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My senior cat has a back bump. Is it serious if it doesn't hurt?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 13 lbs

My female 17+ year old cat has this bump on her back. It doesn't seem to bother her, doesn't scratch it or anything. Any idea wut it could be? Thanks

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2017

Thank you for providing a picture of Candy's bump! In a senior cat there is always a chance that any bump could be a malignant tumor, but it could also be a benign tumor. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can 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 Candy seen by a vet in the morning to have this bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated if needed.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Misty is such a pretty girl! Thanks for providing a picture of that bump. It looks like it could be a benign tumor, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. In a middle aged cat, there could be a change it's a malignant growth. To be safe, yes I do think you should take her into the vet. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can 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. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. As long as she is acting normally, there is no rush to get her into the vet, but have her seen within the next week or so. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 24th, 2019

    Unfortunately in a cat Gizmo's age, there is always a chance a lump could be malignant. But that doesn't mean she needs to be put down if it is! It could be removing the lump is curative, but again this depends on if the lump is malignant or not. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. It could be benign. Have her seen by a vet for this.

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