Help, I'm freaking out a little! So, I was just cuddling with Mr. Whiskers, my three-year-old tabby, when I noticed a weird lump at the back of his head. It's kind of hard to the touch and feels almost like a bug bite or something, but I haven't seen him scratching at it. He’s been acting normal—his usual playful and mischievous self, eating fine and everything. It's just that this lump wasn't there yesterday, and now I'm obsessing over what it could be. Do cats sometimes just naturally get these? Could it be a tick or something worse? I'm trying not to panic, but I'm worried because I lost a pet cat before to an unexpected illness, and I can't go through that again. Should I rush him to the vet, or am I overreacting? Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out about this concern. Finding something unusual on your cat can be a bit unsettling, but let's walk through this together.
There are a few possibilities for what you might have found. It could be a bump or lump like a cyst, a scab from a recent scratch or bite, a tick, or even a harmless growth like a sebaceous cyst. It’s also possible your kitty has a skin infection or an allergy causing irritation.
For now, it's a good idea to gently inspect the area. If you think it might be a tick, you should remove it carefully with tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible. If it looks like a wound, you can clean it with a mild saline solution. Avoid applying ointments or creams, as these might irritate the skin further.
Keep an eye out for signs of infection or issues that require immediate vet attention. These signs include swelling, redness, discharge, or if your cat is scratching excessively at it or seems in pain. A loss of appetite or changes in behavior are also red flags.
If you're still concerned or notice any of these serious signs, it would be best to consult with a vet. Please consider booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. We're here to help!
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