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What is this crusted lump on my cat's tail? Is it feline pox?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 5 months old | 17 lbs

5 y NM DSH, irregular shape crusted nodule near the end of his tail (lateral and medial aspect.)No sign of wound or pruritus. Noticed today after petting him. HX: fully vaccined, FLUTD, indoor/outdoor cat ( outdoor, fenced backyard.) Could this be feline Pox? Not sure when nodule first appeared.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 6th, 2017

Hello, it does not look like a poxvirus lesion. Additionally, poxvirus generally is a virus of young patients. That looks like it could be more a sebaceous cyst or even a small tumor. I would monitor it for any changes in appearance or size and if you note any then you should have your veterinarian evaluate your cat immediately. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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