Highlander Ear Care Guides

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Ear wax is completely natural, and in adult cats, frequent cleaning can sometimes cause more harm than good. It’s perfectly normal for Highlanders to have earwax, which does not need to be 100% clean at all times. Their wax can vary in color from dark caramel to almost black, depending on the individual cat. Cleaning should only be necessary if you notice excessive buildup on the outer ear or in the crevices. A vet visit for ear cleaning is only needed if there is an infection, such as yeast or ear mites. In most cases, their ears require little to no maintenance and will stay healthy on their own.

If your cat is experiencing frequent ear infections, it may be due to over-cleaning. Earwax serves as a natural protective barrier, and excessive cleaning can disrupt this balance, making the ears more susceptible to infections. Some adult Highlanders rarely, if ever, need their ears cleaned. This approach is often referred to as benign neglect, meaning that, in many cases, leaving the ears alone is the best way to maintain their natural health.

Highlanders have unique curled ears and a distinctive type of earwax that many veterinarians may not be familiar with, which can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatments. Here’s why this matters:

Highlanders naturally produce earwax that is thicker, darker, and more abundant than what is typically seen in other breeds. While this is completely normal for the breed, veterinarians unfamiliar with Highlanders may mistake this wax for signs of a yeast infection or other issues.

Veterinarians may diagnose a yeast infection based on the appearance of the earwax, even when no infection is present. This often results in unnecessary treatments such as ear flushing or antifungal medications, which can actually do more harm than good.

When a veterinarian flushes a Highlander’s ears, they remove all the natural earwax, which plays a critical role in protecting the ear. This disruption creates an imbalance in the ear’s environment and can lead to real infections in one or both ears. Additionally, the Highlander’s unique ear curl makes it easy for moisture from the flushing to become trapped, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria or yeast to thrive.

The natural earwax in Highlanders serves as a protective barrier, keeping out debris, bacteria, and moisture. Removing it entirely strips away this protection and leaves the ear vulnerable.

Highlander ears should only be cleaned gently and as needed, with methods that preserve their natural earwax. If there’s a true concern, such as confirmed ear mites or an infection verified through testing, it’s essential to work with a veterinarian who understands the unique needs of this breed to ensure proper care and avoid causing harm. If your veterinarian is unsure, please contact your breeder beforehand.