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My cat has a soft, fluid-filled bump on her head. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

My indoor cat [10 years old] has developed an abcess type growth on top of her head directly between her ears. it is soft and appears to be fliid filled. There is no leakage and she doesn't appear to mind it being touched or rubbed. On her own she never attempts to scratch it . It appeared about a year ago and hasn't grown any larger for about 6 months. it is about dime sized. She does not have contact with any other animals directly. I could send a photo if that's an option.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 11th, 2017

I would recommend that Scooter have this bump checked out. An abscess is an infection, and I would not expect it to be there 6 months large. It is more likely to be a cyst or even a tumor. A vet can evaluate the bump, and may stick a needle inside to collect a sample of cells to look at under a microscope. Once they have a better idea of what it is, they can tell you if it needs to be surgically removed or not.

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 29th, 2017

    It's most likely either a benign or malignant skin growth. Cats don't get serious skin cancers as often as dogs do, however in order to know exactly what it is Joey should see his vet for a simple procedure called a fine needle aspirate. In this procedure the vet takes a small sample of the material inside the growth with a needle, then examines it under a microscope. This way he/she can tell if the growth is something to be concerned about, and whether it should be removed.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2018

    This sounds like an area of infection which is common in cats. The abscess can be caused by a bite or scratch. I recommend checking the area for a scab and clean the area trying to remove the scab. Then the pussy fluid will drain out and the area will start to heal. Abscesses can be painful and hot to the touch. If this isn’t hot or painful then you cat may have an injury causing the fluid filled area. I do recommend a veterinary exam and treatment as this sounds abnormal but if she’s fine otherwise, not painful and eating and drinking then you can monitor this. If its getting smaller then I’m not overly concerned but if it’s not improving then it’s time to get it checked out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cat.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2017

    I'm not entirely sure what these growths would be either based on your description- potentially abscesses or skin cysts. Sometimes cats with diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus are more likely to get abscesses. It can be difficult when you can't afford ongoing care - you may want to contact the shelter in your area and see if they know of any programs that offer low cost veterinary services. You could also look into Care Credit www.carecredit.com

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