My cat has two lumps on each side by his ribs

Our question this week was:

Hello. My cat has two lumps on each side right behind the ribs in the back of the ribs, is that normal? I pay attention to him all the time but I never noticed the lumps before, and for some reason they appeared out of nowhere unless I just missed it. So if you can give any advice.

Thank you,

John Coleman

Answer

Hi John– thanks for your email. From your email, it is hard to tell 100% what is going on. If they “lumps” are symmetrical (same on each side) – my guess it is “normal” but you may not have noticed it. My concern is that your cat has lost weight and these lumps are more obvious.

I’d recommend taking him to the vet to be on the safe side and let them feel his lumps to determine if they are a tumor or something else. Weigh him and see if he has lost weight.

An article that might be helpful to you is Weight Loss in Cats.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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