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My kitten has scabs on her ear with hair loss. Is it an infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

my cat has scabs on her left ear and hey come off with minimal rubbing. The scam does remove the hair also. She is 8 months old

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 12th, 2017

These scabs could be due to Frida scratching her ears a lot, which is a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections in cats can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. I would have Friday seen by a vet tomorrow, who can diagnose if she does have an ear infection, what's causing it, and can treat her for it.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 26th, 2018

    Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about the scabbing behind the ear. It is concerning that it has worsened and doesn't seem to be getting much better. I'm afraid the pictures were a little hard to make out clearly so I wasn't able to get a good look at the lesion. I would recommend having Cleo seen by her veterinarian soon for this. There can be many causes for this- bacterial infection, fungal infection (ringworm), ear infections, or parasitic infection such as an flea allergy or mites could all be possibilities. Your veterinarian will be able to pinpoint the issue with an exam and a skin and/or hair test. Cleo may need to be on antibiotics or other medications as indicated if it appears infected. I hope this helps and thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2017

    Hello. I am sorry you are having issues with your little one. It sounds like he likely does have fleas, and possible ear mites, as these would explain what you are describing, however there are many other possible causes. I would recommend having him see by a vet if you can. Otherwise you can start with getting a good quality, multi-product dewormer and ear mite product. Revolution is a good multi-product that is safe and will do fleas and mites. Avoid grocery store products as they often are unsafe and uneffective. Advocate is also a good product. Go to your local pet store and discuss safe and effective products. Try this and if it doesn't work then get your kitty to a vet. Good luck with him!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 4th, 2016

    He could have a bacterial skin infection, ringworm, mites, allergies, etc. He should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, and/or culture to diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat. He may need an antibiotic, corticosteroid, anti-fungal, or other medications to treat, depending on the cause.

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