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What's this crusty, bald, black spot on my kitten's ear?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Birman | Female | unspayed | 5 months old

After I noticed a little crusty spot on the back of my kitten ear, as I cleaned the crust came out with some fur causing a bald spot slightly red but didn’t look bad, I thought it was some kind of scratch maybe, even though I don’t see her scratching much and she doesn’t seem uncomfortable. After a week or so I now noticed the color turned black in that same spot. I just started applying clotrimazole. Should I be concerned?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2020

A lesion like that could be a bacterial infection or ringworm (which humans can get). Your best option is to have Mocha examined and tested for ringworm. Make sure to protect the area from rubbing and scratching and she should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Here is a link about ringworm just in case: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ringworm-in-cats/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 12th, 2016

    It certainly could be mange (mites), but it could also be ringworm, which is actually a fungus. It's important to figure out which it is, because one type of mange (sarcoptic) and ringworm are both contagious to people and other animals. Your vet should able to determine which it is and prescribe the right medication, as each requires different treatments.

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