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My cat has a soft, painful lump on his rear leg. What could this be?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 13 lbs

My cat has a soft lump on his rear leg. I have scheduled a vet appointment, their first available appointment was next week. Can you tell what this is? It’s soft if I touch it, but he doesn’t seem to like me touching it either.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Cheese has a bump on his leg, but I'm glad you have made an appointment for your veterinarian to examine it! Any lump that is soft could be a fatty tumor, or something filled with fluid such as blood or pus. If he had a small wound that got infected, this could be an abscess, or pocket of infected fluid. Your veterinarian will be able to feel the lump and will likely sample some of the cells from this lump and examine them under a microscope to try to determine what it is. Depending on these findings, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics (if an infection), or may recommend surgical removal (if it's a mass/tumor). I hope this is helpful! (p.s. Cheese is the most adorable name!)

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2017

    It more likely an abscess which is an area of puss or infection under the skin. Generally fatty masses are not painful. You can check for a scab and pick it off. If the puss drains out it will heal more quickly. You can use a hot compress also on it which will promote drainage. If Feliz stops eating and seems sick please take him in for an exam because he may have a fever and need the swollen area drained and be put on antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Feliz.

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