There will be a time when a lump will grow on the cat. However, a bump on a cat can make you anxious. Some bumps are nothing to worry about. However, some lumps may need to be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. In general, get any lumps you don't recognize at the vet's clinic. Watch for symptoms that could indicate the type of lump your cat has and then consult a veterinarian.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Visiting the Vet
Step 1. Visit the vet as soon as possible if you notice a new lump
In general, lumps that don't go away after a week or two should be checked by a veterinarian. However, small bumps that don't grow, drain, or irritate your cat are generally harmless.
If the lump suddenly appears and grows rapidly, immediately consult a veterinarian
Step 2. Keep an eye out for any harmless-looking lumps
A few bumps won't harm the cat. For example, the hard tissue that develops around a wound or surgical scar may be scar tissue. However, if the lump bothers your cat or becomes infected, get it checked out immediately.
Step 3. Get tested by a veterinarian
The vet can determine whether a cat's lump is liquid (like an abscess), or solid (like a tumor or cyst). However, to determine whether the tumor is safe or not, the vet will have to carry out further tests. The vet will use a needle or scalpel to take a sample of the lump. After that, the doctor will take the sample to a laboratory for testing.
This process will be fast, easy, and safe. This procedure can probably be done without anaesthetizing the cat, and is painless
Step 4. Perform a biopsy
Your veterinarian may perform a biopsy if the cause of the lump is still unknown based on the results of previous tests. The cat will be sedated so that a sample or the entire lump can be taken. This process is quite useful because the vet will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of the lump.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing the Cause of the Bump
Step 1. Find out if the cat just had a fight
An abscess is a type of lump that usually appears a few days after a cat fights with another cat or dog. The abscess is quite large and filled with fluid. If your cat looks feverish or sick and has a lump with a scab in the center, the lump may be an abscess.
An abscess is an infection caused by bacteria. Although an abscess is not too dangerous, it is best to see a veterinarian. The vet will suck up the fluid in the lump and give the cat antibiotics to clear the infection
Step 2. Find out if the lump in the cat's ear is a hematoma
Blood can clot on the skin in the area around minor cuts in cats. This blood clot will form a lump called a hematoma. A hematoma is a common lump in cats, especially cats who shake their heads too hard, damaging the capillaries between the cartilage and the skin of their ears.
Hematomas should be examined by a veterinarian. There are several basic causes of hematoma that must be treated immediately. For example, a hematoma may be caused by a mite or an infection that causes the cat to injure its ear
Step 3. Remove the cyst on the cat
Some cysts may be caused by clogged hair follicles or oil holes. If the lump appears suddenly but does not change, and there is a hair in the center, the lump may be a cyst. Cysts should not be treated unless they are infected or bother your cat.
If you're not sure, your vet can examine the cat and determine whether or not the cyst should be removed
Step 4. Consider food allergies in cats
If you recently changed your cat's food and lumps are growing around its head and neck, it may be due to an allergy. Stop giving the cat the food and observe how it develops.
- These lumps are generally small, pale, and filled with fluid.
- Even if the bumps are harmless, your cat may hurt themselves when they scratch.
Step 5. Know the flea bite
If the cat's lump is small, red, and slightly pointed, it may be a flea bite. Flea bites are generally accompanied by scratching, and possibly hair loss. Consult a veterinarian to find out how to get rid of cat fleas. Keep an eye out for sores on the skin that the cat is always licking or scratching.
Method 3 of 3: Identifying Different Types of Tumors in Cats
Step 1. Check for tumors regularly
Check your cat for lumps monthly, and when their behavior changes. If the lump turns out to be a tumor, treat it immediately for the best results. Start by placing your hand over the cat's head and stroking the area around its ears and under its neck. After that, examine the front legs, lower shoulders, back, and stomach. Also check the cat's hips and hind legs.
Call the vet to check for new lumps in the cat
Step 2. Identify benign tumors
Benign tumors, or tumors that are not cancerous, grow very slowly. You may find the lump when it is small. You may not notice the change in the size of the tumor. Lumps originating from benign tumors are round and solid. You may be able to move it under the cat's skin. Your cat's skin will still look healthy.
- Benign tumors generally won't harm your cat, but check with your veterinarian anyway. Some tumors that appear benign may be cancer.
- Your vet may suggest removing tumors on the cat's face and paws, even if they are benign. However, in general, veterinarians will often leave tumors in cats.
Step 3. Check for growing lumps
Malignant cancerous tumors can be dangerous for cats and must be treated as soon as possible. Fortunately, these tumors are fairly easy to identify. Malignant tumors generally arise suddenly, are large, and grow rapidly. The shape of a malignant tumor may be quite odd, and the overlying skin appears discolored and unhealthy.
