My cat has a growing lump on his face after a scratch. How to treat?

This may be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

Hi there, and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like Sophia is likely developing an abscess, which is a focal internal infection - the timing makes sense if she was in a fight 3 days ago.. If so, a topical product such as Neosporin won't help - she would need systemic antibiotics, either given orally or as an injection. I recommend having her seen by your vet so she gets the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, keep the area clean by gently washing it twice daily with soapy water. You can use a gentle dish soap such as Dawn. Hope this helps.

You can clean the area with hydrogen peroxide. I would then take a hot wet washcloth and massage the area. The heat and massage will improve the blood supply to the area so it will heal more quickly. If there is a pocket of puss the goal is to get the scab off so the infection can drain. If there is an open wound then I would apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it afterwards. If she becomes lethargic and not eating then I would bring her in for an exam as she may have a fever and need antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. I recommend that you have Jeri evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Without knowing what this is exactly, it is not possible to recommend a good treatment for it. Good luck and best wishes!

Thank you for attaching a picture of Leo's bump! It could be from an injury, such as him scratching his chin and accidentally cutting himself. I would keep an eye on it for now. If it doesn't go away in the next few days, gets bigger, there is pus from the area, and/or it starts to bother him, take him into the vet. Best of luck.

It could be that Trouble has an abscess from scratching his neck causing the lump. Abscesses are pockets of infection which should be treated with antibiotics, so it is possible that the vet did the right thing if they suspected an abscess. It's good that Trouble is acting normally, and I wouldn't worry just yet. Keep an eye on the lump and if it doesn't go down, then I would have him seen by a vet again.

It could be an abscess or a bruise or seroma if Leo fell and hit his chin. I would just keep an eye on it over the next couple days to see what happens. If it gets bigger, breaks open, or seems to cause him pain then it should get checked out by a vet. Also, keep an eye on his appetite to make sure that he is still eating normally.