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My cat's ear is bleeding and scratching. Is it an ear infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Male

Our cat has some weird thing on its ear which is bleeding and he keeps scratching it. we are not sure if he's been in a fight or it is something else. there are pictures attached. one had a black thing sticking out of it....is this some king of bug infestation??

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 2nd, 2018

It is definitely an injury but whether or not he did it to himself or it was due to another animal I cannot tell. I do not think there are any bugs there. He may be scratching the ear due to an inner ear infection. I suggest you take DJ to your vet for an exam because is there is an ear infection or something down inside the ear canal you cannot fix/treat that at home. In the meantime you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the ear twice a day and I suggest you put a "cone" collar on him so he stops scratching the ear and making it worse. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recovery-Collar-PETBABA-Padded-Elizabethan/dp/B00U7DTNB2/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1517593656&sr=1-3&keywords=cat+elizabethan+collar Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    DJ could absolutely have an abscess from a cat fight if he is outdoors. He could also have ear mites or a severe ear infection- both of which are so itchy that they can scratch their ears raw like that. Either way, an E-collar and a trip to the vet are in order to get the right treatment. Best of luck to you and DJ!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2019

    It looks like Sebastian has been scratching at his ears, leading to these wounds and blood. This can be a sign of an ear infection, so I would take him into the vet to have his ears examined, diagnosed, and treated. Best of luck.

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