My cat has a persistent jaw spot. Is it a tick, skin tag, or more?

This looks like a nipple to me - look above and below it and you should see more nipples in a line if that’s what it is. If not I’d guess this is something like a skin tag or other skin growth and it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look when you get a chance to see if it’s something that should be removed. It does not look like a tick to me.

Thank you for providing a picture and for helping this start cat out! It is difficult to say based on the picture of it is a tick or perhaps even an ulcerated skin growth. For this reason I would be hesitant about trying to use a tick removing device. The risk of bleeding or infection could be high if the lesion is in fact not a tick. You could try a warm water bath over the lesion to see if you can visualise the area in greater detail and repost a picture. Thank you For using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and please post any further questions you may have here on the forum.

This looks like a small, localized spot of infection, sometimes referred to as a hot spot. If the infection is contained to this one area you can try to treat it at home with some topical antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin). If this does not take care of the problem, or if there are other areas like this on her skin, I would recommend having her checked out by your vet so a systemic antibiotic can be given.

This looks like an engorged tick. You can look with a magnifying glass to see if you see legs at the area of attachment. Take tweezers at the place it’s attached at the skin to firmly pull back to remove it. Then clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. He may have a scab or sore in that area for several days after removing the tick. I use a Seresto collar on my barn cat to prevent fleas and ticks. You can purchase one at PetCo. Dog tick products are toxic to cats so please read labels very carefully before applying any product on your cat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Carbon.

This looks like a tick - sometimes just one is present, but you should still check for more to make sure. If your other cats goes outdoors it wouldn't hurt to check for ticks as well. There is no specific cleaning that needs to happen after a tick is found - the skin where it was attached can become inflamed but it should resolve after several days. It sounds like you should also ask your vet about a tick preventative - there are several options and you can see which brand your vet carries or recommends in your area.

Hi Emily! Secretions from the tick's feeding parts can cause skin reactions, such as raised areas, lumps and growths called granulomas. I would keep an eye on this area, and if it doesn't go away in a few days, have Jensen seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi Lianne! From the picture, it appears to be a growth of some sorts, but because I can't see Elizabeth in person, I honestly can't say for certain. What concerns me is that you say it has gotten bigger since you first noticed it, and also her age. She is over 10 years old, and if it is a growth, at her age, there is always a chance that any growth could be malignant. In this case, I think it's very important that she gets this checked out by a vet. I'd take her into a vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!