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My cat's ear is bleeding but she's not scratching it. Is it urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 8 lbs

Noticed my cat’s ear had this type of bleeding this morning when I woke up. I haven’t noticed her scratching at it since I’ve been awake and doesn’t seem to be bothering her currently. I was planning to monitor her the next few days and see if it gets worse? Any ideas on the cause of if this? Is this an urgent matter?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2021

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with Margaret. If she seems comfortable, & is no longer digging at her ear, then you can just watch this for the next couple of days. The cause could be anything from self-trauma due to an intense itch in her ear, trauma from shaking her head & possibly hitting the ear flap on something solid, or rough play with another pet, if there is one in the home. At this point, I would just leave it alone to see if it becomes worse, or just fades on its own. You do not want to treat or put anything on the ear as this might just cause her to pay more attention to the skin. See how this is in a few days, & if it still concerns you, the best thing is to have your veterinarian look at the ear & deep into the canal to rule out any underlying causes. Best to you & Margaret & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2016

    It is possible that Melody has an ear mite infection, or bacterial or fungal infection, either of which can cause intense pruritus (itching). Scratching until it bleeds is not good and it is likely that the blood in your kitty's nails is blood from the ear. I suggest you have this looked at by a veterinarian as either of these infections are treated with a different medication, so a correct diagnosis is important. Your vet will examine the ears with the help of an otoscope, take a swab and look at the material taken under the microscope. The veterinarian will then give you medication to be instilled in the ear after making sure that the ear drums are intact.

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