So this cat has had some health problems and is FIV positive. He just had a teeth cleaning done about 2 weeks ago.

He is easy going. But when I touch this area he tries to get away and makes unhappy noises.

To me these areas look swollen. Almost like a round lump. They are soft.

More pronounced when he lays on his side. Sticks out almost ball shaped. Like a distinct ball shaped fattty area.

Now he had an injury to this area when I first took him in, (he was a stray. I took him in around April).

I've never had an overweight cat. I am not sure if this is abnormal and needs a vet visit. Or it's normal to have fat deposits there and he's just unhappy about being touched there from the old injury.

Anyone have a fat cat and can confirm it's normal or not.

My other concern is, it's a swollen lymph node or something . It is bilateral but bigger on one side but definitely on both sides.

I've taken this cat to the vet so much that I don't want to take him in just for normal fat deposits.
I am aware he is overweight. It's been challenging managing his bottomless pit appetite but his diet is being managed.

I can't seem to find this info online about fat deposits. Do cats put on fat right around the hip joint area ?

Maybe not all cats do but some ?

Here is an illustration with the lumpy fat area circled.