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My cat has an itchy, painful bump on her neck. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 15 years and 7 months old | 9 lbs

My cat has a cyst-looking bump in her neck that also itches when touched. It also seems to hurt when she scratches it. What exactly is it, if possible to determine by looking at the photos attached?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2017

Poor girl. Yes this looks like a possible cyst that may be infected, hence the yellow crusting seen there. Typically cysts or masses can become itchy if they are pushing on a sensitive nerve or if they are infected. Have your vet take a look at it and it can likely be drained to remove the discomfort it is causing. If it is indeed infected then the vet can prescribe a short course of antibiotics to treat it. Surgically removal of this cyst in the future should be considered. Best of luck moving forward with Donna and her cyst like mass. Take care.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 28th, 2017

    This may be a small area of infection or skin irritation from a contact allergy. Remove any collars so it doesn't rub on her neck. If it is painful, draining or itchy she may need a vet visit. Otherwise monitor it daily if it resolves on its own then no problem. But if it changes size or spreads definitely take Lauren to the vet.

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