My cat is itching and has a hole behind his ear. Does he need a vet?

Congratulations on adding Tiger to your family! There is a chance that its bacterial but I would be most concerned thats ringworm (which you can get from him!). I would recommend to take him into the vet for fungal testing and medications to start treatment just in case (while you are waiting on the results). I would also recommend to start him on a flea treatment such as Revolution as this will provide longer protection than a bath! Please let me know if you have any further questions!

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!

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!

That does look suspicious for a bite though it could also be a scab for many reasons. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian if there is a chance he got in a fight. Bites often turn into abscesses and giving him an antibiotic as soon as you see the wounds can help prevent that. I hope this helps.

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.

This could be an indication of infection (bacterial, fungal, mites). She would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. A swab of the ear can be examined under a microscope in the clinic to make the diagnosis. The appropriate medication or treatment can then be dispensed or administered. IN the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent excessive scratching or rubbing.

With a clean ear canal, the most common cause of tiny bumps on the ear itself is related to hypersensitivity reactions from insect bites. The inflamed and sore lesion in front of Teak's left ear is most likely due to self-trauma from him scratching. The concern is that this skin may be infected from the excessive scratching. Your best bet is to take Teak to his vet for an exam because he may need a course of antibiotics and antihistamines to manage this issue. Be sure that Teak is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Advantage or Revolution) monthly because flea bites can also cause bumps on the ears. I hope that all goes well!