Could my cat's ear fur loss be from excessive petting or rubbing?

This looks like hair loss on the tip of her ear. If the skin itself is smooth to the touch, then this is hair loss. This could be due to some kind of trauma, so I would suggest monitoring this to see if it resolves on its own within the next few weeks. Hair is slow to grow back fully, so as long as there is some hair growth in that time frame, that is considered progress. If the skin itself is not smooth, then an infection is likely present which needs to be checked by your local veterinarian for proper treatment. I hope that Kitty's ear issue resolves soon! Best of luck and take care.

Your cat may well have ear mites, which are contagious and extremely itchy, causing cats to scratch their ears raw inside and in front of the ears. I would have an exam done right away so your veterinarian can start the appropriate treatment. You'll have to figure out how to get him into a kennel to go for a vet visit!

I would recommend that Patches get checked out by a vet. Common causes of hair loss in cats include fleas, mites, ringworm, allergies, or endocrine disease like hyperthyroidism. Since she is older, I would recommend testing her thyroid to prevent other issues related to this disease. Some cats will lose hair on the ears as they age, but they do not usually also lose it on other furred areas.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria but fungal infections are possible as well). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

The area right in front of the ears typically looks like the fur is thinner there, partly because of the angle at which it stands out from the body. The skin looks healthy and there isn't anyplace I can see that is bare. That doesn't look like anything to worry about to me.

Hello, Ploppy could have multiple causes for this. It could be associated with a deficiency if vitamins. It could be associated with needing more fatty acids in the diet. Other causes could include allergies and finally, Ploppy could have a hair growth problem. The first steps would be to check her skin for other signs of allergies, then evaluate her diet. Ultimately, you may consider for aggressive interventions like a skin biopsy. Alternatively, if Ploppy is otherwise doing well, you could continue to monitor as her hair may eventually begin to regrow. If you note additional hair loss then she should be evaluated by her veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Poor Panda! I can tell by the look of his ears that he has been scratching at them quite a bit causing some self trauma which is evident by the red spots (erythema), hair loss and inflammation. A very common cause in cats would be ear mites. This is a very easily treatable condition that your veterinarian would be able to dignose and treat effectively. Best of luck!