So this cat has had some health problems and is FIV positive. He just had a teeth cleaning done about 2 weeks ago.

He is easy going. But when I touch this area he tries to get away and makes unhappy noises.

To me these areas look swollen. Almost like a round lump. They are soft.

More pronounced when he lays on his side. Sticks out almost ball shaped. Like a distinct ball shaped fattty area.

Now he had an injury to this area when I first took him in, (he was a stray. I took him in around April).

I’ve never had an overweight cat. I am not sure if this is abnormal and needs a vet visit. Or it’s normal to have fat deposits there and he’s just unhappy about being touched there from the old injury.

Anyone have a fat cat and can confirm it’s normal or not.

My other concern is, it’s a swollen lymph node or something . It is bilateral but bigger on one side but definitely on both sides.

I’ve taken this cat to the vet so much that I don’t want to take him in just for normal fat deposits.
I am aware he is overweight. It’s been challenging managing his bottomless pit appetite but his diet is being managed.

I can’t seem to find this info online about fat deposits. Do cats put on fat right around the hip joint area ?

Maybe not all cats do but some ?

Here is an illustration with the lumpy fat area circled.

  • CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works
    2·
    15 hours ago

    Or it could be something completely treatable that will end the cat’s life early and horribly if ignored. Maybe you shouldn’t own a pet if you don’t want to be subjected to vet costs.

    • echo@lemmy.today
      1·
      11 hours ago

      I’ve taken this cat to the vet so much

      Or, maybe, their vet sucks… It’s already established that the cat isn’t healthy. They don’t really need to give the vet any more money to re-establish that the cat isn’t healthy.

      • CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works
        1·
        7 hours ago

        Their vet sucking and overbilling is entirely likely too, but that doesnt mean not giving the cat medical care. It means finding a better vet like you said.

    • daannii@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      11 hours ago

      Quality of life is important to me. Even if it’s something untreatable, there are always things you can do to make the cat more comfortable and reduce pain. And prepare yourself for euthanasia if it comes to it. So I agree it’s still worth knowing. Even if it’s something incurable.

      I mean Fiv isn’t curable either. But knowing he has it means I can catch problems earlier and improve his quality of life. And lifespan.