Cat's Ear Turning Pink / Cat Losing Hair On Ear ?

My cat has had quite a journey the last few months. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and is on Tapazole. She was diagnosed with hypertension and is on Amlodipine. She was diagnosed with pododermatitis with a secondary infection to her paw and was put on Doxycycline (still on) and a topical steroid (discontinued). Her paw is looking great but now her right ear has started to slowly turn a very bright pink. The inside of her ear looks normal. The vet wanted her to come in but because she's been there 3 times this month already we are trying QuickDerm ointment for a few days to see if that helps. My thought was that since she is on the Doxy and that makes her more susceptible to sunburn and she likes to lay in the sun that she burned her ear. But it's just a guess. I'm only a human nurse, not a vet! I am attaching a few pictures. (Please note, the ear may look a little wet because I have been applying the ointment at night.) If it doesn't get better in a few days I will bring her back to the vet. Any thoughts or advice in the meantime would be greatly appreciated!

I'm sorry you haven't received a reply so bumping your thread up. Although I'm not sure what is the cause of your cat's latest symptoms I thought this Article might offer some helpful advice: Skin Conditions In Cats

Perhaps other members with a similar experience may be able to help too. If the problem persists I agree it would be best to contact your vet. Please keep us posted on her progress.

I Ivy12345 - I'm so sorry your kitty is going through all this! I read your other thread about her paw, and it's good to hear that that has improved.

Ivy12345 said:

... and was put on Doxycycline (still on) and a topical steroid (discontinued). Her paw is looking great but now her right ear has started to slowly turn a very bright pink. The inside of her ear looks normal. The vet wanted her to come in but because she's been there 3 times this month already we are trying QuickDerm ointment for a few days to see if that helps. My thought was that since she is on the Doxy and that makes her more susceptible to sunburn and she likes to lay in the sun that she burned her ear. But it's just a guess.

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Your kitty's case is so complicated, I guess I'd recommend a vet visit sooner than later, like your vet suggested! Those ears worry me. I would really try to prevent her from having her ears be in any sunshine beams, for sure. I've never had a cat on doxycycline, but I think one of the more severe effects listed for that might be hair loss (although I don't know if that refers to the backs of ears). What if she's having a reaction to the doxy?? I don't know. There are the other meds in play, too. Only your vet or a 2nd opinion vet can really help, not us! I'd just recommend taking her in. Have you noticed any other possible side effects, symptoms or weird/odd things going on with her that could be from any of the meds she's on (including the doxy)? You could email the photos of her ears to the vet and email any notes or observations you have also. They'll probably say, Bring her in!


I do know that when a kitty's system is really immunocompromised (whether from an actual disease or from medications), all kinds of negative things can start to happen. It really takes a good vet to figure out what's going on.