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Why is my cat scratching a scab near her ear after a vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 4 months old | 11 lbs

My 4 yo cat - I recently discovered a scab in front of her ear. Since I've noticed it I've also noticed her scratching it. In the photos it looks wet bc I've applied Vetericyn Plus hydrogel anti itch. She JUST visited the vet last week for a full checkup and vaccines, it wasn't there then, nor did he find fleas/mites/ anything IN her ear. Could she have caught mites from the vet? Could it be an allergic reaction to Rabies or Feline distemper vaccine? Fish dryfood I first bought 3 mo ago?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2018

I see what you mean about the scab on Breeze. It could be she has an ear infection, and those can be caused by bacteria or yeast, not only ear mites. It's unlikely she got ear mites from the vet. I also do not think it's an allergic reaction to her vaccines. That would have occurred quite closely after the vaccine was administered. Finally given that she has been on her food for three months, I don't think it's due to the food. It could also be she injured herself. I would put an Ecollar on her to keep her from scratching at it (I will put a link below on how to make one at home), and keep an eye on her. If she keeps try to scratching at her ear, or the scab appears infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch, pus), then take her back into the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 9th, 2018
This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Snuggle regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2017
Based on what you are describing I would be suspicious that that Boom Boom is suffering from allergies, fleas, or an ear infection.

All three of these can cause the skin/ears to be very itchy. When the cat scratches excessively it causes damage to the skin which results in the scabs you are noticing.

I would recommend taking your cat to the vet so the ears can be checked for an infection and/or ear mites. Sometimes the infection can be deep in the ear canal and cannot be seen without an otoscope.

Your vet will probably give you ear medication if needed, something to help her stop scratching so much (like a steroid or antihistamine), and antibiotics to help clear up the scabs. I would also recommend you get Boom Boom on a good flea control as well if she is not on one already.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 15th, 2017
Typically, areas like this pop up after excessive scratching. I would be concerned that your car may have an ear infection that is causing her to scratch excessively.

I would recommend taking your cat in to the vet to be checked for an ear infection. Also, if the area is infected severely enough, your vet may recommend an antibiotic as well. In the meantime you can try putting some triple antibiotic ointment on the affected area and see if that helps.

Best of luck! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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