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 ear bump. Could it be a tumor? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Male | neutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 12 lbs

Hello my cat is about 7 years old and I’ve noticed this bump on his outter ear for almost a year now it look like it started off as a scratch or bite I’m not sure because he used to be play fight with my sister cat not anymore but I’ve been so worried about it because it’s grown in the past year I don’t know if it’s a tumor or what it could possibly be and I don’t have the money to take him to the vet, has anyone seen anything like this before or know what it could possibly be ? Please help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 31st, 2024

Ouch! That unfortunately should be checked out by a vet in person, especially if it's growing in size and looking more inflamed than usual, as this could indicate something such as an infection or growth that requires treatment. Typically, a vet will be able to take a sample of the area to determine the exact cells present and what treatment is needed.

Until you can get to the vet, placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Sebastian may help keep him from rubbing or pawing at it to help it heal. Keeping the area clean and dry may also help.

If you're having trouble affording veterinary care, these resources may also help so that you can get Sebastian in to see a vet: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet , https://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat has a large ear growth that doesn't bother him. What is it?

A picture may be helpful. If its not bleeding or bothering him, it is not an emergency. However, I would recommend that you get it checked out, as it may be a tumor. Skin tumors can be benign or malignant, and surgery can many times be curative. Get him in to the vet when you can! thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 16-year-old cat has a bump on her ear. Is it a tumor or cyst?

Your suspicions are right. This is a skin mass unfortunately. Due to the color, I would recommend having Nanni seen by your vet and the mass sampled to see if this is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). Hopefully it is not cancerous and we can just monitor it. But if it does end up being cancerous (after viewing the cells that make up the mass microscopically), then removal of the mass can be discussed with your vet. I wish you all the best moving forward with Nanni. Take care!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's ear smells bad and has a grey bumpy growth. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see well in the pictures. 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a sore ear and bumps. Is it an infection or something else?

With a clean ear canal, the most common cause of tiny bumps on the ear itself is related to hypersensitivity reactions from insect bites. The inflamed and sore lesion in front of Teak's left ear is most likely due to self-trauma from him scratching. The concern is that this skin may be infected from the excessive scratching. Your best bet is to take Teak to his vet for an exam because he may need a course of antibiotics and antihistamines to manage this issue. Be sure that Teak is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Advantage or Revolution) monthly because flea bites can also cause bumps on the ears. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat had a bump near his ear that burst and is now bleeding.

It looks like he had an abscess that burst open. It would be best to have your vet check this out. In the meantime you can use this wound spray on it. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a white bump on his ear. When should I worry and see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be multiple causes for a small bump on the tip of a cat's ear, such as a cyst, focal infection, small growth, or another underlying medical cause. It is difficult to advise you further about Timon without being able to see what you are, but if you are concerned or if this developed quickly I would recommend having him evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine what may be going on, and if any treatment is needed at this time. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a big ear tumor making its ear droop. What should I do?

This is a seriously big tumor and needs to be removed ASAP before it spreads to thee inside of the ear. It is obviously painful or bothering the cat, which is why she is scratching it drawing blood. This in turn may cause infection. Please encourage your neighbors to take Baby to a veterinarian and have that tumor removed surgically.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share