Skin changes in cats can worry pet parents, especially when small bumps or growths appear. One common question is: “Can cats get skin tags?” The answer is yes — although skin tags are less common in cats than in humans or dogs, they do occur.
To avoid confusing skin tags with other, more dangerous growths (like mast cell tumors or squamous cell carcinoma), it’s important to know their key characteristics:
Soft, fleshy, and often slightly darker than your cat’s normal skin (though they can also be the same color). They hang from a thin stalk (called a peduncle), making them look like tiny “flaps” of skin.
Usually small—most are 1–5 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pinhead to a grain of rice), though some can grow up to 1 centimeter.
Common on areas with friction or movement:
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Under the chin or neck (from collars or grooming).
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Armpits or groin (from skin folds).
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Belly or chest (from lying on hard surfaces).
- Around the paws (from walking or scratching).
Smooth or slightly bumpy, and flexible (they move when touched, unlike hard tumors).
If the growth is hard, discolored (black, purple, or ulcerated), oozing, or growing rapidly—it’s not a skin tag. Contact your vet immediately to rule out cancer or infection.
The exact cause of skin tags in cats isn’t always clear, but vets believe several factors contribute:
The most common trigger: repeated friction on the skin. This can come from:
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Collars (especially tight ones) rubbing against the neck.
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Skin folds in overweight cats (armpits, groin).
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Mats or tangles in long fur pulling on the skin.
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Constant grooming (over-grooming can irritate the skin and lead to tag formation).
As cats get older, their skin produces less collagen (a protein that keeps skin elastic). This makes the skin thinner and more prone to developing small growths like skin tags. Senior cats (8+ years old) are far more likely to get skin tags than kittens or young adults.
Some breeds may be more predisposed to skin tags, though there’s limited research on this. Breeds with loose skin or thick coats (like Persians, Maine Coons, or British Shorthairs) may be at higher risk due to increased friction.
Rarely, hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease) can affect skin health and lead to growths like skin tags. If your cat has multiple skin tags and other symptoms (like weight gain, lethargy, or hair loss), your vet may test for hormonal issues.
Even if your cat’s skin tags are harmless, keeping their skin healthy can prevent irritation and reduce the risk of new tags forming. Here are key tips:
- Brush your cat’s fur 2–3 times a week (daily for long-haired breeds) to remove mats and reduce friction.
- Trim fur around skin folds (e.g., armpits, groin) in overweight cats to minimize rubbing.
- Opt for a soft, adjustable collar (like a breakaway collar) to avoid rubbing on the neck.
- Remove the collar when your cat is indoors if they don’t need it (e.g., no outdoor access).
- Feed your cat a balanced diet and provide regular exercise to reduce skin folds (a major trigger for friction-related tags).
For mild itching, redness, or irritation (even around skin tags), use
Natural Hot Spot Spray. Its pure natural formula is gentle enough for cats, relieving hot spots, rashes, and swelling—plus, it helps reduce excessive shedding and dandruff, supporting overall skin health. It’s a must-have for any cat owner dealing with minor skin issues. Shop now:
Puainta® Natural Hot Spot Spray
Puainta® Natural Hot Spot Spray for Dogs and Cats
Pure, natural anti-itch spray—gently soothes hot spots, rashes, redness, and swelling, while reducing shedding and dandruff.
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Schedule an appointment if:
- The growth is hard, ulcerated, or discolored (black, purple, or white).
- The tag oozes pus, blood, or has a foul odor (signs of infection).
- Your cat is in pain or discomfort (e.g., avoiding touch on the area).
- You’re unsure if it’s a skin tag (better safe than sorry!).
Your vet can confirm it’s a skin tag with a visual exam (or a biopsy, if needed). If the tag is irritated or problematic, they may remove it under local anesthesia—a quick, low-risk procedure.
A: No—skin tags are benign (non-cancerous) and do not turn into cancer. However, it’s important to distinguish them from cancerous growths (like mast cell tumors), which may look similar. If you’re unsure, always consult your vet.
A: Never try to remove a skin tag at home. This can cause pain, bleeding, infection, or scarring. Only a vet should remove a skin tag (if needed) using sterile tools and local anesthesia.
A: No, skin tags are not contagious. They’re a non-infectious growth caused by friction, age, or genetics—your other pets cannot “catch” them.
A: Rarely. Skin tags are most common in older cats (8+ years) or overweight cats. Kittens have elastic skin and minimal friction, so they rarely develop tags.
A: Possibly. Once a cat develops a skin tag, they may get more over time—especially if the underlying cause (like friction or age) isn’t addressed. Regular skin checks can help you spot new tags early.
A: Yes! While it doesn’t remove skin tags, its pure natural formula relieves itching, redness, and swelling caused by irritated tags. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and helps keep the area calm—perfect for supporting your cat’s comfort. Learn more: Puainta® Natural Hot Spot Spray
Skin tags in cats are common, harmless, and usually require no treatment—unless they become irritated or you’re unsure of their identity. By knowing what to look for (soft, stalk-like growths in high-friction areas), monitoring for signs of trouble, and keeping your cat’s skin healthy, you can ensure your feline stays comfortable.
By Dr. Isabella Miao
