Why is my cat scratching her old collapsed ear? Is it hurting her?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Mimi is scratching one ear more than usual, it is likely that she has an ear infection. Ear infections can be bacterial and/or fungal in origin. If left untreated, simple external ear infections can progress to middle or inner ear infections, leading to vestibular disease or even central nervous system signs. I recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have Mimi checked for an ear infection. He/she will likely perform an ear cytology, meaning he/she will swab her ear and look at the material under a microscope. This way, your veterinarian can look for evidence of bacteria and/or yeast and treat her accordingly. I hope this is helpful!

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.

I am so sorry to hear that Gizmo's ear is bothering her. From what you are describing I believe she has an ear infection, and has been scratching at her ear causing the changes you observe. Ear infections in dogs can be very difficult to manage, and are very common. Though cleaning may help prevent ear infections ruins, it won't treat an ear infection that is present. Antibiotics are needed. Unfortunately, there aren't any medications over the counter which would be helpful at this stage. Outer ear infections can progress to inner ear infections. Inner ear infections are very difficult to treat, are very painful and have serious potential complications, such as hearing loss and problems with balance. I would suggest a trip to the vet as soon as you can. The vet will use a tool to look into Gizmo's ears, and may take a swab of the infected ear and send it away for analysis, so that the exact pathogens causing the infection can be identified and therefore a specific antibiotic can be used. 

I hope that this answer was helpful, and more importantly that Gizmo's ear gets better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Yes, it is possible that the tooth is causing her pain. Not directly, but due to the way the nerves innervate the face and mouth. An inflamed nerve can cause pain/irritation the goes up to the eye/ear, etc. That being said, it is best to have your vet check her out sooner if the ear is really bothering her that badly. That way the vet can look down into the ear with an otoscope.

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!

This is probably the same abscess that continues to recur. Gizmo needs to be seen by the vet so the abscess can be properly drained and flushed out. Oftentimes cats need to be under sedation for this procedure. Gizmo will also need to be on antibiotics for at least 2 weeks. If the infection is not treated properly the infection may spread to the blood stream and this could be life threatening. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

If Bessley is scratching at his ear, then I would recommend having your vet evaluate his ear including his ear canal. There are a few possibilities of what could be going on, but your vet will need to examine Bessley to figure out what is going on and what should be done about it. Good luck! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.