My cat lost her kittens and is engorged with milk. How can I help her?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 3rd, 2019

  Hello,
  
  I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Macey's kittens.
  
  The kittens suckling is what hormonally triggers Macey to continue making milk. Without this stimulation, her body should slowly stop producing the milk over the next few days and her mammary glands will begin to shrink and return to normal.
  
  Please keep an eye on her belly to make sure that this healing process goes well without sign of infection.
  Signs of a mammary gland infection (mastitis) are decreased appetite, redness, swelling, pain, and yellow/green discharge from the nipples. If this occurs, I would recommend having her seen by her veterinarian.
  
  I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 2nd, 2019

  Do nothing. The milk will go away, but in order to do so the mammary complexes need to be very full. The pressure will destroy the milk producing glands (which is normal) and then there will be no more milk after a while.

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful