My new stray cat has wounds behind ears and flaky skin. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Simba. Ear infections are a common cause of wounds near the ears. This can occur secondary to scratching the ears. Sometimes owners will not witness the cat scratching as they can do it at night. Look at his ears to see if any brown wax is present. Red and swollen ears can also indicate an infection. If this is not the case, then an allergy or even fleas can cause scratching and wounds. Simba will need to see his veterinarian to know for sure. The veterinarian will use a special instrument known as an otoscope to look deep into his ear canals. If an infection is suspected, then a sample is collected from each ear canal to evaluate under the microscope. This will guide treatment. I hope this information helps!

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!

This presentation could be due to a trauma (autotraumatism) or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). 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. 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.

This is probably self inflicted and due to generalized itch or inflammation infection of the ear canal. A check up would be immediately required to determine specifically underlying cause and treat appropriately. 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. 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.

This is an open and infected skin wound. It may be the result of trauma (cat fight) or self inflicted from scratching ( fleas or ear mites). A hands on exam by a veterinarian can help you to determine the cause and also prescribe an antibiotic and assess the wound. If your cat does appear to have fleas or ear mites, that can also be treated. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Tiger needs to see the veterinarian. It is likely already infected judging by the hair loss and redness in the area. You should protect it from further scratching by having him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. That is the best way to make sure he does not scratch at it which will make it worse. It’s possible he has an infection, an abscess or had a fly larva living in his skin. Best to get it seen today if at all possible. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear condition such as ear infection or ear mites for instance making him itch and cause self-trauma. However, this could also be something like allergies. This cannot be diagnosed just based on a picture and would require a veterinary evaluation. I recommend you consider taking him to a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. The issue could be identified and treated. Good luck and have a great day!