Kitten lump

[Sunshineaftertherain187]

We've had him for 3 weeks. He's 12 weeks old.

I took him for his first injections nearly 2 weeks ago, and this weekend I noticed a soft but firm lump. It feels squishy and moves around. Doesn't appear to hurt him.
I have read online about kittens having a lump where the vaccination site was, and this would fit (it's where the needle went in).
I have also read the scary information about a rare type of cancer that can develop after the injection, so obviously I am worried about this.

He is very active, eating and drinking well, "toileting" fine.
Just seems a happy and healthy kitten.

He is booked in at the vets for his second vaccination on 15th August, but am wondering whether to take him sooner to have this lump checked?
Or whether to wait until the next injections and ask the vet to check it then?
He did have a thorough examination during his first appointment (before the vaccine), vet felt his internal organs and spine and everything was fine then.

I have two older cats, and neither had anything like this.

I have read that it can just be from the injection site, and that the other scenario would be incredibly rare, but sadly statistics never seem to work in my favour. 😢

Mine had exactly the same lump. I can’t recall all the details now, but I did get her checked at the vet before her next jab. They’d not seen it before but knew it could happen. Told to keep an eye on her behaviour etc, mainly nothing to worry about.

When she went back for spaying I asked them to have a good look and again, nothing to worry about. Once she grew and put more weight on, (she was a fussy eater and the other cats kept nicking her food) it disappeared.

She’s now 3 and absolutely fine, no lumps.

Thank you. That sounds reassuring.
I'll see what the vet says, but hopefully he'll be fine.

One of my boys had exactly the same lump and I read the same info you have and was in absolute bits over it. The lump did go after about 2 weeks which was a relief, and I do check that area regularly just in case. Like you say I think that worst case scenario is very remote, loads of cats get lumps after vaccinations but very few go on to develop tumours. I would contact the vet because they are supposed to report vaccine reactions and also they may want to check the lump or delay the next injections for a bit. I hope your boy is ok, there are so many things to worry about aren’t there!

Hello @Sunshineaftertherain187 how is your kitten now? My little one has developed lump just as you described, first jabs nearly 2 weeks ago.
Thank yoi

Mine is absolutely fine now.
It did take a while to disappear (a good 3 to 4 weeks) but it had gone completely by the time he went for his 2nd jabs. It just went as quickly as it came.

The vet wasn't concerned and says it's quite a common reaction for them after the jabs.
He was fine after the 2nd ones and didn't have any swelling at all with them.

I'm sure it will be the same for your kitten.