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My kitten has a squishy bump near stitches after spay. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 months and 6 days old | 5 lbs

My kitten just got spayed on Monday and she now has a squishy bump on her belly near her stitches should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 18th, 2016

This sounds like it is likely a seroma (a fluid pocket under the skin), or a tissue reaction to the suture material - both of these are quite common in cats after spay surgery, and should not cause any serious problems. Less commonly, the swelling could be caused by an infection or even a hernia. If Leia is acting normal (eating and drinking fine, playful, etc.), you can monitor the bump until it's time for her stitches to be removed. Applying a warm compress like a warm wet washcloth to the area 2-3 times a day can help the swelling to resolve faster, as well as restricting her activity as much as possible. If Leia is acting very lethargic or not eating, or if there is any bleeding or yellow-green discharge from the bump, these may be signs of infection - in that case, I would take her to the vet today for an exam and antibiotics or other medication if needed.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    The bump is right about where the knot of the sutures would be. The sutures are dissolvable, but some types will take a little longer than others to dissolve and will create a little scar tissue. The bump looks far too small to be a hernia and does not appear like a fluid-filled bump. If you feel the bump and it's rather hard, then it's probably just normal scar tissue that will go down in the next few weeks. If the bump is squishy, then it may be fluid-filled. The fluid could be just serum (normal fluid) or pus if it's infected. The skin does not look infected to me, so I would not worry too much about that yet. While it would be best to have the veterinarian examine it, I think it's OK to wait a few more days and see if the bump gets smaller. If it swells, turns red or starts leaking pus, then definitely get her back to the vet. I hope that helps and it clears up soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2019

    It could be swelling from the surgery, or it could be an internal reaction to sutures inside. Given that Lily just got spayed, I'd keep an eye on her for now. If this swelling gets worse, the area appears infected (redness, pus, warm to the touch), there is excessive discharge from the incision, she isn't eating, or she's lethargic, have her seen by a vet immediately.

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