Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my cat have a black puffy lump on her hind quarter?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Hi, My cat had a black puffy lesion on her hind quarter which has not responded to antibiotics. Do you have any idea what it could be? I have a photo if that would help. Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on February 19th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to see in these pictures. This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2018

    I would recommend taking Tibbz to her vet to have the lump sampled. If it's an abscess it will need cleaned out and she'll likely need antibiotics. If it's a mass, it will need to be determined if surgery is required or not. I wouldn't consider this an emergency, but would try to have to seen before the weekend.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on February 11th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My black cat has a hard, mole-like spot. When should I see a vet?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat has a large, painless bump on his neck. Should I worry?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This may even be an abscess. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My 8-year-old cat has a sudden lump and is losing weight. What is it?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat has a hard, callus-like pink lump on his chest. What is it?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What is this hole on my cat's rear? Is it a growth or injury?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on this picture, it looks like it could be a growth. There is a possibility that this skin defect can be closed but that depends on an examination and if it makes sense clinically. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why does my cat have a hard lump with an open sore on her belly?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is likely from her mammary gland. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Dahlia evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My senior cat has a black and bloody patch on her hip. What is it?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am afraid that based on its appearance this could be something like a growth. This could certainly be something else like an infection. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat SuppliesCat FoodCat MedicineAntifungal Medication for CatsCat AntibioticsVaccines and Shots for CatsCat LaxativesPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsCat Thyroid MedicationPrescription Dewormer for CatsHeart & Blood Pressure Medicine for CatsCat Health & WellnessPrescription Flea & Tick Medicine for CatsHeartworm Prevention for CatsCat Insulin & Diabetes MedicationCat Urinary Tract & Kidney MedicationCat Asthma MedicationPet PharmacyPrescription Cat Allergy MedicineDiuretics for Cats
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button