Thanks for all the information, Bobcat. I assume this is similar for cats. I guess I should just hope it's nothing more serious. I adopted two kittens from a neighbor - we're new in town, and one of our cats disappeared. The little male had obviously suffered some trauma. His tail has three crooks in it, and he walks with a strange swagger. Last week he completed stopped walking, just crawled around on his belly, even eating and going to the litter box lying down. He never complained, but he was obviously very sick. With antibiotics and spoon feeding and lots of loving, he started getting better and today is streaking around the house with his sister like nothing happened - except for that little bulge. The vet thought it might be a virus, hopefully not one of the serious diseases. Thanks again for caring.