umbilical hernia

A Hernia that occurs in the cats umbilicus (belly button); When the abdominal wall is pushed out because of weakness or failure of muscular fusion after birth, a loop of intestine moves into the gap or weakened area at the belly button and causes the hernia. Surgical correction is some times required, but often the kitten grows the muscle layers increase and fuse, eliminating the hernia. There is a hereditary aspect to umbilical hernias in cats. See Incarceration.

SOURCE: cat-world.com.au