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Designer Mixes
Do Cats Have Belly Buttons?
Shari Shidate
Designer Mixes contributor
Yes, cats have belly buttons. They just do a much better job of hiding them than we do.
As a veterinary assistant, I get this question a lot, usually right after someone rubs their cat’s tummy and says, “Wait, where is it?” The short answer is that your cat’s belly button is real, it’s normal, and it is usually small, flat, and covered by fur.
What it actually is
A belly button is the spot where the umbilical cord attached a baby to the placenta during pregnancy. Kittens, like human babies, received oxygen and nutrients through that cord before they were born.
After birth, the mother cat (queen) typically chews the cord and cleans the area. The remaining tissue dries up, falls off, and leaves a tiny scar called the umbilicus. That scar is your cat’s “belly button.”
Where it is
A cat’s belly button is on the midline of the abdomen, usually:
- Along the center of the belly
- A little behind the end of the ribcage (more mid-belly than right under the ribs)
- Closer to the front legs than the hind legs
Most of the time, it feels like a small, smooth, flat spot. Some cats have a slight dimple or tiny bump, but it should not be large or changing over time.
Why it is hard to see
People often expect a belly button to look like a human “innie” or “outie.” Cats usually do not have an obvious indentation or knob because their umbilical scar is typically:
- Very small, often just a few millimeters
- Flat or subtle rather than clearly dimpled
- Hidden by fur and natural skin folds
In other words, it can be there and still be essentially invisible, especially in long-haired cats.
One more thing I see all the time: many people accidentally count nipples as “belly buttons.” Nipples come in pairs in two rows and you can find several of them. The belly button is a single spot on the center line.
How to find it
Some cats love belly rubs. Many do not. A gentle approach keeps this a positive experience.
Try this quick method
- Pick a calm time when your cat is already relaxed or sleepy.
- Pet the chest and sides first, then lightly part the fur along the center of the belly.
- Use your fingertips to feel for a small, flat “scar” spot.
- Stop if your cat tenses, flicks the tail, pins ears back, or starts to grab.
If you cannot find it, that is completely normal. It does not mean something is wrong. It can also be a bit more noticeable in young kittens and harder to find as cats grow and fluff out.
When it might be a problem
Most belly buttons are boring, and boring is good. But sometimes owners feel a bump and assume it is the belly button when it is actually something else.
Umbilical hernias
The most important issue to know about is an umbilical hernia. This happens when the body wall does not fully close at the umbilical site, allowing a small amount of fat or abdominal tissue to push outward.
An umbilical hernia may feel like:
- A soft bulge at the belly button area on the midline
- A lump that may become more noticeable when the kitten cries or strains
- Something that can sometimes be gently pushed back in (do not force this)
Many small hernias are not emergencies, but they do need a veterinary exam. Some are repaired during spay or neuter surgery. Rarely, a hernia can trap tissue and become urgent. Do not squeeze, poke, or try to “pop” a lump back in.
Call your veterinarian promptly if you notice
- A belly lump that is growing
- Redness, heat, discharge, or a scabbed sore in that area
- Pain when you touch the belly
- Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or sudden discomfort along with a belly bulge
Quick FAQ
Do all cats have belly buttons?
Yes. Every kitten had an umbilical cord, so every cat has an umbilical scar, even if you cannot find it.
Can a cat have an “outie” belly button?
Cats usually do not have a true outie like humans. If you see a distinct protruding bump, especially in a kitten, it may be an umbilical hernia and should be checked.
Is it normal if my cat’s belly button is a tiny bump?
A small, stable bump can be normal, but any new, enlarging, or tender bump should be examined by your veterinarian.
The bottom line
Cats absolutely have belly buttons. They are usually small, subtle scars on the center of the abdomen and are often hidden by fur. If you notice a noticeable bulge or anything that looks inflamed, painful, or like it is changing, schedule a veterinary visit. If your cat seems sick or painful along with a belly lump, contact your veterinarian right away.
