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My barn cat has frostbite on its ear. What to do if it's outside?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

I have a barn cat and I just came back for the weekend and he has frostbite on his ear. It looks kind of light grayish, just basically dead looking and he doesn't seem to be in pain but you never know. I can't bring him in but I am curious to see if I can do anything for him.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on February 16th, 2018

You can clean the ear tips with hydrogen peroxide to prevent infection. Make sure he has a place in the barn where he can get out of the cold. If the skin is damaged it may fall off but most of the ear should be fine. If it becomes red with a foul odor then he may have an infection, or if he stops eating. He would then need antibiotics and the damaged skin removed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jack.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 18th, 2019

    I am concerned that it may be. Keep her in a sheltered area out of the wind and cold, preferably inside. Warm your hands with a warm pack and massage the ear tips with your warmed hands if he will allow you too. It will take a few days for the tissue to "declare" itself, meaning determine whether the tissue will survive or not. As long as he is eating and drinking, and isn't acting sick at home, you can wait a couple of days to take him to the vet to have them evaluate it and determine what the best likely course of action is. If the tissue does die, he will need surgery to remove the affected tissue, and of course antibiotics would be needed as well. If he seems quite painful or is showing any other symptoms, or if there are any other areas of his body where the skin appears abnormal, please get him to the vet ASAP. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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