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My 15-year-old cat has lumps. Are they serious? When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 18 lbs

My cat is 15 years old.. about a year ago I found a small lump that looked almost like a wart on his back between his shoulders. He also has a lump on his front leg that is more under the surface and has a dark spot in the center... Should I seek treatment? He is otherwise a happy healthy old boy

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

Thank you for providing a picture of the lump on Beaju's back. It could simply be a wart, but there is always a chance that any lump on a senior cat could be malignant. Same for the lump on his front leg. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump 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 take him into the vet on Monday to have these lumps examined and diagnosed so they can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 31st, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sox and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. This is could just be a benign growth, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump to get a sample of its 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. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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