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My young kitten has a lump on its face. When should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 23 days old | 5 lbs

My 3.5 month old kitten has a weird mass on the side of his face...it's solid, but I checked inside his mouth and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong. Should I be concerned?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 26th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Possible causes for the mass could be an inflamed lymph node, an abscess (ball of pus after a bite from another cat), tooth root abscess, and very unlikely- a cancerous mass.

I recommend having it checked out as soon as you can, as it is most likely infection that will require treatment. Your vet will likely have a feel and determine exactly where it is, and might either do a "Fine Needle Aspiration" where they take a small sample and see what cells are inside it, or they might lance and drain it.
Medications may be required as well.

Best of luck with Boots!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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