At some point in a cat's life, they'll develop a lump.It can be frightening to find a new lump on your pet.Some are harmless, but some will need to be addressed by a vet as soon as possible.It is worth having a vet check out any lump you are unsure of.Share this information with your vet if you see other symptoms of a lump in your cat's body.
Step 1: It's a good idea to see a vet when you have a new lump.
Any lump that lasts more than a week or two should be checked out by your vet.It is worth noting that small lump that are not growing, oozing, or bothering your cat are unlikely to be dangerous.Take your cat to the vet if you notice a lump suddenly.
Step 2: It's a good idea to monitor seemingly innocuous lumps.
There will be some harmless lump.It is most likely scar tissue that forms at the site of an injury or surgery.Have the lump looked at right away if it seems to bother your cat.
Step 3: The vet should be allowed to do tests.
Your vet will be able to tell you whether the lump is fluid-filled or solid.They won't be able to determine if a tumor is harmless or dangerous without doing tests.They will need to use a scalpel or needle to remove a small amount of tissue from the lump in order to test it in a lab.Initial tests will be quick, easy, and safe.They can be completed while your cat is awake.
Step 4: Agree to having a biopsy.
If your vet can't determine the cause of the lump through initial tests, they will recommend a biopsy.Your cat will be anesthetized so that the lump can be removed.Your vet can get a definitive diagnosis on the cause of the lump with this.
Step 5: Determine if the cat was fighting.
Abscesses are lump that forms a few days after a fight with another cat or dog.They are large and filled with fluid.If your cat has a lump in the middle of it's body, it is most likely an abscess.Abscesses are infections.It is best to have a vet look at them.They can prescribe antibiotics for your cat to rid them of infections.
Step 6: Determine whether an ear lump is a haematoma.
Blood can be collected at the site of an injury.The lump is called a haematoma.Cats that shake their head vigorously can cause haemas, which can damage the skin of their ear.They need to be evaluated by a vet.Treatment is usually required for an underlying cause of a haematoma.If it's the result of an ear mite, for example, your cat may have damaged their ear.
Step 7: Have them removed.
Blocks of hair follicles or oil ducts can cause cysts.If a lump appears suddenly and has a hair growing from its center, it may be a cyst.If they don't bother your cat, they can be left alone.If you're unsure, the safest option is to have a vet check the cyst to see if it should be removed.
Step 8: Consider the possibility of a food allergy.
If you have recently changed the type of food you give your cat, it is likely that it will cause an allergic reaction.Continue feeding them and see if they get better.The lump will be small, pale, and filled with fluid.Your cat may hurt itself by scratching the lump.
Step 9: Don't get bitten by fleas.
They are likely flea bites if they are small, reddish, and slightly pointed.They are accompanied by scratching and hair loss.Talk to your vet about how to get rid of the fleas, and watch out for wounds on your cat's skin where they are constantly licking and scratching.
Step 10: You should check your cat for tumors.
Whenever their behavior changes, check for lump on your cat every month.The sooner a lump is addressed, the better.Start by placing your hands on top of your cat's head and petting them.Underneath the shoulders and down their back and belly, check their front legs.Feel their hips and back legs.Call your vet or make an appointment to have a new lump inspected.
Step 11: Be aware of a benign tumor.
Tumors that are benign will grow slowly.You may not notice a change in size when it is still small.The lump of benign tumors will be rounded.You can move them beneath the skin.The skin will look good.It is worth having a vet check out benign tumors because they are not a risk to your cat.Some tumors seem to be benign.If the cat has a benign tumor on its face or legs, your vet will recommend removal.They will recommend leaving a benign tumor alone.
Step 12: Have any growth checked out.
Malignant tumors pose a risk to your cat and should be addressed immediately.They are easy to identify.Malignant tumors will appear suddenly, be large, and grow quickly.The skin above them may be discolored or otherwise not healthy.