large lump

Question
my cat has a very large (about the size of an orange) lump on her back, right in front of her tail, and am wondering what it could be. It feels very spongy but doesn't seem to bother her when we feel on it. What could it be?  I am only 17 and cannot bring her to the vet...i am very concerned...if it is somthing serious i need to know so i can get her help.....please help me! Thanks!

Answer
Though it is difficult to be certain without examining her one significant possibility would be an abscess.  Does she have contact with other animals? Any sign of an injury to the area? Something such as a bite wound can cause this, as bacteria is injected into the tissue beneath the skin.  Infection walls itself in and there is in effect a pocket of pus that accumulates.  If this is the problem she will need to be seen by your veterinarian so that the abscess can be drained and antibiotics prescribed to fight the infection.  

Best of luck to you and your feline friend.