Cat lumps – when should I see a vet?
Book a vet visitThis is not usually an emergency on its own – contact your vet if it lasts, gets worse or your cat seems unwell in any other way. Not all lumps are cancerous.
Contact a vet if you see any of this
- You find a lump
What you can do now
- Contact your vet about the lump.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Let your cat rest somewhere calm.
- Keep fresh water available.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it can mean
A lump is not necessarily cancerous.[1] Looking at a lump may not be enough to identify what it is, so your vet may need to run tests.[1]
What the experts say
“Overview. It can be worrying to find a lump on your cat, but it’s important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous. It’s sensible to regularly check your cat for lumps and book an appointment with your vet if you find one, even if it looks harmless.”
Not sure how serious it is?
OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.
OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.
Common questions
Are all lumps in cats cancerous?
No. Not all lumps are cancerous.[1]
Should I contact a vet if the lump looks harmless?
Yes. Book an appointment with your vet if you find a lump, even if it looks harmless.[1]
Can a vet tell what a lump is just by looking at it?
Not always. Unless the lump is obvious, your vet may need to run tests to get a diagnosis.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Painful Eye / Eye Held Closed
Red, inflamed or sore skin
Reduced Appetite
Vomiting