Is my cat fat or should I worry ?

[brooklyn77]

I have a cat that I rescued from Battersea and before we left I noticed two lumps underneath it. They are situated on the belly area I suppose just next to the rear legs. The vet assured us it was just fat. Since then the lumps have grown a bit. The cats are indoor cats so never go out and they are very lazy and we feed them moderate amounts. The cat displays no other symptoms at all and is otherwise very healthy. Is my cat just showing signs of being very fat or could it be something worse? I sit normal for house cats to get obese? If so is it conceivable that fat would be prominent in the areas I described?

[TommyC]

Hate to say it, but firstly.. There's no such thing as an "indoor cat"..!! All healthy normal cats like to spend a fair amount of time outdoors, and even in really foul weather they will usually want to nose around the garden for half-an-hour a day before coming in again. I do draw the line, though, at the common and irritating misconception that every cat HAS to go out at night, all night - that's just plain ignorance and selfishness on the part of owners who can't be bothered to buy an overnight litter-tray). Secondly, Yes, unfortunately it's very common for house cats to become obese, like many people and for exactly the same reason - too much food, too little exercise. If your cat isn't even interested in looking outdoors, it's almost certainly because it's way overweight for it's size and just can't be bothered to pull its weight about, which is no condition for a happy cat to be in. Cut down the food and especially any snacks drastically, and enforce at least an hour a day every day in the garden during daylight hours, unless the weather is really bad. And even in really bad weather most cats will quickly find a convenient shelter. As a result, your cat will get used to fresh air and walking again, and begin to come alive, and the fatty lumps (and any other excess weight) should then start to disappear.

[brawburd]

Have a cat who is very active and who doesn't snack (unlike myself!). Since he was about one year old he has looked pregnant. The area is as you describe, next to his rear legs. It's like two joined together masses of excess tissue hanging down, however when touched there is no substance to it. Does it sound like same thing? He is healthy so I have never seen a reason to get it checked out. I certainly don't think he is obese. Perhaps its the same thing on your cat? (not a real answer to your posting but thought it might reassure you!)

[savik2]

Only one way to put your mind at rest, and that is to get the animal checked over by a vet - especially if the fatty lumps are growing. If they turn out to be fatty deposits, then you can ask for advice about a healthy diet/exercise regime. If they are something more serious, then the quicker they are attended to, the better.