My cat has a raw, bleeding skin lump. What should I do to help?

Hello! This depends on how long the lumps have been present for. If they have been slowly growing (over a few weeks/months), then they could be some sort of skin tumour. If they just came recently (ie the last few days), it could be an abscess (which is an infection, trapped under the skin.) Would you be able to take Luna to see a vet? They would be able to examine him, and determine what type of lumps they are, and whether he can be helped with medication, or surgery. You can clean the area that he is bleeding from with warm water and a clean cloth.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stormy! If Stormy goes outside the lump was probably an abscess that ruptured. If he is older than it could be a ruptured tumor. I wouldn't suggest bandaging it, cats dislike bandages and it sounds like it is in a awkward location to bandage. I would use an E-collar to prevent licking. Warm compress the swelling and wound 2-3 times per day to promote drainage. Clean the wound twice daily with warm water and a mild soap. I would avoid salt because it likely stings. Then apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the open area twice daily. He really needs to area evaluated and if it is an abscess antibiotics prescribed. I would be sure to get him to the Vet this week. I hope this helps and I wish you and Stormy the best!

Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell what is going on with a skin problem by just looking at the skin since most skin problems look very similar. My best recommendation would be to have your veterinarian perform some simple skin tests to get a sample of the area to examine under the microscope. They will be able to evaluate for bacteria, yeast, mites, fungus and abnormal cells. Hopefully that will determine what is causing the problem and how to treat it. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Good question! Given that Lucky seems ok and is hungry with a good temperament, it's fine to wait until Monday. I would gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap, and put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking at it. You can make one at home, and I will put a link below on how to do that. Keep an eye on the area, and if the discharge increases, he becomes lethargic, and/or his appetite drops, then yes take him into an ER vet. If you would feel better having him seen now instead of waiting, then certainly take him in to the ER clinic now. I'm always an advocate for going with your gut, and having the animal seen sooner rather than later to be safe. Best of luck! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

Poor guy. This appears to be a mass that has ulcerated and is now bleeding. When masses rupture like this they are a constant source of infection and discomfort for the pet. I recommend scheduling an appt with your vet to discuss having this mass removed surgically at this point. In the meantime you can try cleaning it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to antiseptically clean the area and prevent infection. You can also place an e-collar on Harley to deter him from chewing or licking at it , which will only make it more irritated. Best of luck with Harley and getting this mass removed. Take care.

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 )

Thank you for providing a picture of the bump on your cat, it's very helpful! It could simply be a benign growth, as it looks like it could be one in your picture, but unfortunately I cannot make the determination for sure without seeing him in person and doing tests on it. It is a bit concerning that it has grown up to 4x in size and is bleeding. It could be bleeding because he is scratching at it, but again I don't know unless I see him in person. Due to the fact it has grown in size and is bleeding for some reason, then yes I do think this is concerning enough to see the vet. It would be good to get the exact diagnosis of the bump; in addition, your cat is 10, which means he's a senior cat, and there is always a risk that any bump in a senior cat could be malignant. I'd give your vet a call to make an appointment. I hope this helps!