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My cat keeps scratching his ear raw, is it his grain-free food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 2 years and 8 months old | 12 lbs

My cat keeps scratching behind his ear. Has been to the vet 2x, once prescribed Tresaderm (didn't do anything), and the 2nd was given Covenia Injection & single dose of Revolution. A few days later he has reopened the would so I'm at a loss of what to do. Could it be his food? We adopted him and in the last few weeks changed him from a cheaper grain food to one that's grain free. I just want him to leave his ear alone :(

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2016

This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites.   First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, high quality flea treatment is given. It sounded like your veterinarian has done it already.
The next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy.   Food can be indeed one the most common cause of it.
Some medications can be given by the vet in order to stop the chewing and repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics usually).   There is also a nice topical spray available, it's called Cortavance and you can get it at the vets.   Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider starting on a long term allergy treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on November 15th, 2017
This sounds very potential for allergies. It could be food or environmental allergies. If the licking and itching doesn’t start to improve then I would talk to your vet about starting a food trial and getting him on some allergy medicines like apoquel. You could also try Benadryl twice a day to see if This helps. I have included a link below for more information on Benadryl. Scabies is USUALLY extremely itchy. Also if the ears are not improving, he may need a stronger antifungal or antibiotic for the ears if he has an infection. I hope this helps!

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on September 14th, 2019
I recommend to call your vet again. When pets begin to have chronic itching, things like allergies are suspected. The vet will need to check again to make sure there is not infection. Be sure the doctor checks for bacterial or yeast infections as well. You may also also the vet about getting a special ear cleaner that will help avoid itchiness. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 29th, 2019
Ear infections can be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, or parasitic infections (like ear mites, as you mentioned) or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Daisy needs to see a vet to have an ear swab done. Your vet can look at the sample under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Your vet will also need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. Ear infections can be very painful, and can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurologic signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have Daisy seen as soon as possible to help get her feeling better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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What causes my indoor cat to scratch her bleeding, scabby ears?

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! If her ears have been checked by a vet to ensure there is no infection I would be suspicious she could have an allergy, either to a food ingredient https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951526 (most often a protein source and not grain as so many pet food commercials would have you believe) or an allergy to something in the environment like pollen/dust/etc. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952664 . I would recommend bringing Chessie into the vet for an examination. This often requires at least a short course of medication to get the itching under control, such as a steroid, Atopica (cyclosporine) or Apoquel. The vet can discuss if a diet trial with a hypoallergenic diet is recommended and help you decide on the best diet for Chessie to try.

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My cat is scratching his ears and face, causing scabs. What can I do?

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Why is my cat scratching his ear raw and bloody with hair loss?

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