Why does my outdoor cat have a scabby, smelly ear with hair loss?

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.

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!

Unfortunately, without seeing it in person, I can't say for certain what is causing this rough and bumpy patch beneath Shiki's ear. I can say that if she is scratching below her ear, that can be a sign of an ear infection, and I do think she should see a vet for it. Ear infections in cats can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria, and can only be treated by medications from the vet. I recommend having Shiki seen by a vet tomorrow to diagnose if she does have an ear infection, and to get medications to treat it if she does. It's important to treat any ear infection promptly, as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like Lily has a skin infection. I recommend taking her to a vet for antibiotic’s and something to relieve the itching. It is possible to be from a food allergy or an environmental allergy. This may be the cause of her vomiting as well. You need to speak with a veterinarian about what she eats and the environment she is in. They will then be able to treat her appropriately. Good luck and kisses to Lily!

I would recommend having Sharon examined by your vet and have your vet do some simple skin tests to determine what might be going on with Sharon. We do sometimes see some different types of mites (I have attached a link to a handout below with more information on one type of mite) that can cause skin problems in cats as well as bacterial or fungal infections. so your vet will need to determine the cause of the crusting in order to determine the best treatment option. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=512 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Cute kitty! It's possible mites could be to blame, however they typically cause problems with the inner ear including discharge/dirty debris. However if Peanut is scratching a lot it could cause hair loss elsewhere. The bottom scooting and occasional vomiting could be related to the ear via an allergy, or may be related to anal gland, digestive, or parasite issues. Since this problem has been ongoing for a bit, and you have a few symptoms you're concerned about it'd be best to schedule a vet exam to rule out anything serious and find the problem causing her itching.