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My neutered male cat has firm spots on his belly. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 9.25 lbs

*picture is not of my cat. My 1 year old male (blue russian) seems to have 2 firm spots in the areas marked on the picture. He got fixed back at the end of June, but I also have a 4 year old female who got fixed over 3 years ago and has some loose skin in that area.. I know thats normal, but his is really firm. Any ideas? I also recently posted on here a month/two ago due to his rectal tissue pushing out when he pooped. Notsure if it's still happening but he does poop alot!! Thanks in advance!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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

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

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on September 18th, 2017

The area that you have circled in the photo is an area that we can feel mammary tissue (which males also have), fat or even lymph nodes. The most common thing we feel is fat which accumulates in the pouches on either side (which is likely what you are feeling in your female). Neutering or spaying a cat can decrease their metabolism and lead to weight gain, so it is common to find that they have more fat in that region after they are neutered or spayed. However, fat is normally quite soft and should not feel really firm, so I would recommend having your vet evaluate the area and make sure that it is normal. And presuming that it is, you can put Prince on a diet now, so he doesn't continue gaining weight! (Sorry Prince!)
I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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