More elderly cat maintenance....

Brie

following on from a previous post....

The sublime and ancient Ariadne isn't too happy about keeping her ears tidy these days.  I think it's the arthritic hip joints that bother her so that she doesn't want to sit on her bottom and only have 1 front leg keeping her upright while she does that lick and wipe thing.

I wondered if others had this issue and what could be suggested.  I'm wondering about just having a tissue/paper towel available when she comes to chat with me in the evening.  

Frankly I find the idea of dealing with her ears more icky than her current disgusting litter tray habits.  (resolved in part by the discovery of puppy pads!)

Mnoee

Just the outside of her ears, or internal too? One of my cats suffered with ear mites when we adopted her, and the vet suggested a cotton ball (not bud) with a few drops of olive oil on to help keep them clean internally. She was young and fiesty enough to run, so I can't vouch for it working - but as my vet suggested it, I'm pretty sure it's at least safe. There's human-grade olive oil ear drops for £3-4, or a dropper filled with newly opened oil would work. I'd be wary of using an open bottle that's been hanging around in the kitchen, but maybe I'm too paranoid. 

Brie

It's mostly outside but the olive oil would be a great addition I think.  Might just put a drop on a paper towel to have ready for when she jumps on my lap.  I'm expect she won't mind if I use the same as what we use for cooking.

KxMx

Might a baby wipe be suitable?

MovingForwards

There are cat ear wipes, just carefully and slowly introduce it as part of your quality time and she will adapt.

Consider buying a brush or comb for helping with keeping her hard to reach areas tidy too.