As cats age, they may develop fatty lumps under their skin, which are known as lipomas. It’s helpful to be aware of the symptoms of a cat lipoma so that if we spot one, we can get our pets the proper treatment they need.
This article explains the typical signs of benign feline tumors and some available treatment options, including five natural ways to care for this condition at home.
What Is a Lipoma in Cats?
A cat lipoma is a slow-growing benign tumor (non-cancerous fatty tissue) that can be found in cats, though they occur far less frequently in cats than in dogs (1). It occurs when fat cells accumulate in excess within the body and form a growth between the skin and muscle layers.
These lumps can vary from small to large but are usually soft and painless to the touch. Most do not cause any harm or distress to the animal, but those that are too large or interfere with a cat’s comfort or movement may need to be removed.
Symptoms of Benign Tumors in Cats
Some signs and symptoms of a cat lipoma may include:
- A visible lump or bump on the body, typically appearing soft and squishy
- Areas of hair loss where the tumor has grown
- Skin inflammation and discomfort around the tumor site
- Difficulty moving due to the size or location of the tumor
- Faster breathing, and decreased motivation and appetite if the lipoma is inside the chest
As cat owners, we need to be aware of these symptoms and watch for any discomfort or visible lumps. If you notice any lumps or bumps on your cat, take them to a vet for an examination.
Treatment Options
If your cat’s lump is determined to be a cat lipoma, a thorough exam by a vet will determine if further action is necessary. Depending on the size, location, and type of fatty tissue, different treatment options are available.
Medical Treatments
Some lipomas may be significant, fast-growing, or infiltrative, meaning they grow into the surrounding tissues and organs (2). These require medical treatment and may cause the animal to feel pain or lose certain functions. Some options include:
- Surgical removal
- Injection with an anti-inflammatory drug
- Steroid injections
It may be possible to surgically remove the lipoma through a minor incision if small and accessible enough. Cryosurgery (freezing) and laser treatment are also removal options.
Caring for Your Cat at Home
Unless it’s necessary for your pet’s well-being, vets frequently discourage the surgical removal of a cat lipoma. That’s because most are benign and harmless, not needing any medical intervention at all.
A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and some dietary supplements can often make a significant difference. We’ll discuss these, plus some natural remedies to help reduce the size or prevent the growth of lipomas, in the next section.
A Word of Caution: Please talk to your vet before adjusting your cat’s diet or adding supplements.
5 Home Remedies for a Cat Lipoma
Cat lipoma tumors do not disappear or resolve independently, though they can shrink with weight loss (3). With the aid of several natural remedies to manage weight, health, and well-being, your cat may be able to experience less discomfort.
1. Dietary Changes
Most cat lipoma tumors can be managed with nutritional therapy if detected early. However, research on cat lipoma specifically shows that obesity does not appear to be a significant factor in their development in cats (4). Still, supporting a healthy weight is necessary for their overall health.
While contrary to popular belief, obese and overweight cats are more likely to develop lipomas, the Merck Veterinary Manual remarks that obesity does not appear to be a factor in the development of lipomas in cats (5). Nevertheless, feeding a balanced diet is always the right thing to do. To achieve this, you may want to consider:
- Removing ultra-processed foods from your pet’s diet and focusing on high-quality commercial cat foods
- Adding high-quality protein sources to your cat’s diet helps them sustain a healthy weight and metabolism. Examples include chicken, turkey, or fish
- Providing adequate hydration with fresh, clean water
2. Fish Oil Supplements
Vets recommend omega-3 fish oils as a safe, all-natural supplement to support overall feline health (6). Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory qualities that may help reduce swelling associated with inflammatory conditions.
Because fish oil is a richer source of EPA and DHA than other omega-3 fatty acids, pet owners often add it to their cats’ diets for various health benefits.
Fish oil is straightforward to incorporate because cats naturally enjoy its fishy flavor. First, a word about dosage: check with your vet to ensure they get the proper amount. Then, add the suggested amount to their dry or wet food.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant and has been explored as a natural home remedy. However, it’s important to understand that turmeric must be used with caution in cats (7).
