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Why is my cat losing hair around her ears and eyes? Could it be mites?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Male

Hello I bought a cat I notice her hair fall a lot Near the ear and above the eyes there is lot of hair loss Please check the photos

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

I agree that is considerable alopecia. I would take her in to your vet and have her skin tested for a possible Demodexx mites issue. If she is scratching these areas a lot then a fle allergy or atopic dermatitis have to be considered and treated. I hope that you get to the bottom of Brownies hair loss soon. The treatment she needs is entirely dependent on the underlying cause. Best wishes moving forward with her care.
Vote Icon9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 26th, 2020

    The area she is barbering looks suspicious for flea allergy dermatitis. Make sure she is being treated with monthly flea medications. Rule out other parasites with a skin scraping. This problem could be behavioral as well. Try to reduce her stress and consider using a product like Feliway to help ease any anxiety.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 19th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If there is no itchiness involved, this is likely normal variation of her coat and will possibly improve on its own. If at any point she seems to be itchy, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. Good luck and have a good day!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
Are my cat's bald spots and brown ear marks caused by mites?
Yes, he may have ear mites or ear canal infection. Cats with ear mites or ear infection usually scratch the ears a lot and they get the bald patches as a result of scratching. The ears should be examined by a vet and then decided what treatment Maru needs. Usually, the treatment is in form of ear drops, that are effective against all type of infections and against mites at the same time.
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Why is my cat scratching red, balding skin between her eyes and ears?
A little thinning of the hair in these areas is normal but what I see in the photos is not normal. I think Bella needs to see a vet for this issue. This could be ringworm, mange mites, an autoimmune disease, allergy, etc. Your vet will have to help sort this out.
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Why is my cat losing hair around her eye with discharge and bumps?
There are a multiple things that can cause hairloss in cats including bacterial infections, fungal infections (ringworm), allergies, mites, and fleas. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treatment. Your vet may need to do some diagnostic tests to diagnose the problem.
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Why is my outdoor cat losing hair around his ears and hard to vet?
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!
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Why is my older cat losing hair on her side with rough brown spots?
While it is hard to say exactly what the cause of Bella's hair loss may be due to without examining Bella first, I can offer some possibilities and next steps. Some possibilities may include a fungal infection, bacterial infection, mites, a food or environmental allergy, or evidence of an underlying endocrine disorder such as a thyroid problem. Your veterinarian can diagnose these potential conditions with a fungal culture, skin scraping, and some blood work. I would recommend Bella visit her vet soon to have the possibilities above ruled out so she can get the most appropriate treatment.
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My dog has hair loss on one ear. What could be causing this issue?
This looks highly suspicious for a demodex mite (non-contagious) problem. A simple skin test through your vet can conrim this. If mites are not the cause, then a skin allergy is at play here. These are both treatable with medications. I hope that things work out for your pet Kendra and that her skin issue resolves soon! Best of luck and take care.
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Why does my cat have bald spots behind his ear and under his chin?
I think you should get a second opinion from another vet. There are many causes of hair loss from the ears. They include fungal infections, fur mite or flea infestation, allergies from food and/or the environment, hormonal imbalances, environmental conditions, autoimmune disease, dietary deficiencies, behavioral issues, etc.
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