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My cat has a crusty ear scab. Is it from roughhousing or needs a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

Our cat Levitra developed a small sore near her ear about a week ago. It seemed to be going away, today it is a bit larger and is now a crusty scab. She lets me touch it, shows no signs of pain or discomfort. Appetite and energy are normal. She's indoors always, approximately 8 years old. We have a second cat, 4 years old, he has nothing like this on him anywhere. We are unsure if this is a result of rough housing or something to see a vet.

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2 Answers

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2017

This looks like a healing wound. Since it's open and clean you can just leave it alone and it should heal fine. If there is discharge clean it with some peroxide and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. The cats were probably rough housing and caused this, it doesn't look contagious. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Levitra.

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 3rd, 2017

    It looks like it could be just a straightforward wound, but if it is not improving or if she keeps scratching at it I would take Levitra to the vet. There are a couple of auto-immune type diseases or allergies that can potentially cause similar lesions so if she's very itchy that would be a sign that it may not just be from roughhousing. Good luck!

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