. Some reviews, however, have stated that this formula is quite harsh and is not working well on their pet’s ears.
  • Product Variety (7/10): This product has only one variety.
Pet MD Otic Clean Cat Ear Cleaner

Price: $13.99

Material: Ear drops for cats

Size: 8 fl. oz

Recommended Uses: For animal use only. Use it 2-3x a day for several days for excessively dirty pet ears, and 1-2x a week for the maintenance of healthy ears.

Pet: Cats & Dogs

Lifestage: Cats & dogs of all life stages

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Product Use Instruction: Apply liberally to your pet’s ear canal. Massage the base of the ear. Allow your pet to shake its head, then clean the excess with cotton or cloth.

Summary: This product has been scientifically designed to clean, dry, deodorize and acidify the ear canal. It is infused with aloe vera, making it great for pets with sensitive ears. It will help to reduce ear scratching, pawing at the ears, and head shaking.

Pros
  • Effective against chronic ear infections
  • Gentle formula that is safe for kittens
  • Eliminates bad odor and discharge
  • Does not sting, burn or aggravate skin
  • Reduces ear scratching
Cons
  • It can irritate severely inflamed ears

Ingredient Analysis: This product contains aloe vera gel which is anti-inflammatory, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which are drying agents, SD alcohol 40,  and benzoic acid. 

Customer Reviews: It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with 1,196 reviews. Customers have reviewed that it is excellent in preventive care.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Pet MD Otic Clean Cat Ear Cleaner an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is highly suitable for pets, and it’s quite easy to use.
  • Ingredient Quality (9/10): This formula contains premium ingredients. These include salicylic acid, lactic acid, and aloe vera gel, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties and are drying agents.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This product is reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most reviews on Amazon state that these ear drops for cats are highly effective in helping eliminate ear infections among pets. There are a few reviews, however, stating that the product is not very helpful in addressing their pet’s ear problems.
  • Product Variety (7/10): This Otic ear cleaner has only one variety — the cucumber-melon scent.

What Should I Look for in Ear Drops for Cats?

When looking for cat ear drops, it is best to find one best suited to your cat’s problems and condition. When unsure of what to look for, consult your veterinarian.

  • Anti-Inflammatory. When your cat’s ears are inflamed and irritated, it is best to look for anti-inflammatory ear drops. Ear drops containing aloe vera gel, glycerol, and hydrocortisone will help to soothe the ear canal and combat itchiness.
  • Anti-Parasitic. Cats that have ear mites will need antibiotics and medicated ear drops that have anti-parasitic properties to kill the ear mites and flush out debris from the ear canal.
  • Antifungal. Cats susceptible to chronic cat ear infections like bacterial and yeast infections will need ear drops containing lactic and salicylic acid and ketoconazole. These drying agents will keep the ear flap dry and discourage the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Best Seller
VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Cats
9.5/10Our Score
  • Veterinarian formulated to gently clean neutralize, remove odor, and dry the ears of your pet
  • Secure and soft Ear Cleanser with Aloe Vera that can be used daily
  • Eliminates the accumulation of fluid and wax and dirt to prevent itching and head shaking

How do I Apply Drops to My Cat’s Ears?

 To apply ear drops to cats, you have to:

  • Step 1: Sit comfortably and hold your cat on your lap. You can also use a towel to wrap around your cat, leaving just its head exposed. This will help to restrain your cat for a few minutes.
  • Step 2: Gently pull the tip of its ears back to expose the ear canal. Place the tip of the ear drop near the ear and gently squeeze and fill up the ear canal. It may also spill out a little.
  • Step 3: Gently massage the base of the ear in a circular motion. This will help to move the medication deeper into the cat’s ear canal.
  • Step 4: Let your cat shake its head to let out the debris from the outer ear. Then gently wipe away any excess liquid or debris from its ears using a cotton ball or pad. Do not use Q-tips, as they can push the dirt further into the ear canal.

In order to be successful with the application, you can try to give your cat treats during and after cleaning. This will also help the cat associate ear cleaning with a positive experience. It is also best to do it in a quiet area in your house. Always be patient and remain calm, as this will help to minimize stress.