My cat has a bean-shaped growth on his cheek. Could it be a tick?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 10 lbs
My cat has a bean shaped growth on his cheek. He is eating, pooping, and sleeping well and does not seem to be in any pain. I have attached pictures. Is this something to be worried about?
This looks like an engorged tick. You can look with a magnifying glass to see if you see legs at the area of attachment. Take tweezers at the place it’s attached at the skin to firmly pull back to remove it. Then clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. He may have a scab or sore in that area for several days after removing the tick. I use a Seresto collar on my barn cat to prevent fleas and ticks. You can purchase one at PetCo. Dog tick products are toxic to cats so please read labels very carefully before applying any product on your cat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Carbon.