Part 2: 
Cleaning Eyes and Ears

Devon Rex cats, along with their close cousins, the Cornish Rex and Sphynx, have some more unique grooming needs that differ from those of other cat breeds. Fortunately, Devons tend to be fairly easy.

 

Due to their curly coats, and more importantly, parts of their body that have less fur (such as ears, ear base, top of head, bottom of neck or belly, these breed often accumulate more debris in their ears and have eyes that may require a little extra cleaning. Basic but regular maintenance is important to keep them comfortable. And how much maintenance can vary from individual to individual.

 

This guide will walk you through how to safely clean your Devon Rex’s eyes and ears, along with product recommendations that are cat safe, and gentle yet effective.

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Why Do Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Sphynx Cats Need Extra Eye and Ear Care?

1. Ear Wax Build-Up: Unlike other cats with thicker coats, these breeds have large, open ears that have less fur. On a straight coated cat, their fur helps trap dirt and regulate wax production, allowing it to disperse more naturally. But as Devon's have less fur and in particular around their ears, as a result, they tend to accumulate wax/debris more quickly, which can lead to infections if ignored. 
    

2. Eye Discharge: Rex breeds tend to have larger, rounder eyes with less fur around them to absorb natural tear production. This can lead to tear staining or excessive buildup of eye discharge. There are other things that can impact eye discharge as well, but these tips will work for most situations. 
    

3. Feline Skin: All cats have a degree of skin sensitivity. Human skin products are not designed with the Ph balance of cats in mind. Feline skin requires extra care when choosing cleaning products, as harsh chemicals can easily cause irritation.
    

How to Clean a Devon Rex’s Eyes

Materials Needed:

• Soft, lint-free cotton pads or gauze (I prefer cotton pads in bulk!)

• Cat-safe eye solution or Eye Wipes (such as Eye Envy, Nutra-Vet Eye Rinse, Vet’s Best Eye Cleaning Pads or Earthbath Eye Wipes)

• Warm water (optional for mild cases)

• Sterile saline solution (for more stubborn debris)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Area: Find a quiet, well-lit place where your cat feels comfortable.

2. Dampen the Pad: If using a cotton pad and warm water, dampen it slightly. If using a saline solution, apply a few drops to the pad.

3. Wipe Gently: Start from the inner corner of the eye and wipe outward in one smooth motion to remove discharge.

4. Use a Fresh Pad for Each Eye: This prevents cross-contamination in case of infection.

5. Check for Signs of Infection: If you notice swelling, or yellow/green discharge, consult a veterinarian.
    

How to Clean a Devon Rex’s Ears

Materials Needed:

• Cat-safe ear cleaner (such as Eye Envy ear cleaner, Virbac Epi-Otic, SuroSalve, or any cat safe ear cleanser you can purchase at your vet clinic)

• Soft cotton pads or gauze (avoid cotton swabs if you can, as much like humans they can push debris deeper into the ear canal, however some situations and cats may call for it depending on their folds/situation. If you do feel cotton swabs (q-tips) are unavoidable, be extremely cautious, as damage to the internal ear is a very real risk and possible consequence of a fidgety cat. 
   

Steps:

1. Apply the Ear Cleaner: Squeeze a few drops of the cat-safe ear cleaner into the ear canal. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.

2. Massage the Base of the Ear: Gently rub the base of the ear in a circular motion for about 20-30 seconds to help loosen wax and debris.

3. Let Your Cat Shake It Out: Your cat will likely shake their head, which helps remove loosened dirt.

4. Wipe Away Excess Debris: Use a soft cotton pad or gauze to wipe the visible part of the ear, avoiding deep insertion.

5. Repeat Weekly or As Needed: Some cats require weekly ear cleaning, while others may need it only biweekly.
    

Tips for a Stress-Free Cleaning Routine

• Make It Positive: Offer treats or playtime afterward to create a positive association.

• Be Gentle: Never force your cat into a cleaning session; take breaks if they seem stressed.

• Check Regularly: Even if cleaning isn’t needed, a weekly check helps catch issues early.
   

Final Thoughts

Regular eye and ear cleaning is an essential part of caring for a Devon Rex. Using gentle, cat-safe products and maintaining a routine will help prevent infections and discomfort. If you notice persistent heavy wax buildup, strong odors, or unusual discharge, consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues.

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By staying on top of your cat’s grooming needs, you’ll ensure they remain happy, healthy, and comfortable in their unique skin!