Cat has scabs all over ear

I don't know what's going on, but my cat Luna has suddenly got these weird scabs all over her ears, and I'm kind of freaking out. I noticed it for the first time this morning when she was sitting on the windowsill, and it honestly looks pretty uncomfortable for her. It seems to have appeared almost overnight, and I swear she wasn’t scratching any more than usual until now. She keeps shaking her head and flicking her ears like she’s trying to shake them off, but I don’t know if that’s making it worse. She's eating and playing just fine, but I’m really concerned. Has anyone else dealt with something like this before? I’d appreciate any advice or suggestions on what this might be, or if I should just get to the vet ASAP.

Answer

You're doing the right thing by asking. Scabs on a cat's ears can definitely be concerning, and I completely understand why you're worried. There are several potential causes for this issue. Your cat might be dealing with a condition called ear mites, which are tiny parasites that can cause intense itching and lead to scratching, resulting in scabs. Allergies to food or something in the environment, such as pollen or dust, can also cause similar symptoms. Another possibility is a skin infection, either bacterial or fungal, which might be irritating your cat's skin.



At home, you can gently clean your cat's ears with a soft, damp cloth to remove any crust. Ensure your cat doesn’t scratch too much by trimming their nails regularly to prevent further injury. Keep a close eye on any changes in the scabs or if more develop.



Watch for signs of a more serious issue, like persistent scratching, a foul odor coming from the ears, redness, swelling, or if your cat seems generally unwell, as these may require immediate attention.



To get to the bottom of the issue and ensure appropriate treatment, booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet would be a great next step. They can help assess your cat's condition and guide you toward the best course of action.

Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

Recommended for Dog Owners

Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

18,899 Reviews

The most comprehensive dog DNA test. Screen for 270+ genetic health risks and identify breeds from 350+ breeds, types & varieties.

$199$139Save $60

Free US Shipping · Veterinarian Developed

Next available appointment

Loading…