Is this lump on my cat's head a tick, blood clot, or something else?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 14 lbs
Hi, a stray cat I know has this little thing on his head that looks kind of like a tick but also a bit like a blood clot. I plan on using a tick twister to remove it but I’m worried that it’s actually a blood clot and that removing it will cause the cat to bleed out. Can you help me see if this is an actual tick or just a blood clot? Thank you!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 31st, 2018
Thank you for providing a picture and for helping this start cat out! It is difficult to say based on the picture of it is a tick or perhaps even an ulcerated skin growth. For this reason I would be hesitant about trying to use a tick removing device. The risk of bleeding or infection could be high if the lesion is in fact not a tick. You could try a warm water bath over the lesion to see if you can visualise the area in greater detail and repost a picture. Thank you For using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and please post any further questions you may have here on the forum.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 22nd, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a localized spot of skin infection due to the presence of the tick. Another check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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