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My cat has a hard lump on her chin. Is it a bug bite or growth?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 6.5 lbs

I noticed a lump on her chin when I was flea combing her. Don't remember it being there yesterday...or even last night, but not 100%. It's hard, like a pimple or mosquito bite. I only use metal and ceramic bowls. Is it probably a bugbite?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Marlow Ball, DVM

Answered By Marlow Ball, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2017

This could be a bug bite or a small growth. If it is not painful and not getting bigger then I would watch it and have her seen by your vet if it doesn’t go away in a few days. Sometimes I need to poke a growth with a needle and look at it under the microscope to determine the cause. This is not necessarily an emergency but should be seen and worked up if it doesn’t go away in a few days or gets bigger. Watch for discharge from swelling, change in appetite or energy level.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 5th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While this may not be an emergency, I do think that it warrants a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment. 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!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 22nd, 2018

    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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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