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My cat has a firm, painless bump on her head. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

*re-uploaded with images* My cat has this growth/bump on her head. Should I get it checked? It is solid to the touch and doesn't appear to be causing pain. Thanks.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2019

Thank you for posting again with the pictures! Yes, I would definitely get this lump checked. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give Patsy's vet a call to make her an appointment. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 24th, 2019
This is most likely a cyst on the skin or a scab from scratching herself. Just monitor it for now. If it grows quickly or seems to bother her then you should have it checked out. Your vet can do a fine needle aspirate to get a sample of the cells to look at under the microscope. This way you can know for sure if the mass needs to be removed or not.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 28th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Pussy. These bumps could be from an injury, cysts, or growths. Without seeing him in person, I can't make a diagnosis. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on April 28th, 2024
Hi there!

It's hard to tell what's going on exactly from the photo, however, if you've noticed a lump it's a good idea to monitor it for a few days for any signs of an issue or changes to it such as increased swelling, pain, oozing debris, or failing to heal. Lumps can be due to a number of things including scabs/abscesses from other cat scratches, cysts, blisters, allergic reactions, etc. Keeping the spot clean and dry and placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Squish as needed may also help it to heal.

If the spot worsens, becomes very bothersome, or doesn't seem to be improving, a vet visit in person is best to figure out what exactly the bump is and so that treatment can be provided depending on its cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 16th, 2018
Hello Hannah
Your kitty may have an abscess there (they usually are painful) or a cyst or a mass. Masses are not usually painful so it is more likely an abscess. If she is an inside/outside kitty she may have gotten into a fight with another cat She should be seen by a veterinarian for an exam of the "bump". If it is an abscess or cyst, it will need to be lanced, and if it is a mass, your vet may suggest to have it biopsied or removed. She also may need pain medicine and prescription antibiotics. I am sure Cookie will be fine!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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