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My senior cat smells like urine and has a vulva lump. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 years and 5 months old | 25 lbs

I have a 12-year-old female cat, spayed, and lately (within the last 2 weeks) she stinks of urine. A few days ago I checked under her tail and saw a protrusion from her vulva. It's red, and moist, and looks like a small sac about the size of a dime. She seems just fine in every other way. What is this, & what could have caused it? More importantly, is it something serious? I have little to no money to take her to a vet, but if it's serious, I'll find a way. Please help-she's my family.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2017

I would be concerned that Shae Shae could have vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse. This would cause her to have difficulty urinating, which would then lead her to stink like urine. I would have Shae Shae seen by a vet right away. This is something that needs to be cleaned and possibly replaced into it's correct anatomical position, but it can be treated without hospitalization. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This may indeed be serious, especially as the mass seems to be casing a degree of urine leakage or incontinence. Please arrange to have her assessed by a vet as soon as possible and a urine or blood test to rule out diabetes and kidney disease may also be recommended

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