My cat keeps scratching her red ear and holding it down. What to do?

Scratching around the ears or eyes may indicate an allergy, or may even indicate a problem with the ears themselves such as an infection or ear mites (very common in cats). Signs of [ear mites](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ear-mites/) include dark or dirty debris that is black or deep red in appearance, or you may see other debris that is foul-smelling in the ears. Ear mites and infections usually require a sample being taken by the vet to determine the exact cause, as well as a regimen of [cleaning the ears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-clean-your-cat-s-ears-what-you-need-to-know/) with a medicated cleaner for 7-10 days. Ear mites can be spread to other pets, so treating any other dogs or cats in the house at the same time is best. If the ears are clear but you are seeing redness, it may indicate an allergy, or even possible problems such as [ring worm](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/ringworm/) (which appear as a red "target" ring that will gradually increase in size over time, and IS contagious to other pets and people). Your vet can provide you with an allergy medication dosage to treat minor allergies, or may ask you to bring in your cat for an exam if you suspect ringworm or other skin infections.

Poor Missy looks like her skin is quite irritated! She requires a visit to the vet to determine the source of her itchiness. She could have an infection in her ear (bacteria, yeast, or both), ear mites, or allergies (to something in the environment like pollen/dust or to food) that is causing the inflammation. Your vet can look down inside the ear and possibly take a swab to examine under the microscope, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for her. Placing an e-collar on her until your vet is able to see her will help decrease the self-trauma she is causing.

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!

Is your pet itching or scratching at its head/ears? Outdoor kitty with the potential for being in a fight or being wounded? These could be excoriations/superficial wounds. If your pet is scratching/itching a lot than these could be caused by an ear infection (bacteria/yeast/ear mites) or allergy (food, flea, etc.), etc. Some medications older cats take can also cause an itchy face, so if your pet is taking a new medication this could be the cause and you should alert your veterinarian. As the lesions appear raw and ulcerated the best plan would be to have your pet seen by your family veterinarian for an exam and ear assessment. That way if medications are needed to improve comfort they can be prescribed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The most common reasons that cats scratch at their ears are infections or infestations with ear mites. Ear mites can be treated by several different medications, some of which are over the counter and others that are prescription only. If there is an infection, an antimicrobial flush plus cleaning would be needed to clear up the affected ear. Steroids might also be warranted to assist with some of the inflammation and discomfort associated with the infection. Keep the e-collar on for the time being until you have resolved the problem. Sparrow will only make it worse as soon as you remove it, as you have already noted.

Poor Angie. Do not put anything in her ear. It sounds like she has an ear infection, but her ear drum needs to be examined to make sure it's intact before putting in any medication. Only the vet can do this. My recommendation is to put a cone on her so she cannot scratch her ear any longer. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. I will put a link below on how to make one at home. I hope this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

This may be a bacterial or yeast infection on the ear margins and spreading. You can keep it clean with warm soap and water, just be careful to not get it in her ear, and rub a small, thin amount of Neosporin to the area. If it does not improve then she needs to be seen by your vet on Monday