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My cat's been scratching his ears. It started as what just looked like dry skin, but as he keeps scratching they look like scabs (and look particularly irritated right after he's scratched them). He's been scratching for the past two weeks but the irritation has gotten more noticeable over the past couple of days. We gave him flea medication about two days ago; he's an indoor cat. – Is there topical treatment we can use to heal the scabs? – Or does this look like it requires a prescription/exam?

My cat's been scratching his ears. It started as what just looked like dry skin, but as he keeps scratching they look like scabs (and look particularly irritated right after he's scratched them). He's been scratching for the past two weeks but the irritation has gotten more noticeable over the past couple of days. We gave him flea medication about two days ago; he's an indoor cat. – Is there topical treatment we can use to heal the scabs? – Or does this look like it requires a prescription/exam?

Updated On September 18th, 2020

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 years and 4 months old | 17 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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This can be a sign of an ear infection. Cats with ear infections scratch their ears a lot because it's quite itchy and bothering them. Ear infections can be caused by yeast or bacteria. Loie needs to see a vet. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, what is causing it, and can treat it. I would give his vet a call now to make him an appointment. I hope this helps.

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