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My cat has hair loss and crusty skin on her ear. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 7 months old | 9.8 lbs

My cat has been losing hair on her ear for 3 days now and the skin is a little crusty. I’m not sure if I need to bring her into a vet or not. She’s been eating normal, playing, and doesn’t seem to be itching it at all, however has never happened before and i’m concerned.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2019

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 21st, 2019
Hair loss like in the picture can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Sofia seen by your veterinarian again to help determine the cause of the hair loss as soon as you can. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area (taken by a procedure known as a skin scraping) and examined under the microscope to determine what kind(s) of infection may be present and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 20th, 2019
Hello,

I'm concerned by the circular patches of hair loss and skin flaking that her skin is infected. This commonly happens with bacteria or fungi (like ringworm, which is contagious to people). I'd recommend making an appointment to get her seen by a vet soon.
I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Sadly your attached picture is of poor quality and I can not see the area of concern.

Causes of hair loss are: trauma/rubbed it on something (got caught), skin infection, ringworm or mites. Also cats can develop a behavioral condition where they over groom.

Please feel free to start a consult or repost with a different picture. I recommend that you schedule an exam for Koneko with your Vet when they reopen.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Koneko a very happy new year!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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