ear mites? eat infection?

[Kat]

For the past week or so, I've noticed that my cat has been scratching at her ears. I took a look, and all I can see is a small scab where she has been scratching, which is on the outside of her ear. However, I didn't see any fleas, dirt, or anything weird in or around her ears. Any clue at what it could be? Should I just take her to the vet for an exam?

 

[lilangel]

when ear mites the ears most times have dark dirt in them but maybe you could treat her with revaluation if you have some?

 

[Fidget]

Maybe try some antibiotic ointment first on her owie in case she's just got an (maybe infected) owie bothering her? Wouldn't suspect ear mites if it's a scab on the outside of the ear at all. That would be a lot of scratching at the ears with no sign of injury outside I think since cats are capable of cleaning the inside of their ears.

 

[jorats]

Could it be a hot spot? like an allergy reaction which would be very itchy.
If it continues for too long, I'd get her to a vet.

 

[Kayla]

Do you have a picture? I would likely treat with revolution and clean her ears. Depending on the severity of the sore, and if it looks infected, she may need to see a vet. Cats with mites (or other bugs) can scratch themselves to the point of bleeding to make a sore on the outside of the ear, so mites are definitely a possibility. If you see little orange dots it could be chiggers. Chiggers are the larval form of a type of mite that are really hard to see. After possible parasites are ruled out, the next most likely cause is allergies for which she'll need to see a vet.

Good luck

 

[Kat]

Thanks for the replies guys. Seems she has stopped itching herself. Maybe I'm just overly paranoid lol. But I am still going to take her to the vet this week just so she can get a physical. I'm adopting a kitten and bringing it home Friday, so I just want to make sure that my cat is in perfect health too.