Hi
thanks for the suggestions - i am going to start a little diary as suggested over the next couple of days before we go to the vet on Tuesday.

I did wonder if he had dermatitis it seems like he is itchy. I cant think that there is anything else that has changed - diet is the same and he has a quilt an d blankets he has had since we got him which i wash in the same washing powder.

I was worried about fleas, i have checked him thoroughly and cant see any signs and i use the flea treatments (but ones from pet shops)!

I noticed this morning he has been running his ears across the carpet although they (or the side of this face) is itchy .... I have cleaned them out this morning with warm water which seems to have stopped it..

I will take him to the vets Tuesday and see what they say ..
thanks for the advice