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What is this soft, mushy bump on my cat's head and what to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

My cat has a mushy mushybump. On his head

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 11th, 2019

It is difficult to know without doing an exam and seeing the bump but it could be an abscess or cyst. Have him examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can do a fine needle aspirate to help diagnose and then recommend the best treatment plan.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2017
It could be an infection, cyst, benign or cancerous mass. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to diagnose and then determine if treatment is needed. He may need an antibiotic, it may need to be removed, or your vet may just want to monitor for changes. Awesome that he is 19 and in good health!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on May 15th, 2018
It is difficult to say for sure what this is just from the picture and without seeing it in person. This could be a mass, a scratch/scab, tooth root abscess, or even an abscess. Since it is new, I would have your vet take a look at him to see what is the cause so that he can be started on the proper treatment plan to help him feel better. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 13th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That looks like either a crater from a tick with part of the tick still present, or a slightly infected wound, likely from a cat fight. either way it looks a bit infected. I would recommend you go to a vet to have it checked and cleaned, and medications if required. Best of luck with Cat.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat has a soft, fluid-filled bump on her head. Is it serious?

I would recommend that Scooter have this bump checked out. An abscess is an infection, and I would not expect it to be there 6 months large. It is more likely to be a cyst or even a tumor. A vet can evaluate the bump, and may stick a needle inside to collect a sample of cells to look at under a microscope. Once they have a better idea of what it is, they can tell you if it needs to be surgically removed or not.

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My cat has a hard bump on his head, but acts normal. What is it?

Oh no, poor kitty! If he does play rough with your dog, it could be that he was injured during this rough play leading to the hard bump. It could also be due to a cyst, and abscess, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet may perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the bump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have him seen by a vet tomorrow to have this bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

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