Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/17/2005

Question
I'm not at home to attach the picture..I will do that later if you think you can help me.
I have an INDOOR cat..never outside, no other cat in house either....

I noticed my cat Wilson has some hair loss about the eye, below the ear...in that spot. Not only do I see hair loss I also see a few red marks..like small circles, scabs kinda. He seems sensitive to it when I touch it....but also likes it when I rub it gently....like you would on an itchy scab.

Is this normal for cats? Stress, new home (3 months into new home, he left his adopted brother and is now a solo cat)
I can send more info with picture if you'd like.  

Answer
This could be the result of him scratching at his ears from ear mites.  Ask your vet to check this out for you.  If it is not ear mites, then it may be facial pruritus (itching) from something like a food allergy, which requires the cat to eat a special diet.  Again, ask your vet about that.