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?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 6th, 2017
I would definitely have this lump checked out by a vet, as it could be a cyst or a benign tumor. 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 it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Simba seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 16th, 2017
Hi there! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is most of the time differentiated with a test called a fine needle aspirate which is easy, cheap and pain-free. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Have Leopold evaluated by your veterinarian to have this test performed to try to sort out what the diagnosis is so that the best course of action can be determined. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 7th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! An examination would really help to better characterize them. This could be benign or malignant growths. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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