During a physical exam, can you typically feel the kidneys in cats?

The kidneys in healthy cats are generally not palpable during a physical examination. This is because they are situated deep within the abdominal cavity, allowing only a small portion of the kidneys to potentially be felt, especially in leaner animals.

Palpation typically occurs in younger cats where the anatomical structures may be more accessible, and experienced veterinarians may demonstrate variability in their ability to locate the kidneys based on the cat's body condition and other factors. However, in most cases, the standard approach is not to expect to palpate the kidneys in the average cat during routine examinations.

Understanding the anatomy and health status of cats provides crucial context for interpreting the physical examination process and the ability to assess organ size and function indirectly through other methods.