Strange growth on cats head

[Itisnotdownonanymap]

I'm taking her to the vet but while I'm waiting does anyone have any idea what this white growth could be? I think it might be some sort of cyst? She's well, eating fine and not on any pain. It didn't seem to hurt when I touched it.

Any ideas?

Not sure - but could it be a very engorged tick?

That was my first thought, it's a tick.

If it is, as the vet how to remove them safely yourself going forwards - it's quite expensive having to get the vet to remove them, but it has to be done right.

I have tick twisters (pack of three sizes) very cheap from pet shops or Amazon. Never had a problem with them. This does look a big bugger though (hence my slight doubt).
I'd follow @Allergictoironing's advice if you aren't confident, and get the vet to show you.

Looks like a cyst to me. My cat has had two in the same place both times. Last one was removed in September and no problems since. They sometimes have a blue-ish tinge

I was going to say it looks like a huge tick too.

I have a tick remover that’s like a shaped piece of thick wire with a handle, very easy to use:

https://cornwallcanine.co.uk/shop/hygiene/tick-remover/

I also think tick. Let us know what the vet says!

I'm just here for the outcome! Hope it's an easy ,not too expensive fix.

Another one who thinks it’s a tick!

That’s a tick - no need for a vet appointment, just get some tick removal tools and twist it off.

Oh thank you all. I will buy a tick remover and report back

If it has appeared overnight then almost certainly a massive tick.

Our cat has a cyst but it's a mobile, pea sized lump under the skin and fur covered, not on the surface like that. Vet says not to remove the cyst as it doesn't bother her and isn't worth the risk of anaesthetic in a senior cat.

Here it is. Massive tick with head intact and wriggling legs. It's left quite a large sore spot on cats head so I've bathed it in warm salty water and will keep an eye on it

That is a very satisfying update OP, thank you.

Sorry that first pic is out of focus

Pleased that the offending tick has been removed in one piece (and that my diagnosis was correct 🤣)

Vile things, aren’t they?

Also, worth remembering that humans can pick up ticks too, so always check if you’ve been out and about with bare legs in long grass.

Excellent update!

Gross!

I know, it's truly disgusting isn't it

Absolutely gross, but thanks for updating us!

Oooh that must have been so satisfying to remove!

Our old girl had one years ago (bit of a saga )
Took her to the Vets (Locum vet , very unpleasant - said I was "imagining the cats limp , there was nothing there ".)
Took her back a couple of days later as I could see something white in her skin ( thought it could be bone but it wasn't bloody)
Nice usual vet said "it's a tick but likely dead as engorged with blood they're grey"
Sprayed and twist with remover ....it was wriggling . definitely alive .
I was pissed off at the Locum vet not so much because she missed it but the way she belittled me . Got that consolation refunded .

It took a lot of force actually, it was well bedded in. It was so gross that I keep looking at the pictures again with grim fascination

It's a good job it is out otherwise when it's had its fill of your cat's blood it would niftily drop somewhere . Maybe outside but equally anywhere your cat goes .......

Did you burn it with fire ? (The tick not the cat , obvs)

I think our cat picked hers up from a hedgehog . Cute as they are I have harboured dark thoughts against them since ...

Mine hasn't had one this year, but they loved him last year. I found a nymph crawling towards his eye. I do a nightly tick check. Thankfully they only seem to pick up the nymphs amd I catch them before they attach (he's got a really thick coat). Think he had one on head once and I spent ages trying to work out whether it was a scab or not!

They hate tick season as I treat them with spot on😂.