Cysts in cats: types, causes, symptoms and remedies


Cysts in cats can be of various types: let’s find out what are the causes and the most suitable remedies to deal with the disorder.

Stroking the soft and fluffy fur of the cat, for lovers of the little feline, is one of the great pleasures of life. However, it may happen that this gesture of affection towards the animal can turn into an involuntary inspection of its body. If we notice a swelling on the cat ‘s skin , we could be faced with a cyst. Here’s what to know about it.


The various types of cysts

The cyst appears as a swelling, of varying size, on the cat’s skin.

In most cases they are benign and do not cause concern for the life of the animal. Easily identifiable to the touch, they generally do not cause pain to the little feline.

We distinguish between various types of cysts:

  • Sebaceous cyst : it is the most common of the various possible forms that can occur. Generally benign, they contain a liquid that must be absorbed in order to avoid the onset of infections. They can manifest themselves in any part of the body;
  • Follicular cyst : Along with luteal cyst, it is one of the two forms of ovarian cysts that can develop in cats. They too are characterized by the presence of liquid; their onset is linked to hormonal disturbances.

The causes

The cyst has a gradual growth, and is easily identifiable by stroking the cat, and subsequently also from a visual point of view.

The accumulation of the material in a given point, such as to form the cyst, is due to the obstruction of the duct of a sebaceous gland, which does not allow the normal outflow of the liquid.

This occlusion may be due to a scratch, a skin pathology, any general trauma involving the area where the cyst subsequently formed.


The remedies

The cysts, as mentioned, in most cases have a benign character; in some cases, however, it could be a symptom of a more serious problem.

The veterinarian, also based on the shape, size and position of the swelling, could prescribe tests aimed at ascertaining its nature, to rule out that it could be a tumor in the cat .

If the benign nature of the growth is confirmed, removal may not be strictly necessary. Therefore, in the absence of other disturbing factors, the vet may advise to limit themselves to monitoring the state of the cat’s cyst.

The growth, however, in some cases could reach dimensions greater than three centimeters in diameter.

The drawbacks can be different: the first is that the liquid inside favors the onset of an infection in the feline; the second is that an excessive size of the accumulation of liquid, if it arises in a particular position, could annoy, if not even pain, the cat.

In both cases, it may be necessary to remove the cyst. There are two possible solutions: either the drainage of the liquid contained in it, or the surgical removal of the same.


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