Ear itching

It has been a while.  The little guy has been great for the most part but have came across an issue over the last month. Ok, so he's on a all wet food diet consisting of pate style chicken and turkey flavors and just a little fish (Past UTI issues). 100% indoor cat.

Anyways, I've noticed him itching his ears a fair amount lately and thought he'd get over it like he usually does with small cat "things". Well today I noticed a thinning spot on the back of one ear. There is no discoloration/discharge inside the ear canal, no bleeding or scapes either. All I know is that it's bothering him but would like to see if there's anything I can try before taking him in.

Any help?

The most like cause for this type of itch is ear mites. They need treating quickly, as they can cause permanent damage if left too long.

The best thing to do is take him to the vet for a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment.[article="22384"][/article]

Columbine said:

The most like cause for this type of itch is ear mites. They need treating quickly, as they can cause permanent damage if left too long.

The best thing to do is take him to the vet for a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment.[article="22384"]Ear Mites In Cats  [/article]

Click to expand...

Could it be mites even with no smell, discharge/discoloration ect? The only thing that's abnormal is the itching and the thinning spot received from scratching it.

Mites don't generally smell - particularly at the early stages. It's always quicker, easier (and cheaper) to catch things early than it is to wait and potentially deal with a more severe problem.

The other possibility that's just occurred to me is that you're seeing the beginnings of over grooming of 'hot spots'. These are generally allergy based, and can take time to get the best of (pinpointing allergens is rarely quick ). Either way, a vet visit is the best route to take.

Columbine said:

Mites don't generally smell - particularly at the early stages. It's always quicker, easier (and cheaper) to catch things early than it is to wait and potentially deal with a more severe problem.

The other possibility that's just occurred to me is that you're seeing the beginnings of over grooming of 'hot spots'. These are generally allergy based, and can take time to get the best of (pinpointing allergens is rarely quick

). Either way, a vet visit is the best route to take.

Click to expand...

 I was thinking food allergies as a possibility which is why I mentioned what food I have been feeding him. He has been eating pretty much the same 3-4 canned foods (All same base) for the last 3 years. I've never had a pet with allergies so it's all new to me. What I've read is that I should feed him something other than chicken/turkey based foods for a while to see if it helps.

I just noticed the thinning this morning and didn't have time to do a close inspection. Either way his shots are due so he'll have to go in soon anyways. I'd rather it be something other than FA though, that seems like a royal pitb to figure out. Ahhh the joys of pet ownership.