My cat's losing hair behind his ear with a scab. When to see a vet?

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!

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!

It looks like scabbing may be on Wizard's head. This can be from irritation from his ear or even eye. If he is trying to rub or scratch one or the other he can be getting this spot. I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian to have his eye, ear and skin in the area evaluated. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You are correct that this warrants a veterinary visit. Exactly what you said it could be multiple things. This could be from an infection on and in the ears, ear mites, it also can be fungal. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It looks like a scab might have fallen off. It is common for cats to over-itch this part of their head near the ears when they have ear mites, ear infection, or other sources of itchiness. I would recommend that you have your kitty looked at by a vet so that it can get appropriate treatment to limit further damage caused by itching.

Hello. This is definitely a very irritated ear, but your veterinarian really needs to see what is going on in the ear canal to make an actual diagnosis. The vomiting should be unrelated to what is going on in the ear, but Cafe could have more than one issue at a time. With having an ear this possibly infected, & vomiting, you really need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Without knowing exactly what is medically going on with the ear & why she is vomiting, there really is not much you can do for her at home. I do hope you can have her seen soon. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It actually looks like Toby has been scratching himself in that area, and since it's near the ear, that could suggest an issue with his ear such as an ear infection. I do think it's best to get his ear checked out by a vet. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.