Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
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
Become 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

My cat has a growing, dark, hard lump on his neck. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered

My cat has a hard lump on his neck that keeps growing in size. It has a small opening now. It’s not draining anything and is dark inside.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on December 22nd, 2017

Poor Murphy! This could be a parasite, an infection, or a tumor that has ruptured. Since it is getting larger, I would have your vet take a look at it. If it is a parasite, they will be able to remove the parasite for you. They will also be able to get him on some antibiotics if needed. If it looks like a tumor, your vet will be able to see whether or not it needs to be surgically removed or just continued to watch. I hope this helps.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 11th, 2023
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This lump looks to be a tumor but I cannot be 100% sure just by looking at a photo. Other possibilities would be a cyst, an abscess, a local reaction to something like a tick bite. I suggest you take Amenti to your vet for an exam.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2018
The next step is to take Foffy into the vet to have this lump examined. It could be a malignant tumor, but it could also be a cyst or a benign tumor. 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 it's 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 with you. I'd make an appointment with the vet for Monday. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on May 19th, 2017
It is a very good new that the lump hasn't grown, it is important to consider the time frame though. If the lump has remained the same over the course of years, I think we are pretty certain that it should not be an aggressive tumour. If it is just a month for example, then I would be more cautious as things can still change dramatically or the lump could cause internal problems too. I would suggest that you have it checked over at your vets, we have a new motto in veterinary medicine which is " Why wait ? Aspirate ! " a pretty simple procedure such as a fine needle aspirate from the lump can help understanding the nature of the lump and act promptly if needed.
Some lumps are caused by infection and secondary to fights.. other are cysts and can be quite firm on palpation too, depending on the substance contained. To put your mind at rest, have it checked over,
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why does my cat have small bumps on his back and a large neck lump?

Hi there, it is hard to give you a specific answer regarding these bumps without seeing them, but I will try and give you some suggestions. If the lumps have just come up and feel soft they could be urticaria from an allergic reaction. Likewise if they are fairly new and are red or hot they may be caused by a skin infection. However, if the lumps have been there for a while again they could be infection but they could also be little growths in the skin. Have a good feel and if they are under the skin and soft they could be fatty lumps. If they are hard and in the skin they could be cysts, and if on top get may be warts. Unfortunately there is also the possibility the growths could be tumours. If you like you can repost with some photographs or more information and we can try and help more. I would recommend going to the vet to have he lumps checked f they have been there for a while. If they have just come up and don't look infected you could wait a day or so and give an antihistamine in case of allergic reaction.

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

My cat has a lump on his head. What could it be and what should I do?

It’s hard to be sure what this is from the photo. The most common lump that come up quickly in cats is an abscess, or pocket of infection. They develop from a puncture wound usually. If it’s an infection it will be sore, hot to the touch, and feel soft. Due to Sampson’s age though this could be a mass or tumor. Those lumps are firm, non painful and do not feel warm. I recommend a veterinary exam to determine what the lump is. They can take a needle and examine some cells from inside the lump and get a diagnosis. If it’s an infection this should heal with antibiotics. If it’s a growth, depending on the diagnosis they may just watch it for enlargement or recommend surgical removal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Samson.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's neck lump broke open and spread. Is it healing or worsening?

Poor Munchkin! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. Without being able to examine him, or at least see a photo of the area, it's hard to say what this might be and whether it is healing appropriately or not. From your description, it sounds like it could be a ruptured cyst or skin tumor of some kind, or possibly a rather nasty localized infection. It sounds like you have been doing a good job of keeping the area clean. I wouldn't consider this problem to be urgent as long as he is acting normal otherwise, but I would recommend taking Munchkin to your regular vet tomorrow to have this checked. He/she can examine the area to determine if additional treatment is needed, to make sure that it heals without further problems.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's neck lump keeps swelling but has no pain. What should I do?

Smok is a very handsome boy! See what you mean about this lump. It could be an abscess, it could be a cyst, it could be a lymph node swelling due to infection, or it could be related to a dental problem. It is concerning that is has kept on swelling for the past three days, and now is the time to take him into the vet. The vet is the best person to diagnose what is causing this swelling so it can be treated appropriately. I would take Smok into the vet first thing in the morning. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a small, painless lump on their neck. What should I do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dexter. This lump may be an enlarged lymph node if it's right below his neck. That can indicate an infection or a dental problem. Other possibilities include a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma, or a benign growth. Given it's local, I do think it's important to have it checked out by a vet, and I would have him seen by one in the next few days. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is sick, not eating, and has a neck lump. Should I worry?

A huge lump on his neck could be an abscess, a blicked salivary duct, inflamed or infected salivary gland, a cyst, a tumor, or a swollen lymph node. This needs to be examined by your veterinarian who will likely want to take a bit of tissue or check if and what kind of fluid is in the lump. He will do this with a very thin needle (painless) to determine what kind of mass or lump there is. Not eating is dangerous for a cat as this can cause liver disease in cats in addition to the original cause. Please take your kitty to a veterinarian for an exam today.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share