Cat Wart: How Can You Treat Them

Cats are known for their graceful and elegant appearance, but just like any other living being, they can develop various health issues. One such issue that cat owners may come across is the presence of warts on their feline companions. While warts on cats are generally not a cause for major concern, it's essential to understand their causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options to ensure your pet's well-being.

Can Cats Get Warts?

Yes, cats can get warts, although it is relatively uncommon. Warts in cats are typically caused by papillomaviruses, which are a group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. These viruses can lead to the development of warts, also known as papillomas.

Warts in cats usually appear as small, raised growths on the skin or mucous membranes, such as the mouth, lips, or eyelids. They can vary in size and may have a rough or cauliflower-like appearance. In most cases, these warts are not painful and do not cause significant discomfort to the cat.

Types of Warts on Cats

There are several types of warts that can affect cats. These warts are typically caused by different strains of papillomaviruses and can appear in various locations on a cat's body. Here are some common types of warts seen in cats:

Cutaneous Warts: Cutaneous warts are the most common type of warts in cats. They appear on the skin and can vary in size and appearance. These warts are typically small, raised, and may have a rough or cauliflower-like surface. Cutaneous warts can occur on various parts of the body.

Oral Warts: These warts appear inside the mouth, on the lips, gums, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. They can sometimes cause discomfort or difficulty eating, especially if they grow large or in clusters.

Ocular Warts: Ocular warts are found on or around the eyes of cats. They can cause eye irritation, redness, or discharge if they affect the conjunctiva or eyelids.

Genital Warts: Genital warts can develop in the genital area of cats, including the vulva or the prepuce in males. These warts can be particularly concerning if they cause discomfort or interfere with normal bodily functions.

Footpad Warts: These warts appear on the footpads of cats and are sometimes referred to as "plantar warts." They can make walking painful or uncomfortable for the cat.

Laryngeal Warts: Although rare, laryngeal warts can occur in the throat or larynx of a cat. These warts can affect a cat's ability to breathe and may require immediate veterinary attention.

It's important to note that not all growths on a cat's skin are warts, and some may be benign cysts, tumors, or other skin conditions. Such as

• Abscess
• Mosquito or another insect bite 
• Fatty tumor 
• Tick
• Skin tag
• Cancer 

How to Identify Cat Warts? 

Identifying cat warts can be challenging for pet owners without veterinary training. These growths typically manifest as small, raised protrusions with a rough, cauliflower-like texture, varying in size from millimeters to centimeters, though the appearance may differ depending on the wart type and location. Warts can emerge on different parts of a cat's body, such as the skin, mouth, eyes, genitals, and footpads, often forming clusters. They tend to grow slowly and can sometimes regress as the cat's immune system combats the viral infection. Cats generally tolerate warts unless they cause discomfort, noticeable through excessive licking, scratching, or pawing. In such cases, prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial.

Common Causes of Cat Warts

Cat warts, also known as papillomas, are typically caused by various strains of papillomaviruses. These viruses can infect a cat's skin and mucous membranes, leading to the development of warts. Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with cat warts:

Papillomavirus Infection: The primary cause of cat warts is infection with papillomaviruses. These viruses are contagious among cats and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat or indirectly through shared grooming tools, bedding, or other objects.

Young Age: Cat warts are more commonly seen in young cats and kittens. This is because their immune systems are still developing and may not mount a robust defense against the virus. Warts can often spontaneously regress as a cat's immune system matures.

Immunocompromised Cats: Cats with weakened immune systems, whether due to illness, stress, or other factors, may be more susceptible to developing warts. In such cases, the immune system may have difficulty controlling the virus.

Injury or Trauma: In some cases, trauma or injury to the skin or mucous membranes can provide an entry point for the virus, leading to the development of warts in that area.

Genetics: While not a direct cause, genetic factors may play a role in a cat's susceptibility to papillomavirus infection and the development of warts.

