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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Birman | Female | unspayed | 5 months old
After I noticed a little crusty spot on the back of my kitten ear, as I cleaned the crust came out with some fur causing a bald spot slightly red but didn’t look bad, I thought it was some kind of scratch maybe, even though I don’t see her scratching much and she doesn’t seem uncomfortable. After a week or so I now noticed the color turned black in that same spot. I just started applying clotrimazole. Should I be concerned?
2 Answers

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2020
Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on November 12th, 2016
It certainly could be mange (mites), but it could also be ringworm, which is actually a fungus. It's important to figure out which it is, because one type of mange (sarcoptic) and ringworm are both contagious to people and other animals. Your vet should able to determine which it is and prescribe the right medication, as each requires different treatments.
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