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My cat has a small neck bump that keeps coming back. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 10 years and 7 months old | 8 lbs

My cat has had a small pimple thing on his neck for months. It’s been popped twice, he doesn’t seem to mind it, but it came back both times. What the heck is it?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 4th, 2017

Of course a biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis, but I suspect by the picture and what you describe that it may be a sebaceous (oil) gland cyst. They will not go completely away, but are usually pretty quiet and don’t cause problems. To be safe I would recommend having it examined by a veterinarian. Good luck to you and Willard.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2019
This could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. I would give Stanley's vet a call to make him an appointment. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 10th, 2021
This looks like a sebaceous plug (cyst). I would not be worried about it especially since it has been there so long without causing any problems. Next time you have her to the vet just point it out so they can have a look at it. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2018
This appears to be a tumor, but does not have a characteristic appearance of any specific tumor. It would be best to alert you neighbors, because this can be cancerous and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Below is a link to more information about tumors.

https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/lumps-and-bumps-on-your-pet

I
hope that helps and all is well with the cat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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