Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/05/2016Updated: 05/14/2021
Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Lymph Node Inflammation?
The production of too many immune cells at once is what causes the lymphadenopathy. Either a solitary nodule can be effected, or a group of nodules. When this occurs in younger cats, it is generally due to an infectious disease. Swollen lymph nodes are a common finding in many sick cats. Infections and other complications signalled by inflamed lymph nodes need to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for the best results.
Lymph nodes are ducts within the body that are used to collect fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Inside the lymph nodes, lymphocytes (white blood cells) destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells. When the body faces infection, the lymph nodes located closest to the infection will swell or enlarge. This is referred to as lymphadenopathy.
Youtube Play
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Symptoms of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
As lymph nodes swell from many different types of infections all over the body, various symptoms can occur. Below are the most common symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy.
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tender or painful lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Mouth abscess
  • High temperature
  • Limping
  • Dull hair coat
Causes of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
Generally, the cause of swollen lymph nodes has to do with a nearby issue in the body. These issues can range from minor to life-threatening and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Causes are as follows:
  • Bacterial infection
  • Fungal infection
  • Viral infection
  • Parasitic disease
  • Allergies
  • Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia (benign lymph node swelling)
  • Cancer of the lymph nodes or nearby organs
  • Neoplastic Infiltration (meningitis caused by cancer cells)
Diagnosis of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
The first thing that a veterinarian will need from you is your cat's extensive medical history. This can give clues to underlying problems that may have developed to cause the swelling. A physical examination of the cat will be completed to try and locate the affected lymph nodes by feeling key areas of the body. Often this will include the submandibular (where the jaw meets the neck), the axillary (armpit of the front legs), the prescapular (where the front leg joins the shoulder) and the popliteal (on the rear legs opposite of the knee) areas. If there is any pain in these locations, that is an indication of swollen lymph nodes. 
The vet will rule out all possible harmless syndromes by assessing all symptoms. Blood work will be done to get an overall picture on the cat's health. A complete blood count will show how many blood cells are present and indicate if cancer is the cause. A biochemical profile will show other substances in the blood. Urinalysis can help detect bacteria that may be causing infection. A lymph node biopsy to collect samples for microscopic examination may be needed if cancer is suspected. 
X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities on the lymph nodes. When any lymphadenopathy is present, Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus should be tested for. A fecal parasitological exam may be needed if parasites are suspected. The vet may recommend more extensive testing until a cause has been identified.
Treatment of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
To restore lymph nodes to their normal size, the underlying condition that is causing the inflammation needs to be treated. There are a number of different treatments depending on which ailment the cat is suffering from.
Bacterial Infection 
The corresponding antibiotic will be prescribed to eliminate a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed for 2-4 weeks.
Fungal Infection 
Antifungal medication, shampoo, or cream will be prescribed to eradicate a fungal infection affecting the cat. 
Allergies 
In the case of allergies, tests or the process of elimination will be used to identify the allergen. Once identified, the allergen will be removed from the cat’s environment or diet.
Viral Infections 
Most viral infections can only be treated symptomatically. The cat may need to be hospitalized for supportive care while fighting a viral infection. Intravenous fluids may be administered to keep the cat hydrated. Other care may be administered to keep the cat as comfortable as possible.
Cancer 
Cancer of the lymph nodes is very serious and needs to be treated aggressively. There are three main ways to treat cancer of the lymph nodes.
  • Surgical Removal: This may be possible if the cancer has not spread out of the lymph nodes. If the cat is in good condition, a general anesthetic will be administered and surgery will be performed. Depending on the location of the lymph nodes, the surgery can vary in its overall risk. At home care will be needed upon discharge.
  • Chemotherapy: This treatment can slow the progress of lymph node cancer in cats. It should be noted that cats are not treated the same way as humans. If the chemotherapy will drastically reduce the cat's quality of life, it will not be used.
  • Radiation Therapy: This treatment is often used in combination with surgery. It can focus on the microscopic occurrences of cancer that cannot be surgically removed. 
Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background
Recovery of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
Once your cat is home, take care to administer all prescriptions exactly as requested. This can help ensure all infections are properly treated. If symptoms are not going away, further treatment and tests may be necessary to find the root of the issue. A check-up appointment will be needed to gauge if lymph node swelling has gone down. 
Once an infection has cleared out of the cat’s system, the lymph nodes should return to their normal size. If the cat has undergone surgery, extra care should be given to keep the incision clean and decrease all stress inducers during the healing process. It should be noted that in cases of lymph node cancer, prognosis is not great, with the maximum survival being about two years.
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
arrow-up-icon
Top
Lymph Node Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
dog-breed-icon
Unknown
dog-name-icon
Logan
dog-age-icon
3 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Decreased Appe
Logan’s appetite has decreased to barely eating his wet food over several weeks, but last year it slightly decreased as the weather changed. This past week he’s eaten less of the dry food that’s always out. With a big change in work schedules we’re not sure if his activity levels have changed. His neck looks swollen on both sides and his stomach looks like it’s gotten smaller. He does have an appetite because he’s been trying to eat out chips and managed to steal several French fries before we could get to him last night.
