Help please. Strange lumps on stomach near genital area.

Hello everyone.

I'm new here and thought I'd post this to see if anyone has experience something similar. My cat (aged 2) has developed these two strange little bumps on his tummy. They look like they could be nipples but only recently the hair around the area has thinned quite substantially. For all i know they could have always been there but the hair has covered them up until this point. We know that he had an umbilical hernia when he was born but the vet said it was very common and nothing to worry about. I don't think that's related mind.

I'm worried he could be over-grooming the area, thus removing the hair and exposing them or it could be something much more sinister. eek! Do male cats have quite prominent nipples but are just usually hidden by their coat? He grooms himself ALOT. I'm a first time cat-owner so I don't have anything to compare it too, but it just seems like if he's not asleep or running about he is always grooming. I have been trying to watch to see if he pays more attention to this area but I have nothing to report so far.

He didn't seem too fussed when I had a little feel around the area last night so I'm guessing he's not in pain? It's quite strange that he let me put my hands down there at all really as he's a cat that doesn't like his back or tummy being touched. He's a chin and cheeks kinda guy.

Any way, I'm just seeing if I can get some answers online before an expensive trip to the vets.

Here's a photo of said area. If anyone has any advice please do respond. I am one worried lady!

Thanks in advance!

Ronnie

The nipples look normal, even for a male ca,  but the hair loss beneath the nipples looks a little strange. Does he have a thick coat on the rest of his body with an undercoat?  Are there any lumps you are referring to other than the nipples?  Do you treat him for fleas?  He could have a flea allergy and licking and scratching the area or some other sort of allergy.  Is the skin red and inflamed underneath the nipples where it looks bare? 

Thank you for the speedy reply!

He hasn't had a flea treatment since early last year. So maybe he is due one. It's just that both lumps are symmetrical. My first thought was a skin-tag, but now this other one has been revealed.

I'm not at home at the moment so I will look for any redness in the area later and report back. 

He does have another lump but that's from the umbilical hernia and it's higher up the stomach and different in the way it feels. I'd say he has quite a thick coat. I'm not sure I know what an undercoat is though. 

Those red bumps are nipples, so no worries on that.  Some cats have a lot of hair on their belly and some don't.  I would be on the look out for inflammation and redness where there is no hair and scratching.  If not have any of these going on with your kitty, you probably just have a cat with less hair on their belly. Your kitty is very lucky that you notice these subtle changes!!