My kitten's ear is crusty, itchy, and she's losing fur. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My kitten’s ear was hard and crusty the other day and kept itching at it. First I thought it looked like eczema, but I was worried about mites and asked the vet tech to look at it las Saturday when she was trimming her nails, but she said it doesn’t look like mites and it would be fine with just some Neosporin. Now my kitten’s fur has fallen out and she developed a few cuts from scratching. I’m worried about infection.

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM 105

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2019

I would be worried as well. I suggest you have Penelope back to the vet for a follow-up. It looks like the ear flap is red and swollen. It is not likely ear mites because only one ear is affected. In over 25 years in the veterinary industry I have never seen only one ear affected with mites. Something else may be going on. Hopefully it is just a mild infection from the scratching but why she is scratching.....I don't know. Without examining her myself it is hard for me to say.

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My kitten's ear is crusty, itchy, and she's losing fur. Is it serious?

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