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My cat has a cold, a bump on its head, and isn't eating. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

My cat has a pretty bad cold. Very congested and little interest in food. Sleeping all day. I'm a little concerned because he suddenly has a big bump on his head, mostly above his right eye. It doesn't seem to be painful when I touch it. What is this??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on July 29th, 2017

Hello! That certainly is a big bump, and it worries me. Considering Walnut's symptoms and reluctance to eat, I an concerned that this lump may be an abscess. It is an unusual location, but abscesses are common in cats, and certainly could develop near or around the eye if he is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. The location of this lump could be dangerous for Walnut, so I highly recommend that you get him to the vet as soon as possible. There appears to be a vet open on Sundays near you:
VCA Bonita Animal Hospital
3438 Bonita Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Tel: 619-427-2233

I really do not think that this should wait until Monday. In the meantime, keep Walnut warm, offer water and stinky foods, and keep him in a small, quiet room. A bathroom works well for this purpose, and you can also run a hot shower in there to help his congestion. Good luck, and I hope that Walnut gets well soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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