My Cat Has a Lump on Its Back Near Its Spine: Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
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Cats are hardy animals and when well cared for, tend to live long and healthy lives. However, it is not uncommon for cats to develop lumps and bumps on their bodies. Sometimes, the lumps are due to accidents that have caused a minor injury. If the lump doesn’t subside within a week or so, though, chances are that there is a more serious issue at play. Let’s take a look at the common reasons that your cat might have a lump on their back near their spine.
The 4 Reasons Why Your Cat Has a Lump on Its Back
Allergic Reaction
Sometimes, a cat can develop an allergic reaction to something. Maybe they were exposed to a food that they are not used to eating or were bitten by an insect, in which case, a reaction such as the development of hives or lumps may occur.. If the lumps are an allergic reaction, they should subside within a couple of days after your cat is no longer exposed to the allergen.
Skin Tag
Sometimes, extra skin cells build up to form overgrowths of skin that protrude from the cat’s body. These skin tags can develop on or near the spine, but they are not typically dangerous to your cat’s health. They are usually slow to grow and are not usually painful or irritating, so they rarely need to be removed.
Cyst
Cysts are benign masses that can grow anywhere on a cat’s body. They are usually filled with fluid material and can take the shape of an oval or circle. They can be soft or firm, depending on how much fluid is contained in them. Cysts drain but often continue refilling, so removal of a cyst may be necessary if they continue to bother your kitty. Cysts that are not removed can become infected and cause health problems.
Cancer
Sometimes, lumps can be signs of cancer, as well. To determine if this is the case, often aspirates of the lump will be performed by your veterinarian, for microscopic examination. Some types of cancer can be harmless (like lipomas), while others can be more serious.
What to Do If You Find a Lump Near Your Cat’s Spine or Anywhere Else
If you find a lump growing on or near your cat’s spine or anywhere else on their body, keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the lump continues to grow and/or does not start going away on its own, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can run tests and complete a full workup to determine the cause of the lump growth. With any luck, the lump won’t be a problem. However, if it does turn out that there’s an issue, you can rest assured that your vet will do everything that they can to treat your kitty for the best outcome possible.
A Quick Recap
There are various reasons that your cat might have a lump growing near their spine, some of which are harmless and others that are extremely serious. It is never a good idea to diagnose a growing lump on your own. If the lump does not go away within a few days, it’s time to start working with your veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: one photo, Shutterstock
