skin tag

[smokey729]

My cat has a puffy protruding falp of skin on his neck. It about an 8th of an inch in size and looks like an inflated skin tag. What causes this? Should I take him to the vet to have it removed or is this something that can be removed at home?

[Barbi_doll]

This discussion has been of great help.

I had the same problem - thought it was a tick. So...I researched ticks....couldn't find a picture that was similar. So...with the education I have in esthetics and skin conditions, researched "skin tags on cats" which is how I found this article...now I know it's a tick!!!! Thanks for sharing your experience smokey729!!

[Savas]

Heh heh...I can picture it now. Sorry, but the description...well, you can see how i couldn't guess! In the future, removing a tick can be done one of two ways;

Vaseline works well on humans, but for cats...it's tricky because of the fur. The idea is to smother it so it pulls it's head out (if you try to pick it off, the head separated from the body and remains under the skin, causing infection). I've been told...it was pure alcohol can work as well, or lighter fluid, but I've never tried those.

[smokey729]

After a long fight to get him into the carrier I took Smokey to the vet this morning and it wasn't a skin tag it was a big fat tick. I feel silly for not knowing but I've never seen a tick before. I'm glad that was all it was.

[Savas]

Let me know what happens, I'd like to hear your kitty is okay. :)

It may be nothing, but better safe than sorry.

[smokey729]

Yes this is a recent development. I have an appointment for him in the morning. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks  

[Savas]

Is this a recent development or something he's had all along? I'd say you should take him to the vet, you may want to know if the vet thinks the skin should be biopsied or not!