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Can I safely use benzalkonium chloride to clean my cat's ears?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 30 lbs

Can I use a benzalkonium chloride solution to clean my cat's ears and prevent infection?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 22nd, 2018

No, absolutely not. Benzalkonium chloride is very toxic to cats. Toxicity signs are (often delayed): hypersalivation or drooling; tongue ulceration; hyperthermia; oral ulceration; inappetence; lethargy. hyperthermia; inflammation or ulceration of the tongue. Please do not use this to clean the ears of your cat or any other animal or even human. If your cat has a discharge in her ears she needs to be seen by a veterinarian, who will determine what kind of infection she has, if any and the prescribes the proper medication.

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