Calvin, my 5 year old cat, had a scratch in his ear last week. Last night, the inner pink part was swollen to about 1/2" thick. He doesn't act like its bothering him, and in all other ways seems fine. Taking him to a vet would be traumatic for him. Is this something I can treat at home?

It could be that he has an infection now and the swelling comes from puss inside, it will have to come out somehow. If he does not like vets, try finding an area that looks like the middle of a 'pimple' use a sterile needle and just prick once. If blood comes out, then take him to a vet. If puss comes out, let it come out and clean the area with peroxide several times a day and put a little pressure on it with q-tips around the area to push out the puss. The best would be to take him to the vet though, because that area is too close to the brain to take chances. You should always keep peroxide and q-tips at home if you own pets, especially for the ear mites which can get to the brain. Another thing you can get and keep in your animal pharmacy is powdered antibiotics for animals - found at any Vet. Never give them aspirin though, it reacts different with aminals. If you have to calm animals, then use an eyedropper of gin. This helps reduce fever too - especially with infections. BUT LIKE I STATED BEFORE - taking him to the vet would be best. Good luck! - let me know how it works, OK?