What's this hard black nub on my new cat's ear? Is it a scab?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a scab which probably formed secondary to some type of injury or traumatic event. As long as it continues to heal up then Buffy is likely going to be just fine. If at any point you notice any discharge or it becomes open, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your concern about Leo! This scab could be caused by a wound to his ear, and given there is a scab on it, it sounds like it is healing. Unfortunately without seeing it, I can't say for certain what is is and what caused it. It will take more than three days for this to heal, and it's fine the scab has been there for three days. Don't touch his ear since he doesn't seem to like it. Continue to monitor the scab. If it hasn't gone away in another week, it gets bigger, or it appears infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch, pus), then I would take him into the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The most likely cause for scabs and bumps in that location is scratching due to itchiness, and the most common cause for this is either ear mites or fleas. I recommend using a cat safe flea/mite product. I would otherwise leave the bumps alone, and do not apply any products. If the flea/mite treatment doesn't work, then I would have her seen by a vet to see if there is a different cause. Best of luck with Lydia!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. It looks like it could be from an injury if there is a scab on it. A scab means it's healing, so I would just keep an eye on it for now. If you see signs of infection, it gets bigger, it starts to bother her, or it doesn't appear to be healing, then have Fatina seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the scab in this picture but I can see that Zoey is a cutie! This scab could be due to a mild infection or perhaps some mild traumatic lesion. You can consider just monitoring for now if it is just one. If this gets worse or just does not resolve, have her evaluated by your veterinarian then. I would not recommend any products or treatments yet as this may resolve on its own depending on its severity. Good luck and have a great day!

If it really is just a scab, then I would leave it alone, since pulling it off will hurt and may cause bleeding. Scabs are there to protect the new tissue that is growing underneath. Scabs can often be confused by small moles, ticks, small papillomas or warts, or even a tumor. When Sven is calm and sitting near you, look and see if it looks like a scab (usually flat) or something else. If it is something else, then you should have it checked out by a vet.

If you are referring to the small circlular dot on the skin in front of the opening to the ear, it is possible this is just a spot of pigment in the skin- like a freckle. I cannot tell for certain with a photo, but if the area is not raised or irritated that would be my suspicion. With ear mites or infection we see redness and discharge down inside the ear canal/ear hole. If it is a raised scab in that spot, and inside the ear hole looks clean and not red at all, it could just be a small wound. If you notice redness or discharge in the ear canal, an exam is needed. Or if your cat is scratching at the ears or shaking his head, he should be examined.