My cat has a soft, red, growing lump near his microchip. What is it?

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks very suspicious for an abscess (localized area of infection). The puncture wound may have been the entry point for bacteria to enter. I would recommend getting Angel to the vet within the next 1-2 days. They can take a sample of the fluid to confirm the nature of the mass, and start antibiotic therapy if it is an abscess. In the meantime, I would ensure Angel does not scratch the area, by putting a scarf or e-collar (cone) on (it is difficult to say which would be best, as I can't tell the exact location of the lump in the photo). You can also try to disinfect the area by gently wiping with a dilute solution of betadine and water (1:10). I hope this helps, and that Angel feels better soon.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect this is either allergic reaction or developing abscess. Please, take Sweet to your local vets for an appointment as she will likely need treatment with either antibiotics (for abscess) or anti-allergic medication (steroids or antihistamine medicine).

Poor Bella! No, this doesn't sound normal - usually, you shouldn't even notice the microchip site. Hair loss with redness and yellow fluid from the area can be associated with an infection or other problem, so I would recommend having Bella rechecked by your vet as soon as you are able to. She may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection.

The most common lumps on cats are pockets of infection, or an abscess from a cat fight. An abscess is generally hot to the touch and painful and may cause a fever and lethargy. It also could be a tumor which often are non painful but can be malignant and will grow if not removed. Also some cats get a skin reaction to a vaccination if it’s given in that location and the swelling should improve over a week or so. I recommend a veterinary exam so they can feel the lump, take her temperature and decide if further treatment is needed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cat.

This could be a cat bite abscess. Your kitty may have been in a fight. If she lets you you can put a warm compress on it with warm epsom salt solution which may make the abscess burst. If it does not burst by tomorrow, take her to your veterinarian who can lance it. In case it is not an abscess your vet can then examine the lump or injury and treat it accordingly.

It’s hard to be sure what this is from the photo. The most common lump that come up quickly in cats is an abscess, or pocket of infection. They develop from a puncture wound usually. If it’s an infection it will be sore, hot to the touch, and feel soft. Due to Sampson’s age though this could be a mass or tumor. Those lumps are firm, non painful and do not feel warm. I recommend a veterinary exam to determine what the lump is. They can take a needle and examine some cells from inside the lump and get a diagnosis. If it’s an infection this should heal with antibiotics. If it’s a growth, depending on the diagnosis they may just watch it for enlargement or recommend surgical removal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Samson.

It is common in cats to see abscesses due to bites and scratches from other cats. I would bring him in to your veterinarian as they can evaluate it. An antibiotic as well as cleaning and flushing the abscess may be indicated. If it is not an abscess your veterinarian can help to determine what it it by collecting a fine needle aspirate. Certainly an abscess would describe many of the things you are describing.