🔍 What Is a Lipoma?

Lipomas are benign, slow-growing tumors composed of fat cells under the skin. They feel soft, movable, and are usually painless. They’re uncommon in cats compared to dogs, typically seen in older animals :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Common locations include the abdomen, chest, neck, back, and upper legs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Exact cause unknown; may be linked to genetic predisposition :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Older, neutered, male Siamese cats seem to be at greater risk :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Obesity is *not* a confirmed risk factor, though maintaining a healthy weight is advised :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🚩 Signs & Symptoms

• A soft, round, movable lump under the skin—size may vary over months :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Usually asymptomatic—cats show no pain unless lump irritates movement or adjacent tissue :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Any lump that enlarges rapidly, feels firm or fixed, or causes discomfort may need urgent evaluation to rule out liposarcoma :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔬 Diagnosis

1. Physical examination: Veterinarian evaluates lump texture, mobility, size, and location :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
2. Fine-needle aspirate (FNA): Sampling fat cells verifies lipoma in most cases :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
3. Biopsy: If FNA is inconclusive or suspicious—provides definitive tissue diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
4. Imaging & lab work: For surgical candidates—blood tests, ECG, and possible X‑rays ensure safety under anesthesia :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛠️ Treatment Options

A. Monitoring ("Watch & Wait")

• Many lipomas never require removal—monitor size and symptoms every 3 months :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Document with measurements or photos to track changes :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

B. Surgical Removal

• Indicated for large, fast-growing, infiltrative, or mobility-impairing lipomas :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Tissue removed surgically—most cats go home same day, with stitch removal in 10–12 days :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Curative when complete removal is achieved; recurrence is rare (~1–2%) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

C. Medical Alternatives & Specialists

• Steroid injection: Triamcinolone acetate into small lipomas may shrink them—experimental, with variable recurrence :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Radiation therapy: For infiltrative lipomas or liposarcomas—used when complete excision is difficult :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📅 Recovery & Follow-Up

• Surgical cases: Monitor incision for redness, swelling, discharge; limited activity until healed :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Watch & Wait: Recheck every 3–6 months; biopsy if changes occur :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Infiltrative/recurrent tumors: May require advanced imaging, specialist referral, and further treatment :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

📝 Prognosis

• Simple lipomas have an excellent prognosis—benign, non-cancerous, and rarely bothersome :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Surgical removal is effective, with low recurrence risk unless infiltrative :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Infiltrative lipomas and liposarcomas may recur and require rigorous management :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

🏡 Home Care & Prevention

• Check your cat regularly for new lumps during grooming sessions :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Maintain regular vet wellness exams to catch changes early.
• Keep cats fit and active—while weight doesn't cause lipomas, healthy lifestyle supports overall wellness :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Use calming aids like Woopf & Purrz to reduce stress, which supports immune health.
• Use the Ask A Vet app for guidance between visits.

📊 Quick Reference Table