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You should be checking your kitty over once or twice a week, or more depending on the cat, and the history of the cat. This can be done during brushing sessions, petting sessions, etc. Keep your eyes open for anything abnormal or out of the ordinary. Abnormal discharge of the eyes, nose, gum color, bumps and lumps on the kitty, possible sign of parasites (flea dirt, sores). Well go over each section on how to properly clean each part of the cats face. The appropriate way.

DO NOT
~Use Qtips in a cats ears EVER
~Use human medications unless instructed by a vet (this includes ointments, the exception being neosporin and rubbing alcohol)
~Use Human Toothpaste

To clean a cats Ears

Never use a Q tip to clean the cats ears. When doing your check over, make sure to check for ear mites. (they will be black dirt like specks in the ear lining.) If you noitice your cat itching his ear profusely or shakes his head alot in one direction, check for ear mites. A vet could perscribe you somthing and some flea topical treatments treat earmites as well.

ASPCA Dental Care Link

Regular dental checkups should be right alongside the wellness checks offered by your vet. Sometimes the kitty's teeth get so bad that often they have to be put under to have them cleaned. This is a pricey deal that can run in the Hundreds range.

Your cats gums should be a pink and firm in color and there should be no tartar build up on the teeth. There are several options to keep your cats teeth in tip top shape.

Brushing

Cat tooth brushes and toothpaste (NEVER use human toothpaste) are available at petstores and the vet. To brush your cats teeth, get him desensitzed to having you handle him. The younger you start, the better. Always brush at a 45 degree angle to ensure a proper clean. Always brush gently.

Dental Treats

Dental treats are a great idea if you cant get your cat to sit still long enough to brush his teeth. Available at the vet and stores, these are designed to help remove tartar build up on the teeth.

Raw Bones

Act like dental treats. Make sure NEVER to give your cat cooked bones, as they can splinter in the cats throat and cause major issues. And possibly result in death.