My cat just had kittens. Is a bump inside her normal after birth?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Akina. The lumpy left side could be due to enlarged mammary glands to support feeding her kittens. I don't think it's due to a kitten that hasn't been born, but I can't say for certain without seeing her in person. Because her health is so important during this time, I'd take her and her kittens into the vet in the morning for a health check. I hope this helps!

It is not likely to be a retained kitten if she had [a normal delivery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats) and is behaving normally otherwise (no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/diarrhea/), [loss of appetite](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-isnt-my-cat-eating), discharge, etc.). It may be a hernia, but your veterinarian will need to make the diagnosis after a physical exam. If it is a hernia, a repair may be done if you decide to have her spayed. [Spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats) would strongly be recommended if she is not breeding stock or a show cat. This would prevent accidental or unwanted litters in the future. Spaying also decreases the risk of mammary gland tumors (breast cancer) and eliminates the risk of a pyometra (uterine infection) later in life.

Congratulations on the kittens. If Fluffu did not have an xray to determine the amount of kittens prior to labor (which I assume based on your question that she did not) then it is hard to say for certain about what you are feeling. The "hard lump" could be her uterus not yet contracted down to a small size, her mammary glands (those are outside the abdomen but you may still be feeling them as the "hard lump"), another kitten, or simply a full stomach. Hopefully there is not another kitten in there at this point since she is finished with labor. You can monitor and watch her closely and continue to feel the "hard lump", but if you are pretty suspicious about the possibility of another kitten the safest thing to do is to have a veterinarian examine her. The doctor may be able to tell just on physical exam what the hard lump is or can take an xray for definitive diagnosis of knowing if there is another kitten in there. This would be the best and safest thing to do for Fluffu. Thank you for reaching out and best of luck to the momma and her new babies!

This could be a swollen mammary gland that got very inflamed, it's quite common in lactating cats, you should get it checked by your vet as she may need to take anti inflammatories if it is bothering her.

This sounds like it is likely a seroma (a fluid pocket under the skin), or a tissue reaction to the suture material - both of these are quite common in cats after spay surgery, and should not cause any serious problems. Less commonly, the swelling could be caused by an infection or even a hernia. If Leia is acting normal (eating and drinking fine, playful, etc.), you can monitor the bump until it's time for her stitches to be removed. Applying a warm compress like a warm wet washcloth to the area 2-3 times a day can help the swelling to resolve faster, as well as restricting her activity as much as possible. If Leia is acting very lethargic or not eating, or if there is any bleeding or yellow-green discharge from the bump, these may be signs of infection - in that case, I would take her to the vet today for an exam and antibiotics or other medication if needed.

Yes it looks like healing normally. I would just monitor that small bump in case it gets bigger. Otherwise it looks like dry and not inflamed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Monitor for an redness, drainage, increase in swelling or pain along the incision. Not eating or lethargy are also signs to watch for. This may be a suture reaction, an inflammatory reaction to the sutures used. If concerned you may want to call the shelter to find out if their vet or technician offers rechecks of their surgical patients.