Turmeric can be safe for cats when used appropriately, but proper formulation is essential. The recommended dosage is typically 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per day for an average-sized adult cat, and it should always be combined with black pepper (for absorption) and a healthy fat (8).
Important considerations about turmeric for cats:
- Turmeric has anticoagulant properties and should not be used before surgery or in cats with blood clotting disorders
- It may interact with medications, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diabetes medications
- It should NOT be used in cats with kidney disease, as it may increase strain on compromised kidneys (9)
- It should NOT be used in pregnant or nursing cats
- Benefits in cats are largely anecdotal, with limited feline-specific research
Please: always consult your local vet before using turmeric, as it’s not appropriate for all cats, and more effective alternatives may be available.
4. Exercise Regimen
One of the easiest ways to support overall health in cats is through weight control. If a cat loses weight too quickly, they can develop fatty liver disease, so they must follow a slow weight-loss regimen to protect its liver. Your cat’s monthly weight loss goal should be no more than 3 to 4 percent.
So, how can you add some extra beneficial exercise to your cat’s day? Here are some fun ideas:
- Before meals, consider letting kids interact with the cat by moving their food and allowing them to chase or hunt for it
- You could encourage your feline friend to follow you around the house, carrying their bowl for ten minutes
- Use interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or puzzle feeders
Getting your pet to lose a small amount of weight each week can be challenging, especially with the added stress of health conditions. But getting the household involved in fun activities can help. Your vet will also be eager to work with you and offer advice and support.
5. Iodine and Dietary Considerations
IMPORTANT: The relationship between iodine and cat health is complex and must be carefully managed. Rather than supplementing iodine for a cat lipoma, it’s more important to ensure your cat receives appropriate iodine levels through their commercial diet (10).
Recent research shows that iodine deficiency OR excess can both contribute to thyroid problems in cats (11). The relationship between iodine intake and feline hyperthyroidism is complex, with evidence suggesting that fluctuations in dietary iodine (not simply deficiency or excess) may contribute to thyroid disease (12).
Key points about iodine and cats:
- Commercial cat foods should be adequately supplemented with iodine according to AAFCO guidelines
- Supplementing additional iodine without veterinary guidance can be dangerous
- There is NO scientific evidence linking iodine supplementation to lipoma reduction in cats
- The claim that iodine supplements help reduce lipomas is not supported by veterinary literature
Rather than adding iodine supplements, work with your vet to ensure your cat is eating a balanced, AAFCO-compliant commercial diet that provides appropriate iodine levels for their life stage.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that a cat lipoma is a soft, fatty lump under the skin that is benign, slow-growing, and usually harmless unless it affects comfort or movement.
You can help your cat stay healthy by feeding them a balanced, high-quality diet and playing with them often. Natural remedies, like fish oil, may offer some supportive benefits, but always discuss with your vet first about suitability and dosage.
Your vet can also guide you if additional treatments are necessary. With your care and love, you can help your cat manage their lipoma and lead a comfortable and happy life.
Sources and Further Reading
- Cat Lipomas: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and FAQs – PetMD
- Lipomas in Cats – PetCure Oncology
- Fatty Tissue Tumors (Lipomas) in Cats – Vetster
- Cat Lipoma: A Handy Guide – MetLife Pet Insurance
- Tumors of the Skin in Cats – Merck Veterinary Manual
- Omega-3: What Is It and What Benefits Does It Have for Cats? – Purina Canada
- Turmeric for Cats: Safety, Dosage & Benefits Explained – Spice Basics
- Can Cats Eat Turmeric? Vet-Approved Benefits & Advice – Catster
- Benefits of Turmeric for Cats: A Vet’s Guide – Holistic Vet Blend
- Feline Hyperthyroidism: Potential Relationship with Iodine Supplement Requirements – PMC
- Iodine, Raw Feeding & Feline Hyperthyroidism – The Little Carnivore
- Estimating Short and Longer-Term Exposure of Domestic Cats to Dietary Iodine Fluctuation – Scientific Reports
