My 8-month-old cat has a bump near his ribs. What should I do?

Well bumblebee is quite the handsome cat. A bump like that could be a local reaction to a vaccine if he has recently had any shots, caused by a bug bite or bite wound from another animal, or even a benign or cancerous tumor. Since it is a new growth, I would have your vet take a look at it. Your vet will be able to aspirate it and determine if it needs to be watch or surgically removed or if he just needs some antibiotics. I do not think he will die from this, but early intervention is key. I hope this helps.

It is common in cats to see abscesses due to bites and scratches from other cats. I would bring him in to your veterinarian as they can evaluate it. An antibiotic as well as cleaning and flushing the abscess may be indicated. If it is not an abscess your veterinarian can help to determine what it it by collecting a fine needle aspirate. Certainly an abscess would describe many of the things you are describing.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to see a lump in the photo, but at Capernicus’s age, malignant growths are fairly unlikely. This may be a reaction to a vaccine if administered recently that should disappear with time. I recommend keeping an eye on it and having the spot seen by a vet if there is any discharge, bleeding, increase in size, or it seems to be bothering him. I hope this helps and that all is well!

That looks like it may be a cutaneous horn-type growth. Sometimes, they can dry up and fall off on their own, however, they can also sometimes be cancerous. With any new bump, it's always best to confirm in person with your vet as it is not always possible to determine what a growth is by looks alone. Your vet can take a sample of the growth to determine the cell type, or safely remove it if it is bothersome or itchy for Tiger. Until you get to Tiger's next vet checkup, keep an eye on the area for any signs of something more serious ongoing such as rapid changes in size, redness, irritation, irregular shape changes, pus, or discharge. These are all signs that the growth should be seen ASAP instead.

It is common for cats to have their last rib or 2 be what we call "floating ribs". That means that they do not wrap around to attach to the sternum like the other ribs do and will sometimes stick out and look like lumps. Some cats have them on both sides and some only have them on one side. I would recommend trying to see if the bump matches with a rib on the other side of her chest (although if the other side is not a floating rib, then it may feel less like a bump). If the bump seems to be further back than a rib should be, then it might be worth having your veterinarian examine Sushi just to be safe. You didn't mention how old Sushi is in your posting information, so I'm not sure what to recommend for her appetite. If she is transitioning from a kitten to an adult, their appetites will change a little, but if Sushi seems to be continuing to eat less or she develops any other signs, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a small cyst (non cancerous growth) from epidermal origin, or potentially a small abscess that has not yet reached the point of rupture from a sting or bite. If it is possible I would suggest clipping the hair short to get a better look. If you can get a picture, this would help us to better help you out. Likely Freya will need to see a vet for either a drainage of this or a removal if the mass becomes bothersome. Antibiotics will be warranted if the mass ends up being an abscess that is currently brewing under the skin. I hope this helps! Please resubmit if you can get some photos! We'd love to be as accurate as possible.

A lump in such a young cat could be an infection, a small wound, an insect bite, a lymph node, or waaay less likely, a mass. If she's going to a full-service veterinarian tonight they can definitely give you a good idea of what's going on. If you're going to a vaccine clinic, they'll be more limited in what they can do but can still give you a good idea if it's something normal or concerning. Between now and then, just leave the bump alone so that doesn't get bigger from being messed with. Don't try to clean it or pop it or remove it in anyway. Good luck to you and Kitty!