While I fundamentally agree with what your saying I recently took my cat to the vet because her stomach seemed swollen and more firm than normal, $600 (thats with our pet insurance), blood work, ultrasounds, and xrays later I was told she was simply getting fat and should consider a diet food for her. Not saying that strangers on the internet is the place to go for medical advice, especially reddit, but sometimes before you drop a ton of money it doesnt hurt to ask around in case some one else has experienced it and can offer some advice in a non life threatening situation.

I go to the internet for medical info for myself before I rush to urgent care or the ER unless it seems dire. Why would it be different for my cat? Obviously, again, reddit seems like the last place Id look for said medical info but maybe thats just me.

We dont know the OP wont take their cat to the vet, they could even already have an appointment booked but are just asking if anyone else has experienced this with their cats in case its something simply they didnt consider and could fix immediately for their cats comfort and for free.