Lumps on your cat
Lumps can appear on cats and may be either harmless or dangerous. As with other animals, the risk of developing tumours increases with age. Since a vet needs to examine and test a lump to determine if it's dangerous, always take your cat to the clinic if you find one. In the worst-case scenario, a lump could be a tumour that needs surgical removal. The sooner a lump is removed, the better the prognosis, as it gives it less time to grow and potentially spread.
Just like in humans and other animals, tumours can occur in cats, and the risk increases with age. While older cats are more prone to tumours, younger cats can also become ill.
Regularly feeling your cat can help you spot lumps early. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so book a vet appointment if you find a lump on your cat. Your vet will often take a sample for testing to help diagnose it. Never wait for a lump to grow – make an appointment with your vet immediately if you notice any skin abnormalities.
Lumps aren't always serious. A lump on your cat’s skin could be caused by an infection or a harmless collection of fatty tissue. However, to be certain, you should always book an examination.
As tumours can develop in various organs, pinpointing exact symptoms can be difficult as they can appear very different. What you can do is regularly feel your cat to check for developing lumps.
Today, cats, like dogs and humans, can be treated for tumour-related illnesses. The most common treatment is surgery, though chemotherapy and radiotherapy are sometimes used to shrink tumours in cats.
A cat treated for a tumour can live on afterwards, sometimes for a long time. This depends on the cat's age, the type of tumour, their general health, and any other illnesses they may have.
