Help! My Cat Has a Bump on His Head! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
I have a new 3-month-old kitten/cat that has been spayed and had all her shots, but she likes to play with Clyde, and Clyde has a bump on the top of his head now, maybe she scratched or bit him. This bump is soft, and if you squeeze it, a line of white stuff comes out of it. I shaved the hair around it and washed it with an antibiotic wash, and put antibiotic ointment on it.
It worries me, and I’m not sure if I need to take him to his vet. I handle my cats, so I know if something comes up that should not be there, and they get a monthly bath, too. Thank you. “– Sharon
Quick Info about Clyde
Hi Sharon,
The soft bump you are describing on Clyde’s head, especially one that releases white material when pressed, is very consistent with an abscess. These often occur when a small puncture, usually from a claw or tooth, seals over quickly and traps bacteria beneath the skin. The bacteria multiply in that closed space and create a pocket of pus. Even though you have been cleaning it, an abscess behaves much like a small balloon filled with infectious material, and without proper drainage and systemic treatment, it can worsen or spread into deeper tissues.
Because abscesses frequently contain mixed bacterial populations and can reform if not fully treated, Clyde really does need to be seen in person. A veterinarian can safely open and flush the pocket, assess the surrounding tissues, and prescribe an appropriate systemic antibiotic. You did the right thing by noticing the change quickly and keeping the area clean, but an in-person visit is the safest step to ensure the infection resolves completely and Clyde stays healthy.
Best,
– Dr. Paola