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Why does my cat have a bump on her side near ribs and eat less?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Japanese Bobtail | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My cat is an adopted cat we got her at about 3-6 months old, she's an indoor cat and doesn't encounter other cats. I've noticed a bump on her side behind her ribs, its not hot to touch and doesn't seem to pain her so I thought it was just her ribs, but now its concerning me I seen she seems to eat a little less but no other sign of an abscess other than the bump and lack of eating. any idea what this could be ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 3rd, 2018

It is common for cats to have their last rib or 2 be what we call "floating ribs". That means that they do not wrap around to attach to the sternum like the other ribs do and will sometimes stick out and look like lumps. Some cats have them on both sides and some only have them on one side. I would recommend trying to see if the bump matches with a rib on the other side of her chest (although if the other side is not a floating rib, then it may feel less like a bump). If the bump seems to be further back than a rib should be, then it might be worth having your veterinarian examine Sushi just to be safe. You didn't mention how old Sushi is in your posting information, so I'm not sure what to recommend for her appetite. If she is transitioning from a kitten to an adult, their appetites will change a little, but if Sushi seems to be continuing to eat less or she develops any other signs, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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