Cleaning

Eyes, Ears, and Teeth

You will need:

 

Cleaning the eyes

Place your cat or kitten on a solid surface. Soak a cotton wool swab in the sterile water and with one gentle movement, clean the eye from the outside to the inside. In this way, mucous and/or entrusted debris may be lifted from the side of the eye nearest to the nose. Use a fresh swab if debris still remains. To avoid possible infection being passed from one eye to the other. ALWAYS use a fresh swab for each eye.

Cleaning the ears

If the inside of the ear flap is dirty, as can be the case with outdoor cats or when there is a normal residue of ear wax, gently wipe clean with cotton wool swab dampened with baby oil. Dab dry with a clean, dry cotton wool swab. It should be unnecessary to go further into the car - probing could permanently damage the delicate and sensitive hearing apparatus.

Cleening the teeth

Prevent oral problems by regular mouth check and by cleaning the cat's teeth with a special pet toothbrush (or a child's small soft toothbrush) and toothpaste. Ensure the gums are pink, firm and healthy and that plaque or tartar has not formed at the edges of gums and teeth. Red bleeding gums indicate gingivitis; if treatment is delayed this could develop into pyorrhea - soft, pulpy and paintful gums in which teeth become loose and could fall out. Cats do not welcome the daily toothbrush drill, so initiate the kitten carfully and gently with a few seconds of brushing each day. If possible, massage the gums lightly with your finger tip. Cotton buds can remove food deposits after each meal, thus preventing more drastic treatment later on.