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My kitten's ear is crusty, itchy, and she's losing fur. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 12 days old | 1.5 lbs

My kitten’s ear was hard and crusty the other day and kept itching at it. First I thought it looked like eczema, but I was worried about mites and asked the vet tech to look at it las Saturday when she was trimming her nails, but she said it doesn’t look like mites and it would be fine with just some Neosporin. Now my kitten’s fur has fallen out and she developed a few cuts from scratching. I’m worried about infection.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2019

I would be worried as well. I suggest you have Penelope back to the vet for a follow-up. It looks like the ear flap is red and swollen. It is not likely ear mites because only one ear is affected. In over 25 years in the veterinary industry I have never seen only one ear affected with mites. Something else may be going on. Hopefully it is just a mild infection from the scratching but why she is scratching.....I don't know. Without examining her myself it is hard for me to say.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Published on May 17th, 2017
Ear mites or ringworm are possible. Ear mites are more likely. Follow up with your veterinarian and discuss ear cytology. If she does have mites, they can be treated easily with ear drops. I prefer Tresaderm for ear mites.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 7th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly her just letting you know that she really enjoys ear scratches which is typical. If she is not scratching her ears and you do not see any black ear wax build up then it is probably not ear mites. If you notice that she is scratching her ears excessively herself then have her examined by your veterinarian. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Published on July 28th, 2018
Hello,
I would advise you to consult your veterinarian to test Coco for ringworm and mites. Ringworm is contagious to humans. So wash your hands and keep Coco in a confined area until we have ruled it out as a cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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