My long-haired cat has several lumps, as big as a date or as small as a peanut, but is active and eating well. What should I do?

Lumps on a cat are a symptom of skin disease, possibly scabs formed after the cat scratches the skin raw. First do a full check; at home you can use a Wood’s lamp to see if it is ringworm, or go to the hospital for a skin scrape to identify the type before treating it.

Generally the fur over the affected area must be shaved; for a full-body condition shave the whole body so medicine can be applied and spread prevented. After shaving, disinfect with iodine, remove scale and scabs, then apply the right medicine. Use an antifungal spray for fungal infection, a repair spray for bacterial infection, and a dedicated antiparasitic with medicated baths for parasite causes.