Is scratching behind the ear normal?
Some ear scratching is normal. Cats use their back paws to scratch their head and ears as part of grooming, and an occasional scratch is rarely a concern. It becomes worth attention when the scratching is frequent, intense, focused on one ear, or comes with other signs such as head shaking, redness, discharge, or scabs.
Why cats like ear scratches from you
Many cats enjoy being scratched around the ears and head. Cats have scent glands around the face and head, and the area is hard for them to reach well themselves, so gentle scratching may feel good and can be part of social bonding. Not all cats like it, so watch their body language and stop if they pull away or twitch their tail.
Common reasons for frequent scratching
- Ear mites: tiny parasites in the ear canal that cause intense itching and often dark, crumbly debris. See cat crusty ears: ear mites and other causes.
- Ear infections: bacteria or yeast can cause redness, swelling, discharge, and a bad smell.
- Allergies: food or environmental allergies often cause itchy skin around the head and ears.
- Foreign material: grass seeds or other debris can lodge in the ear. Scratching mostly at one ear is a clue.
- Wounds or abscesses: bite or scratch injuries from fights can become infected and itchy; see cleaning a cat wound.
- Ringworm: a fungal skin infection that can cause patchy, scaly areas and can spread to people.
- Growths: polyps or tumors are less common causes, but can affect the ear.
Do cats scratch even without fleas?
Yes. Fleas (see how to check if a cat has fleas) are one cause of itching, but many other things, including mites, allergies, infections, and skin conditions, can make a cat scratch. A cat that is scratching a lot may still need flea control, and your vet can advise, but the absence of visible fleas does not rule out a problem.
Red spot or scabs on the ear
A red spot, scab, or sore on or behind the ear often results from scratching itself, and the original cause can be anything from mites to allergies to a wound or ringworm. Sun damage on pale ear tips can also cause sores. Because several causes look alike, have a vet check any red area that persists, grows, bleeds, or does not heal.
How to tell if the scratching is serious
Contact your vet if you notice:
- Scratching that is constant, or that continues for more than a day or two
- Open sores, bleeding, or scabs
- Head tilt, loss of balance, or frequent head shaking
- Dark debris, discharge, or a bad smell from the ears
- Swelling of the ear flap
- Changes in appetite, mood, or behavior
Self-inflicted scratches can become infected, and ongoing itching is uncomfortable for your cat.
How to check your cat’s ears gently
Choose a calm moment. Gently fold back the ear flap and look at the skin and the visible part of the canal. A healthy ear is pale pink, without odor, debris, or much wax. Check both ears and compare them. Do not push anything into the ear, and stop if your cat is distressed. A photo can help your vet.
What to avoid at home
- Do not put drops, ointments, peroxide, or human medications in the ear unless your vet instructs you to.
- Do not use cotton swabs in the ear canal.
- Do not wait if the ear looks painful or your cat seems unwell.
What the vet may do
A vet will usually look inside the ear with an otoscope, may take a swab to check for mites, yeast, or bacteria, and may look for skin disease or allergies. Treatment depends on the cause. If an allergy is suspected, they may suggest further steps over time. Treating all pets in the household may be advised when mites are found.