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My cat has a lump 6 weeks after giving birth. Is it a kitten?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat had four kittens 6 weeks ago. The day after giving birth she had a lump in her belly. it's still there eats drinks. Could it be a kitten? She is not sick.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 18th, 2015

It is not likely to be a retained kitten if she had [a normal delivery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats) and is behaving normally otherwise (no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/diarrhea/), [loss of appetite](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-isnt-my-cat-eating), discharge, etc.). It may be a hernia, but your veterinarian will need to make the diagnosis after a physical exam. If it is a hernia, a repair may be done if you decide to have her spayed. [Spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats) would strongly be recommended if she is not breeding stock or a show cat. This would prevent accidental or unwanted litters in the future. Spaying also decreases the risk of mammary gland tumors (breast cancer) and eliminates the risk of a pyometra (uterine infection) later in life.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 26th, 2017

    It is possible that one is still in there and if it is, then it would not be alive. I would also expect signs of infection and discharge from the vagina if one was retained this long after birth, so I think it's not likely a retained fetus that you are feeling. If you are not seeing any other issues with Castiel, then I would not worry too much about it right now. It will be good to inform the vet about this on Friday. If there is a kitten stuck in there, then it will be taken care of when she gets spayed. If you notice her appearing sick (vomiting, lethargic, etc.) between now and Friday, then it will be best to take her to the vet sooner. I hope that helps and all is well with Castiel.

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