Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Cat head wound near ear: infection? What signs should I watch for?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 lbs

I came in from work this evening to find a decent size wound on my cats head near his ear. I am worried because it looks bad but he seems to be otherwise fine. He has had issues with ear infections in the past so I am not sure if that could be the cause again? It does look a little dirty inside. Does this look to be a scratch or ear infection or do you think he bumped his head? What signs do I need to watch for? Thanks. Pictures included.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2020

Poor Simba. His ear does look a little dirty and he may be scratching at his ear due to an ear infection. I would have that checked out by a vet. Tonight, gently clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap, being very careful to not get any in his ear. Tomorrow, take him into the vet. I hope this helps.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I recently discovered this wound behind my persian cat's ear. I am sure he never had any type of cuts here. Any suggestions on the nature of this wound would be helpful.
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Simba. Ear infections are a common cause of wounds near the ears. This can occur secondary to scratching the ears. Sometimes owners will not witness the cat scratching as they can do it at night. Look at his ears to see if any brown wax is present. Red and swollen ears can also indicate an infection. If this is not the case, then an allergy or even fleas can cause scratching and wounds. Simba will need to see his veterinarian to know for sure. The veterinarian will use a special instrument known as an otoscope to look deep into his ear canals. If an infection is suspected, then a sample is collected from each ear canal to evaluate under the microscope. This will guide treatment. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
About a year ago, my family and I moved into a house out in the country. There was a stray cat running around and we didn’t think much of him until my kids and I started to play with him and cuddle with him. now we’re super close to him and it’s almo
He needs to be seen by a veterinarian. He may have ear mites or an ear infection and is scratching so hard he is injuring himself which then gets infected. This could also be a skin cancer. But because this is happening on both ears I am more inclined to think that he is scratching himself. Please take him to a veterinarian for an exam and treatment. He will likely need these wounds clipped, cleaned and disinfected and his ears examined. If it is indeed caused by earmites ear mites, these are easy to trat and then the wounds at the ears will also heal since your kitty won't be scratching any more. You may also want to think about having Simba neutered, so he does not catch any of the serious feline viral diseases. I think you have a lovely kitty now, might as well adopt him. He found you!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi. Im sorry to bother but during this time it’s very hard to get out and see a vet. I’ve noticed lately that my cats ears have had scabs on them and are balding a little. I also noticed when I look inside, both ears look dirty. After researching ear
It could be Simba has a yeast or bacterial ear infection. Those tend to happen more than ear mites in adult cats. Kittens are more likely to get ear mites. You do need to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection and can treat him. It's important to get him seen promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
First I want to start by saying that my cat is a house cat and never goes outside. However, for the past month or so his ears have been very dirty looking and there are bald spots on/near them. The vets in my area are emergency only right now due to
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Simba. Poor boy! I suspect he has an ear infection, which can be caused by yeast or bacteria. If he's bleeding from both ears, this is a very bad infection and could constitute an emergency. I would find to a vet to see him now to get this treated. Leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
We think are cat has an infection near his ear would you be able to confirm please
Hello and thank you for contacting Boop by Petco. There is a skin wound, which is possibly infected. Wounds in this area are often self-inflicted by cats by excessive scratching. You should clean it twice a day with 4% chlorhexidine solution (available from pharmacies) for 3-4 days. If the would does not get better, you will have to take Snowflake to your local vets. If your cat is scratching the ear excessively, he may have ear canal infection and he would need a course of ear drops with antibiotics from your regular vets.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi my cats one ear is really very smelly I can smell him a mile away he also looks like he has a rash on his cheek what can I do
I would definitely be suspicious of an ear infection from the pictures and what you are describing. Ear infections usually have a primary cause that allows it to be infected. Common primary causes are allergies, excessive moisture, ear mites, or something stuck down in the ear. It's always best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can have a good look in the ear and provide the necessary medication to clear this up. For now, it will be good to gently flush the ear once every two days to help remove the debris from the ear - this will help with treating the infection. Below are a few links that give helpful advice/tutorials about cleaning ears. The rash on the cheek is likely due to scratching and will get better when the ear infection is dealt with. I recommend cleaning the rash with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until it's better. If it seems to get worse, then you'll want to take Simba into the vet for an exam. https:
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
As he is kind of wild cat I didn't noticed that he got infection. Now today I saw that liquid blood kind of thing coming from a small hole near his yer. I cleaned it now what should I do. He is eating well. (Sorry for my English)
Poor Baby! This definitely look infected. If there is anyway to get him in to see a vet, I would try to do so. The vet will be able to give him an antibiotic to help this heal. If that isn't a possibility, you can try to clean it daily with mild soap and water and put an antibiotic ointment on it twice a day. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol as this could slow the healing. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, my cat had gotten in a fight with another cat and there was a wound behind his ear, it wasn't so bad but then he kept scratching it and now there is a hole about 1cm.what should I do at home about it? Will it heal itself?
Oh dear, this is a sizable wound! If the wound was initially caused by a fight with another cat, I am concerned that it may be quite infected from the other cat's nails or teeth. You can start by putting an e-collar (cone) on your cat to prevent him from scratching at the wound, causing further skin damage. Also you can try cleaning the wound with a dilute betadine solution, but be sure to rinse and dry the wound thoroughly. However, you are most likely going to need to take your cat to the vet for a course of oral antibiotics to treat any existing infection. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
my male cat got into some fights it is not fixed, the ear looks pretty bad, but we don't have enought money to take him to the vet what should i do at home to help?
Simba's ear does look really bad, and unfortunately this is not something that can be treated with home remedies. He has to see a vet now. I'd see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and see if the vet will allow you to make payment plans. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Simba, my 18 month old (which is a guess) rescue cat has a puncture wound on his back right paw. His paw is sore and swollen and he favors it when he walks. He is eating and drinking water. He won’t let me touch it or put ice on it. I tried crush
It is best to bring Simba to your vet ASAP especially if the wound is painful or he won't let you touch it. Your vet can safely sedate Simba so that the wound can be thoroughly cleaned, drained and sutured as needed. Your vet can also provide you with some pain medications and antibiotics to keep the wound from becoming infected and keep Simba comfortable. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also a good idea to use to prevent Simba from licking or chewing at the wound which can make it worse.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Cat Supplies Cat Food Cat Ear & Eye Care Wet Cat Food Cat Eyedrops & Ear Medication Cat First Aid Antifungal Medication for Cats Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Cat Health & Wellness Cat Grooming & Bathing Zymox Cat Ear & Eye Care Vetericyn Cat Ear & Eye Care Virbac Cat Ear & Eye Care PetAlive Cat Ear & Eye Care Vetnique Labs Cat Ear & Eye Care Well & Good Cat Ear & Eye Care HICC Pet Cat Ear & Eye Care Pet Honesty Cat Ear & Eye Care Oticbliss Cat Ear & Eye Care NaturVet Cat Ear & Eye Care
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored