My cat has a squishy, liquid lump on its side. Should I worry?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I cannot tell where the lump is on the photo but most if not all lumps needs to be evaluated by a vet. Especially in Simba's case since the lump has gotten swollen. Your vet will perform a full physical exam and determine if the lump needs to be aspirated. Lumps can be anything from an abscess, mass/growth, hernia etc. Your vet will determine after an exam what the next best steps and treatments are. Good luck!

Hello. It is very unlikely that this is cancerous, but what it actually requires is a hands-on examination. My first inclination is the presence of a single fly larva under each swelling. Warble flystrike is a common problem in young cats during the summer. This may also just be what you described, some type of benign cyst, but It is unusual enough that I really recommend letting your vet take a look at this. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Tombo and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. I suspect that she has an abscess. Typically outdoor cats fight with other cats, and cat bites frequently lead to abscesses. I do think you should take her into the vet to get this treated. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Chubbs has a skin problem. This could be a small area of bacterial infection or a cyst if it has fluid in it other than pus. This could be associated with one of the many glands in the skin causing a sebaceous cyst. Other causes are a bite from a parasite (flea, tick, mite) or insect (spider/ant) among others. I would warm compress the area if Chubbs will let you to see if you can get it to come to a head and drain. You can also put Neosporin right on the area, it won't harm either if ingested. Continue to monitor the area. If it worsens, spreads, persists, have your vet check it out. They can get a first hand look and advise on how to proceed. I have a feeling just by the picture that this may resolve on it's own with some simple treatment as described. Good luck with Chubbs.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to see in these pictures. This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello. I would have this looked at by your vet tomorrow. The most common thing we see in cats are bite abscesses & it is really amazing how hard it is to sometimes find a bite wound. A cat's bite can leave a tiny needle like puncture & an abscess can begin to develop within hours. It can be very painful & make Buddy feel sick. Your vet can quickly determine if this is the cause of his lump, lance & treat it & Buddy will be feeling better very soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a small cyst (non cancerous growth) from epidermal origin, or potentially a small abscess that has not yet reached the point of rupture from a sting or bite. If it is possible I would suggest clipping the hair short to get a better look. If you can get a picture, this would help us to better help you out. Likely Freya will need to see a vet for either a drainage of this or a removal if the mass becomes bothersome. Antibiotics will be warranted if the mass ends up being an abscess that is currently brewing under the skin. I hope this helps! Please resubmit if you can get some photos! We'd love to be as accurate as possible.