Diagnosis of Skin Warts in Cats

The diagnosis of skin warts in cats typically involves a combination of clinical examination and, in some cases, additional diagnostic tests. Here is how skin warts in cats are usually diagnosed:

• Physical Examination: A veterinarian will start by visually inspecting the cat's skin and any growths or warts. They will assess the size, color, texture, and location of the warts.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed. A small sample of the wart tissue may be collected and sent to a laboratory for histopathological examination. This helps confirm the diagnosis of a wart and can differentiate it from other skin conditions or tumors.
• Cytology: Cytology involves taking a swab or impression of the wart and examining it under a microscope. This can help identify cellular changes associated with viral infections, providing further evidence of a wart.
• Viral Testing: In some cases, viral testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, may be done to confirm the presence of papillomavirus DNA in the wart tissue.
• Rule Out Other Conditions: The veterinarian may also want to rule out other skin conditions or infections that may mimic warts. This can be done through a combination of clinical examination, cytology, and other tests.

How to Treat Warts on Cats?

The treatment of warts on cats can vary depending on the type of warts, their location, and the individual cat's health and immune response. In many cases, cat warts will resolve on their own over time as the cat's immune system fights off the viral infection. However, if the warts are causing discomfort, interfering with the cat's normal activities, or not resolving on their own, treatment options may be considered. Here are some common methods of treating warts on cats:

• Observation: If the warts are small, not causing any discomfort, and not rapidly growing, your veterinarian may recommend a wait-and-see approach. Warts often regress spontaneously as the cat's immune system responds to the virus.
• Surgical Removal: For larger or more problematic warts, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal. This is typically done under anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the cat. Surgical removal can be a good option for warts that are causing pain, bleeding, or interfering with the cat's ability to eat, groom, or walk.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the affected tissue. This can be an effective treatment for certain types of warts, especially those on the skin.
• Topical Medications: Medications:  Administering medications such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal agents can effectively address your cat's warts. The selection of medication by your veterinarian will be based on the findings from diagnostic tests, including biopsy results. Typically, these medications come in topical forms that are user-friendly for pet owners, making them a preferred method for the gentle removal of warts in cats.
• Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser therapy may be used to remove or shrink warts. This is a precise method that can be especially useful for warts in sensitive areas.
• Immune Modulators: Your veterinarian may recommend immune-modulating medications or supplements to help boost the cat's immune response and aid in the resolution of warts.
• Antiviral Medications: In rare cases, antiviral medications may be considered if the warts are particularly stubborn or widespread.

How Can I Prevent Warts on My Cat?

Preventing warts in cats can be challenging, as they are typically caused by viral infections. To reduce the risk:

• Minimize exposure to potentially infected cats.
• Keep your cat's living environment clean and stress-free to support their immune system.
• Ensure your cat's vaccinations are up to date, as some vaccines can protect against certain viral infections.

FAQs

Is It Normal for A Cat to Have A Wart?

It is not uncommon for cats to develop warts, particularly if they are exposed to papillomaviruses, which are responsible for these growths. While warts in cats are not necessarily "normal," they do occur, and many cats may develop them at some point in their lives.

What Do Cat Warts Look Like?

Cat warts typically look like small, raised growths on the skin or mucous membranes. They can vary in size, with some being as small as a few millimeters and others growing to several centimeters in diameter. The texture of cat warts is often rough and may resemble a cauliflower. The appearance of warts can differ depending on their type and location on the cat's body.

Are Cat Warts Contagious to Humans?

No. The viruses that cause cat warts are not contagious to humans, so you can’t get warts from your cat.

Is There Anything You Can Do at Home If You Notice a Wart on Your Cat?

If you see a wart on your cat, avoid trying to remove it at home as this can lead to complications. Consult a veterinarian for proper guidance. Prevent self-mutilation by using an Elizabethan collar if the cat appears bothered by the wart.

Conclusion

While warts on cats can be unsightly and uncomfortable, they are usually not a cause for major concern. Most warts will resolve on their own, and with proper care and monitoring, your feline friend can enjoy a happy and healthy life. If you notice any unusual growths or changes in your cat's behavior, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.