My 6-month-old cat has a lump on his rib cage and is less active.

Hi there. Without being able to see the bump and palpate it, I can't really say if this is normal or not. It may be that you're feeling a normal anatomical structure, but it could also be a growth or tumor, a hernia, or some other problem that needs medical attention. I would recommend taking Bumblebee to the vet for an exam. He/she can palpate the bump to help determine what it might be, and will advise you from there on whether anything needs to be done.

Since Casper is a young cat this can be a reaction to a rabies vaccination if it was in that location. Sometimes cats get a subcutaneous reaction that can last a month or so. It usually isn't painful and will gradually go away. It also could be an abscess. That is a pocket of puss underneath the skin from a bite it cat scratch wound. They are usually hot to the touch and painful. The runny eyes and loss of energy may be due to a mild cold or upper respiratory infection. That will runs its course in a week or so. If the lump enlarges I would have it checked and aspirated by your veterinarian to see what it is. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Casper.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a small cyst (non cancerous growth) from epidermal origin, or potentially a small abscess that has not yet reached the point of rupture from a sting or bite. If it is possible I would suggest clipping the hair short to get a better look. If you can get a picture, this would help us to better help you out. Likely Freya will need to see a vet for either a drainage of this or a removal if the mass becomes bothersome. Antibiotics will be warranted if the mass ends up being an abscess that is currently brewing under the skin. I hope this helps! Please resubmit if you can get some photos! We'd love to be as accurate as possible.

I can understand being worried about TJ! I can see the lump from the picture you provided, and I have a few ideas as to what it may be. I see that he's not neutered, and intact males will frequently fight with other males for territory and females. If he's allowed outside, he could have gotten into a fight with another male, and developed an abscess from a cat bite. A cat's mouth has a lot of nasty bacteria in it, and abscesses are a common sequela to a cat bite. Abscesses are painful, so that may be why he's having trouble jumping on the bed. He could also have a cyst. Given that this lump is getting larger and he's having trouble getting onto your bed, I feel a vet visit in the morning is in order. The vet can diagnose what is causing the lump and how best to treat it. If he does have an abscess, it will need to be drained and flushed, and he will need antibiotics to treat the infection. I hope this helps!

Hi, and thanks for your question. Although a picture of the lump would help to give you more specific answers, this growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello, sorry to hear about Nathan. If he has a bump on his abdomen and has a fever, then she may need to be seen on emergency basis. That bump can indicate an abscess or a tumor both of which can cause a fever. Based on your cats age I think its more likely to be an abscess. Other causes of this include things such as FIP, FeLV or FIV as well as mouth infections. Nathan should be evaluated by his veterinarian to make sure he does not have any major infection or abscess that is causing this. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello. It is possible that Trico has a developing abscess, probably from getting into a fight with another cat. He may require antibiotics so it would be best to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Hopefully, he will feel better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.