My cat is scratching fur off her ear and head. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | spayed | 14 years old | 9.6 lbs
My cat has scratched the fur off her ear and side of her head. Is there anything I can do for her?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 18th, 2017
Poor Missy looks like her skin is quite irritated! She requires a visit to the vet to determine the source of her itchiness. She could have an infection in her ear (bacteria, yeast, or both), ear mites, or allergies (to something in the environment like pollen/dust or to food) that is causing the inflammation. Your vet can look down inside the ear and possibly take a swab to examine under the microscope, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for her. Placing an e-collar on her until your vet is able to see her will help decrease the self-trauma she is causing.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 15th, 2018
This excessive scratching can be a sign of an ear infection, which can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. It could also be due to allergies, fleas, or ringworm. I'd give your vet a call to make an appointment for Vivian to be seen. The vet can diagnose what is causing her to scratch her ears excessively, and can treat her for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 6th, 2016
Poor Lily! She could have an ear infection, which is why she is scratching that area so much. I would take her into a vet now for an exam. The vet can confirm if she does have an ear infection, and can treat it. It's important to have any potential ear infections examined and treated promptly, as leaving them untreated can lead to hearing loss.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 28th, 2017
Hi there. Lilly may be suffering from allergies, an ear infection, or skin infection. I recommend taking her to the veterinarian so she can have a full examination. She may need bloodwork and possibly an antibiotic to help her heal.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 13th, 2017
It sounds like Lily has an ear infection, which could be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacterial. I would have her seen by a vet tomorrow, as the cause of the ear infection would need to be diagnosed in order to treat her properly. The vet can diagnose if she does have an ear infection, the cause of it, and can prescribe treatment for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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