Cats do have belly buttons, or umbilici, though they look quite different from a human’s navel and are much harder to find. The umbilicus is the scar that remains after the umbilical cord detaches following birth. This scar is a common feature across all placental mammals, including cats, dogs, horses, and humans.
The Biological Basis of the Navel
The presence of a navel is a biological necessity for any mammal that develops inside a uterus. The umbilical cord serves as a lifeline, transferring oxygen and essential nutrients from the mother’s placenta to the developing kitten, while also removing waste products.
Once a kitten is born, this connection is naturally severed. The mother cat typically chews through the cord, which helps to crush and seal the blood vessels. The remaining stump dries out and falls off naturally, usually within three to five days after birth, leaving behind a small, flat scar tissue patch.
What a Cat’s Navel Looks Like
A cat’s navel is a very small, flat scar, making it difficult to locate beneath their fur. It is not the recessed “innie” or protruding “outie” seen in human navels, but rather a slight indentation or a small, flat line of scar tissue, often only a quarter to a half-inch in length.
This scar is typically situated on the midline of the cat’s abdomen, roughly halfway between the bottom of the ribcage and the pelvis. The scar may have a slightly different texture than the surrounding skin. In short-haired cats, a small cowlick or swirl of fur might be visible around the spot, though many owners never notice it unless the cat’s belly is shaved for a medical procedure.
Distinguishing the Navel from Other Features
It is easy to confuse the small, flat navel with other features on a cat’s underside, particularly the nipples or a medical issue. Cats, both male and female, have multiple nipples arranged in two rows along their lower abdomen, while the navel is a singular scar on the center line. Female cats also have a spay incision scar, which is a longer surgical line that may be near the navel area, but the navel itself is much smaller and not a surgical wound.
A soft, squishy protrusion in the navel area is not a typical belly button and may indicate an umbilical hernia. This condition occurs when the ring of muscle around the umbilicus fails to close completely after birth, allowing fat or abdominal contents to protrude. While many small umbilical hernias close on their own in kittens, any swelling or lump that feels warm or firm, or causes discomfort, should be examined by a veterinarian immediately.