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What's this firm lump on my cat's abdomen? Does he need a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 years and 7 months old | 13 lbs

I found a lump under the skin of my cat’s abdomen. It’s firm but not hard, oval shaped and maybe quarter sized. It’s a few inches above his leg on the right side of his lower abdomen. I can easily feel it when he is stretched out but it’s more difficult to feel when he is standing. I can only feel it in certain positions. I can’t see any abnormality on his skin and it doesn’t bother him when touched. He acting completely normally besides this, what could this be? Does he need to be looked at?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2020

This lump on Barney could be a benign growth, a cyst, or even a malignant growth. He is a senior cat, so there is a chance it could be cancerous. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

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