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Why does my cat have small hard bumps on his neck and belly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bengal | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 8 lbs

I have a 13 month old Bengal Tom. He has developed clusters of small hard bumps/lumps on his undreside and top neck/shoulders. These are small 1mm bumps in clusters of 6/10 in 3 sites. I originally thought them to be fur knots in his fine fur which is what they felt like. On looking closer they look like insect bites a bomb with a red dot centre...No fluid or blood...he has always been tick protected using frontline so I am mistifyed as to what these may be...help please..

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on January 15th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a skin infection which may be secondary to something like allergies. The infectious component would have to be taken care of but it is crucial to take care of the possible allergy as well so this does not continue to happen. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided.

There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies.

Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market).

If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.

Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2017

    I would guess he is being bitten by something but mosquitos are not high on the list. I would be more suspicious of fleas and would recommend you try a reputable flea product like Cheristin or Revolution and see if the bites resolve. An allergic reaction could potentially look like this as well. If he seems itchy, the veterinarian can provide medication to stop the itch. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 28th, 2017

    This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Skyro regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 21st, 2017

    It is possible this is a condition called miliary dermatitis, which can be a reaction to flea allergies, among other things (can also include other insect bites, airborne allergens, food allergies, fungal infection and more). A vet exam is recommended to help determine the cause and some of these kitties do need antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection and steroids to stop the inflammatory cycle. You can read more about this condition at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2969.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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