Vinegar and Water Solution

• A very popular and effective remedy is to mix equal portions of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is an antimicrobial that will work against bacteria, many fungi, and molds. It's often recommended to help fight yeast or bacterial ear infections. Distilled vinegar is also less expensive than most commercial ear cleaners and is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. One drawback is that cats will smell it and sometimes attempt to clean themselves to get rid of the smell. The odor, however, usually will fade away within a day. This method also works well against mites, though you should still consult your vet when dealing with them in case other medications or treatments are necessary. Normally cats' ears will stay pretty clean, and a monthly application of the vinegar and water mixture will be enough to prevent wax build up or mites.
  
  A secondary weekly cleaning using just warm water can help keep build up at a minimum if your cat is at particular risk. If needed, you can use soap, but use it sparingly and avoid heavy dish soaps. Instead, use mild dish soaps like Method, which can be used in very small amounts to a good effect.
  
  

Ear Cleaning Remedies with Oil

• Another method is the use of a tiny bit of oil on a cotton swab. However, this can be a tricky method and there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, never stick the cotton swab where you can't see. Only clean the outer portion. Your cat's ear is quite fragile, and ramming anything into the ear, even accidentally, can cause major damage and even deafness. You also run the risk of getting dirt or debris deeper into the ear, which can easily turn into a breeding ground for mites, yeast or other infections.
  
  If your cat is fidgety or moving around a lot, you may want to avoid this method entirely to be safe.
  
  If you choose to clean your cat's ears with oil, choose a vegetable-based oil such as olive oil. Do not use straight tea tree oil: concentrated tea tree oil is poisonous to cats. Tea tree oil works similarly to vinegar and is known as a "universal antiseptic." It has found its way into several pet products, but it is always highly diluted to reduce the chance of toxicity. Concentrated tea tree oil can be poisonous to cats; if the dose is great enough, it can even be fatal.