My cat has a lump in his cheek...?

Question

My cat has been vomiting on occasion lately. Not very often, but maybe 4 times in the last month. And I wasn't too worried about it because he seemed perfectly healthy otherwise. But then yesterday I was petting him on his chin and I noticed a quite large lump. About the size of a walnut. It's only on the one side. He still doesn't show any other signs of being ill. Though I just recently realized that he seems to scratch himself in that area more often than I see either of my other two cats scratching.

So, now I wonder if I need to take him to an emergency vet clinic. I called around to the vets in my area and they're all booked until next Thursday, and I'm afraid of putting it off that long.

Answer 1

Call back and ask for an emergency appointment, and most vets will squeeze you in. They may charge you more for the appointment, but a lot less than an emergency clinic would. Your cat may have an abscess, or a tumor - a vet can tell you. In both cases it warrants getting your cat in more quickly than with a routine appointment. Make sure you explain what is going on when you call so they know you are not just looking to get shots or something. Good luck.

Answer 2

If you don't want to wait that long (and I wouldn't either, a lot can happen in a week) then do find an emergency vet. They can at least give you an idea of what the problem is, and then you can commence treatment at your regular vet on thursday. Also be aware that cats really don't show illness or pain like we do - they can appear perfectly normal throughout problems that would leave us bed-ridden.

The vomiting and the lump may or may not be related. The lump may be an abcess, or it could of course be a tumour, benign or otherwise. I expect you've already thought of these options - don't panic, prompt treatment is the best way to go that's all! My guess (and it is pure guesswork) is that the two symptoms are not related - a lump that causes vomiting would be more likely to be internal I would think, like an abdominal mass.

Chalice

Answer 3

Cats are prone to abscesses & the fact that your cat has been vomiting might indicate that a tooth is infected, or the abscess could have been caused by another cat, and has moved up through the gum, into the mouth. The bacteria, when swallowed, can make your cat quite ill, and vomit. It's not a good idea to guess at things like this - whenever you aren't sure if your pet is sick, or if there is an indication that it is, don't waste time. Take it to the vet as soon as you can. Many health problems become much more complicated & expensive the longer you wait, so act quickly and save your cat & your finances!

Answer 4

My cat had the same thing, only I didn't realize it until it started bleeding. I took her to the emergency vet and they made us wait forever and then told us to schedule an appoinment with our regular vet. I'm sorry to say it turned out to be oral cancer. We had it removed for about $1000 and it was back at the same unbearable size in a month. We had to put her down.

I'd skip the ER vet and go to your regular vet. If you tell them the problem, they may work you in. In hindsight, the ER visit was just a traumatic experience our kitty did not need. It could be an abcessed tooth as well, so don't worry too much until you know for sure. We were praying that would be for us. Good luck!

Answer 5

I would recommend taking him to any vet that would see him today or tomorrow. There are a couple of things the lump could be depending where on his chin it is. It is possible it could be a abcess where another cat/animal bit him and there is a big infection brewing under the skin. That would require a vet to drain the abcess and give him antibiotics/pain meds. Another possibility is a tooth abcess. Your cat would need a dental and a tooth extracted and some anitbiotics. Another possibility that i hate to bring up is a tumor. You won't know till you bring him to the vet. If it is any of these things you don't want to wait. Good luck!!

Answer 6

It almost sounds like a dental infection, but it could be something else. I would call every vet back and explain that this appears to be something that cannot wait for a whole week and beg them to work you in. If that doesn't work, then you may have to do the emergency vet thing. It will cost a lot more, but I do agree that this really cannot wait. Sometimes I do not understand doctors and vets that think you can wait forever for an appointment.

Answer 7

Please don't wait until Thursday. It sounds like your cat has an abscess or cancer growth. A couple days would be fine, but I think a whole week is much too long. Cats hide signs of being sick very well, and by the time you really notice something, you can bet your cat hasn't been feeling well for a while. Try calling a veterinarians a bit further from home. Good luck.

Answer 8

I'm really sorry to say this, but i think your cat has cancer. the same thing happened 2 my cat months ago. i was scratching her chin, and all the sudden i found 2 giant lumps on her throat. we took her 2 the vet imediately and found out that thats what it was. don't wait til next thurs, find another vet that will get u in right away! hurry b4 its 2 late, and please, realize that every moment with your cat is precious as life, and i wish i would have realized that. i was 2 busy playing video games and watching TV to notice my cat, and then suddenly.... she died, and i felt so bad! :(

Answer 9

Take him to the emergency vet -- it could be something like an abcess tooth with an infection that they can drain and give you antibiotics for... don't wait any more.

Answer 10

take him to the vet as soon as possible. I am not sure if an emergeny clinic would be nessesary but get him in ASAP!