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My old cat has a growing lump. Tick, skin tag, or something serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 10 years and 8 months old

Hi good afternoon, Looking for advice to determine if my cat has a tick or a skin tag/growth, I’ve been looking out for any legs/movement which I can’t see any at all but this has definitely got a little bigger I found it a month ago. It doesn’t seem to bother her even when I touch close to the area but I’m worried it’s an embedded tick. I’m asking for advice 1st as she is a nightmare at the vets a d it can be a bit of an ordeal, I’ve included a picture, thanks Lianne

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 10th, 2022

Hi Lianne! From the picture, it appears to be a growth of some sorts, but because I can't see Elizabeth in person, I honestly can't say for certain. What concerns me is that you say it has gotten bigger since you first noticed it, and also her age. She is over 10 years old, and if it is a growth, at her age, there is always a chance that any growth could be malignant. In this case, I think it's very important that she gets this checked out by a vet. I'd take her into a vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

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