June 2, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure if Logan is a dog or a cat, and that could make a difference as to what is happening with him. Regardless, if his neck looks swollen, he should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as he may have an infection, inflammation, or a tumor that needs attention. I hope that he is okay.
June 2, 2018
Sorry, he’s a cat. I remembered about a liquid food treat we have for him (looks like those tube yogurts, but for cats) and he ate it up.
June 2, 2018
Logan's Owner
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
mixed
dog-name-icon
Drax
dog-age-icon
12 Months
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lymphadenopathy
R sided submandibular lymphadenopathy Reddish mucus in conjunctiva Foul smelling breath Redness in gingiva Eating, drinking well Diarrhea intermittently Urinating normally Cat is 1 year old neutered male (adopted from shelter at age 4 months) and has been tested negative for panleuko
June 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
It would be a good idea to have Drax tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV, if he hasn't already been tested. He may have an oral infection. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian to determine what is going on and how best to treat him.
June 1, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Domestic shorthair
dog-name-icon
Ash
dog-age-icon
2 Years
thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Appetite
1 Swollen Lymph Node
I just noticed a swollen lymph node under the left side of my cats chin. It's probably between the size of a peanut and a small marble. He doesn't have any other symptoms, though maybe a slightly increased appetite lately. He's got a history of some mysterious anemia that the docs can't figure out, but his gums and ears appear pink.
May 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
If Ash is doing well otherwise, you may be fine monitoring the lump, as it may resolve on its' own. If he becomes lethargic, doesn't want to eat, the lump is getting bigger, or seems otherwise to not be doing well, it would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian.
May 29, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Short hair domestic
dog-name-icon
Little Kitty
dog-age-icon
1 Year
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Lymph Nodes Swollen
My cats lymph nodes seem to be swollen. Under his neck and also behind his back legs you can feel them. He was missing for 4 days and came home last night struggling to walk. Very skinny and weak. He is eating and drinking just fine even hoping on and off the bed, not as well as he used to, but not sure if the swelling of his lymph nodes will go down once he gets a little stronger? Doesn’t seem sick at all still doing happy paws just not sure if the lymph nodes are very serious.
May 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
Lymph node swelling may be due to infection, inflammation, allergies, cancer among other causes; since Little Kitty was missing for four days, I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian for an examination just to be on the safe side since there is generalised lymph node enlargement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 29, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Shorthair
dog-name-icon
Loki and Doobie
dog-age-icon
5 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Puncture Wounds
Dog bite on stray cat. Recently took in stray cat who must have gotten into a fight with a dog. Had punctures on both sides of face. One side has healed. The other side I have been actively soaking the wound daily with a warm compresses. I dab a wound antiseptic after each soaking. And I can get away with triple antibiotic until he washes it off. I have been giving him a small dose of zithromax in soft food with a tiny amount of prednisone. This seems to be helping with the wound. I'm concerned because the one side is pretty swollen. I know its still itchy because hes still scratching at it occasionally. His appitite is good, hes drinking plenty of water. H Es been through the vets on a neutering program. So he's had rabbies shot, and a flea and ear mite treatment. And hes trying to make friends with my other two cats. The male has almost made friends, at least tolerates him. My female on the other hand is completely not liking this change. Hissing, growling, at the established male, at the new male, and at me. What do I do for both situations.
May 16, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
He may need more intensive care for that wound if it isn't healing with your care that you are giving him, and he may need to see a veterinarian if it doesn't continue to heal. It is very common for cats to take a long time to become friends, if the every do, and being patient and providing space for the cats is important. If they are going to get along, they will. Feliway can help in these situations sometimes, as it can decreased stress in the environment.
May 16, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Average medium hair tabby
dog-name-icon
Tobiko
dog-age-icon
12 Years
thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Trouble Swallowing
Weight Lost
Refuse To Eat Dry Food
Refuse To Drink Water
No Reaction To Antibiotics And Steroids
Vomiti
No Diaherra
Hi, I have a cat that has been sick for about 6 months now, it all started with a weight lost from last April from 4.4KG (highest) to 3.2KG (lowest). She wasn't eating much as well as accompanied by fever, we first did blood works and could not find anything. We were giving dosage of antibiotics as well as mouth fed (for 2 months). After 2 months fever was still present so we did x-ray and ultra sound. Ultrasound showed enlarged lyphmnodes. Vet suspects it's lymphoma but cannot be certain without a biopsy. Cat is pretty old (11, 12 now) so I wanted to try before we open her up. We did 2 courses of steroids (shots and mouth fed) and it didn't show much improvement. Vet said she cannot prescribe more unless we open her up and get a complete lymph node extraction for biopsy, we felt like we were out of options as the cards weight kept dropping so we agreed to it. During the operation when the vet was extracting the extremely enlarged lymph nodes, the vet almost could not stop the bleeding because the nodes were so large and it had arteries all over them. But she was able to close up the bleeding and she has recovered from the surgery now. Report went to oncologist and 1/4 said it's possible to be lymphoma and 3/4 said they did not see cancer cells within. We did 2 months of mouth fed cancer pills (I forgot the name, we go back twice a week) but her weight just kept dropping and didn't show huge sign of improvement.
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.