Heartbroken Cat Lover... Need help with a stray cat I found

by Melinda
(Edmonton, Canada)

A stray cat came wandering into my yard last night. He looked cold, skinny and hungry so I let him in to eat and warm-up. When me and my partner were petting him we found that he has a lump about the size of a golf-ball on his tummy. In the last 24 hours he has been nothing but affectionate. It does not seem to bother him when I touch the lump. Its very soft and fluid-like and he does not seem to be in pain. I am pretty sure he is a stray. He has no tattoo, half a tail, the weird lump, covered in dirt and very skinny. I cannot afford to take him to the vet right now but I really do not have the heart to turn him away. Is there anything I can do at home to help him before i am able to take him to the vet.

Editor Suggestion

Hi Melinda,

Taking in a stray is a wonderful act of kindness. While I'm not a I'm not a veterinarian, I can try to offer some general advice for helping the stray cat until you can get him to a professional. Keep in mind that you should reach out to a vet for more accurate information and advice.

Provide food and water: Offer the cat a balanced diet suitable for cats. Ensure he has fresh water available at all times.

Create a comfortable space: Provide a warm, cozy, and quiet space for the cat to rest. You can use a soft blanket or towel to create a bed.

Keep the cat indoors: Until you can have the lump assessed by a veterinarian, it's a good idea to keep the cat indoors to avoid potential injuries or infections.

Monitor the lump: Keep an eye on the lump for any changes in size, shape, or color. Take note of any changes in the cat's behavior, such as increased pain or lethargy, which could indicate a problem.

There are several possible causes for the lump that will have to be evaluated by your veterinarian:

Some possible causes of a lump in a cat include:

Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection, often resulting from a bite or puncture wound. Abscesses can be painful and may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Cyst: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop under the skin. Cysts are generally benign and may not require treatment unless they become infected, grow larger, or cause discomfort.

Lipoma: A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that can develop under the skin. These tumors are generally harmless and may not require treatment unless they grow large or cause discomfort.

Hernia: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue. In the case of a cat's abdomen, it could be an umbilical or inguinal hernia. Hernias often require surgical correction.

Tumor: A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumors can vary in size, shape, and growth rate, and the treatment will depend on the type and location of the tumor.

Insect bite or sting: An insect bite or sting can cause a localized reaction, leading to a lump or swelling. These usually resolve on their own but may require treatment if the reaction is severe or the cat develops an infection.

These are just a few possible causes of a lump in a cat. A veterinarian will be able to evaluate the lump, potentially perform diagnostic tests, and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Check for fleas and ticks: Since the cat has been outdoors, it's possible that he has fleas or ticks. You can use a flea comb to check for any signs of parasites and carefully remove them if you find any. Consult a veterinarian for the appropriate flea and tick prevention methods.

All the best,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Cat Health Guide