Some animals are just prone to ear infections. How old is Lily? Would it be possible to teach her how to keep the kitty's ears cleaned out so that hopefully she won't get as many infections?

Lisa

Lisa,
Lily is nine. When she visited this weekend, I did clean Yoshi's ears with half vinegar & water. Much to my surprise, Yoshi didn't mind, but actually seemed to enjoy. I'm much, much older. Yet, I don't know how to keep a kitty's cleaned, to prevent infections. I've never been owned by a kitty in my life, but I must admit Yoshi is something 'special'. What can Lily do? As I mentioned, I only see her about once a month.

jeanonlyone - If your daughter is over the age of five, you could teach her what to do for the cat. My vet carries a thing called a piller which allows you to give a cat a pill by yourself with one hand, hold the cat with the other hand.

I know this is going to sound weird, but was your husband a big Pat Martino fan? I just noticed the name Yoshi - very different - I like it.

Also, ask the vet if the med is available in liquid. One of our cats was just put on a course of antibiotics that are administered by dropper. My daughter can do that.

I think we tend to underestimate, or maybe the kids "play dumb" so that the adults do it all, but I have learned by teaching my child age appropriately, of course, to do things that would normally be done by adults - nothing crazy, but I think if your daughter is old enough, why not try to teach her. I think if you can teach her she will be interested enough and therefore responsible for the care and treatment of the illness.

I feel badly for you all in this situation. It is tough enough but when you are trying to care for a cat that doesn't live with you... Can the kitty stay with you for any length of time if your daughter isn't old enough, if the explanation of kitty needs certain care?

These are the only two things I can think of. Good luck and please post how Lily is doing with Yoshi's care if you can teach her how to do it.

Yes, Yoshi is a different name that Lily chose. I thought it was an alien. I think it would be perfect for a Pug.
Lily has kept her promise to care for the cat. She is responsible for feeding, brushing & litter pans. She is learning how to cut his nails. I gave her a supply of cotton balls & showed her how to gently clean the ear flaps.

I was hoping someone, with experience with this ear problem, could give me some suggestions. Would an ear wash be a good idea, or not?

If Yoshi needs to take pills again, I will get a piller. Thanks.

Your vet probably carries something. We use OtiCalm on our dogs. I've never cleaned the cats' ears? You'll need to ask your vet how many times a week or how often the ears need to be cleaned. So glad to hear Lily is responsible for her pet. I knew she would be. Kids usually love responsibility especially when it has do with their pet.

I have a kitty with extremely dirty ears. He too has been checked out by the vet and they've found nothing wrong. They gave us some kind of oily cleaner (sorry, I don't have the name handy) to use on him a couple times a month. You soak a cottonball in the cleaner and then squeeze it into the ear. Next place a paper towel (folded so it stays on better) on top of his head and step back! He immediately begins shaking his head and the goo just flies out.

Earlier this year I took in a stray with extremely yucky, scabby ears but no ear mites. After Googling around, I found some naturopathic sites that suggested mineral oil. I wiped her ears out every week with a cottonball moistened in the oil. Her ears healed and cleaned up within a few weeks.

As I mentioned the grandparents are just wonderful, but do have a strong aversion to animals. So, Lily is totally responsible for her kitty's care & well being. When she visits, we do the checking of the teeth, ear cleaning, nail clipping, removing knots, & bathing. Some things I'm not comfortable her doing, without supervision. I gather this ear problem with Yoshi will be on going. I know she would be able to soak cotton balls in mineral oil & leave them in, while she massaged the ears. What to do? What to do?

We once had a cat that was prone to ear infections. My parents took her to the vet on a regular basis for that condition. In your case, this is not be possible, as you don't see Lily & Yoshi that often. Hope someone here can offer some advice for you & Lily. I wish you good luck as it seems not only Lily, but you, as well, have been through difficult times. Did you get your artificial leg yet?

Yes, I did. Thanks for asking, actually, I'm surprised you remembered.
Right now, I'm more concerned about Yoshi's ears & was hoping to get more advice. I'll see Lily & Yoshi in two weeks.
Please, anyone that can offer suggestions or hints, please do so. Again, THANKS!