My cat has a lump under its claw. Is it an infection or a growth?

Hello. In all honesty, all lumps & bumps should be investigated. I can not say with any certainty whether this is a benign or malignant tumor, a cyst or an infection. It really needs a hands on examination, possibly with a small biopsy called a fine needle aspirate, to determine its make-up. If this does need to be removed, the best time to do so is while it is relatively small. I do recommend having this looked at soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Domino evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

It could be a swollen area due to infection but they would normally be red and sore. Skin tumours can occur in feet, some of these are benign cysts but some will be cancerous. It is impossible to know for sure without testing the lump. This one doesn't look particularly aggressive do you could monitor it for now and then seek veterinary help if it appears to be growing or changing.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to be 100% from the picture but it looks like she is missing a toe or has had some previous trauma to that paw. If she is eating and isn't limping then it could be normal for her. If your neighbor is planning on adopting her and caring for her long term she will need a Vet visit to be dewormed, vaccinated and spayed. The Vet can check out the paw. I wish you the best!

It’s difficult to see exactly what that is in the photo. I would try to pull it out if it’s moveable. You can also soak the paw in warm water with epsoms salt or an antibacterial solution. As long as she’s not lame I’m not overly concerned about it. Some cats get a callus on their pads, and some have an extra underdeveloped toenail, either of which could be her issue. If she becomes lame or this is painful then please take her in for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen some cats develop long horny type growths on their paw pads. Possible causes are: papilloma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), both caused by papillomavirus. Excision or treatment with imiquimod, retioid cream, or salicylic acid should be effective. If it doesn't bother Spooky, it most likely won't hurt to leave it alone (unless it becomes more malignant in behavior). It could also be benign hyperkertinized growths. They may need to be managed with sanding dows and or clipping regularly. You can also try Kerasol which is OTC or Snout Soother by American Dog co to help keep them soft. You can apply this 1-2 times daily. It may be best to have your Vet see the area first! Good luck

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The lumps could potentially be tumors. This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is most of the time differentiated with a test called a fine needle aspirate which is easy, cheap and pain-free. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Have Bumble bee evaluated by your veterinarian to have this test performed to try to sort out what the diagnosis is so that the best course of action can be determined. They could evaluate his nails as well which he could potentially have an infection going on. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign!