My cat keeps scratching her red ear and holding it down. What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My cat has been scratching her ear for a couple days. Slight redness lower part of ear, holds her ear down frequently.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 20th, 2021
This could be an indication of infection (bacterial, fungal, mites). She would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. A swab of the ear can be examined under a microscope in the clinic to make the diagnosis. The appropriate medication or treatment can then be dispensed or administered. IN the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent excessive scratching or rubbing.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 14th, 2018
Hi. Orem is a cutie. I wish there something you could do at home, but there really isn't other then cleaning them with pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball. This would only remove debri. A red, itchy ear is usually caused by a bacterial infection, yeast infections, allergies, or ear mites. Your veterinarian will perform an exam, and ear exam, and a cytology of any debri to try to narrow down the diagnosis. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My cat is scratching above his eyes (under his ears) frequently and it is getting a little bit red. What would that be?
Scratching around the ears or eyes may indicate an allergy, or may even indicate a problem with the ears themselves such as an infection or ear mites (very common in cats). Signs of [ear mites](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ear-mites/) include dark or dirty debris that is black or deep red in appearance, or you may see other debris that is foul-smelling in the ears. Ear mites and infections usually require a sample being taken by the vet to determine the exact cause, as well as a regimen of [cleaning the ears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-clean-your-cat-s-ears-what-you-need-to-know/) with a medicated cleaner for 7-10 days. Ear mites can be spread to other pets, so treating any other dogs or cats in the house at the same time is best.
If the ears are clear but you are seeing redness, it may indicate an allergy, or even possible problems such as [ring worm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/) (which appear as a red "target" ring that will gradually incre
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has scratched the fur off her ear and side of her head. Is there anything I can do for her?
Poor Missy looks like her skin is quite irritated! She requires a visit to the vet to determine the source of her itchiness. She could have an infection in her ear (bacteria, yeast, or both), ear mites, or allergies (to something in the environment like pollen/dust or to food) that is causing the inflammation. Your vet can look down inside the ear and possibly take a swab to examine under the microscope, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for her. Placing an e-collar on her until your vet is able to see her will help decrease the self-trauma she is causing.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, My kitten has red raw ears and a few dry red bloody spots on her body as if she has some kind of mite..I’m not sure what it is and have tried ear mite medicine but it’s on her body too. Please help! Thanks
She may have a fungal infection or different mite infection. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. This may require skin scrapings, fungal cultures and/or ear cytology. Skin scrapes and ear cytology can be performed in the clinic. A sample for fungal culture will need to be sent out to a veterinary reference laboratory. Once results are returned, the appropriate treatment can be administered.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
New Pet
Ah, hello! I'm wondering about my sweety kitty... she has been scratching excessively at her ears for a long while now. My dad says she just has dry akin, but I'm worried it might be something more serious. I'm sending pictures just in case, I haven'
These signs may be compatible with a an ear infection/inflammation. A check up at your local veterinarian will help to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Ear drops (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory) will be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
my cat has a weird thing on her ear. it just appeared this morning.
It looks like she may have had an itchy ear and scratched too hard, but since the itch or irritation was enough to make her do that, it's worth getting checked by your vet. It could indicate an ear infection, ear mites, fleas, there are a number of possibilities. Your vet will do a physical exam, have a look in her ears, maybe further diagnostics if they feel she needs them, and, based on the results, will be better able to tell you what's going on and how best to treat it.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat is scratching her left ear really badly. We took her to the vet earlier this summer and they didn't find anything and simply gave us a steroid Well she's back at it and I had to put her cone back on I hope you can help.. The vet said it wasn't
I recommend to call your vet again. When pets begin to have chronic itching, things like allergies are suspected. The vet will need to check again to make sure there is not infection. Be sure the doctor checks for bacterial or yeast infections as well. You may also also the vet about getting a special ear cleaner that will help avoid itchiness. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat's been scratching his ears. It started as what just looked like dry skin, but as he keeps scratching they look like scabs (and look particularly irritated right after he's scratched them). He's been scratching for the past two weeks but the ir
This can be a sign of an ear infection. Cats with ear infections scratch their ears a lot because it's quite itchy and bothering them. Ear infections can be caused by yeast or bacteria. Loie needs to see a vet. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, what is causing it, and can treat it. I would give his vet a call now to make him an appointment. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
What do I do for a cats ear she’s really itching them and are red what to do
Hi. Orem is a cutie. I wish there something you could do at home, but there really isn't other then cleaning them with pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball. This would only remove debri. A red, itchy ear is usually caused by a bacterial infection, yeast infections, allergies, or ear mites. Your veterinarian will perform an exam, and ear exam, and a cytology of any debri to try to narrow down the diagnosis. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My longhair cat Juanita had been scratching her ear for two days, now someone before I got her de clawed her, is it possible she just got getting the scratch she needs or possibly a ear infection? I've taken her on last year and done ear infection tr
Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Juanita needs to see a vet to have an ear swab done. Your vet can look at the sample under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Your vet will also need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. Ear infections can be very painful, and can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurologic signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have Juanita seen as soon as possible to help get her feeling better.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
Our cat is 2 years old she has been scratching her ear. When she does she makes a noise like she is hurt. I can't see anything in the ear. Suggestions?
It is possible that Ginger has an ear infection. She has a vertical ear canals that curves into a horizontal canal. Her ear drum sits at the base of the horizontal canal. A lot of times, the problem is deep within the canal and cannot be seen from the outside. Ginger should see her veterinarian for an ear exam. If the ear is inflamed, has discharge deep inside or is painful and/or itchy, an infection is likely. A sample can be collected to look under the microscope to choose an appropriate ear medication and cleaner. If it is not an infection, she could also have a foreign body (piece of grass for example) or a polyp with her ear canal. I hope this information helps and Ginger is feeling better soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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