Why is my cat's nipple bleeding, has a lump, and breathes weirdly?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Based on its location, this could also be a mammary gland tumor which in most cases are malignant. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi. It appears to be a mass that is oozing near that nipple area. This could be an infection or an actual mass. We get concerned with older female pets who have masses on the mammary glands. They can get benign masses, but they can get cancer as well. I'd get her right away to have it checked and sampled asap

I'm wondering if your cat is spayed or not. If your cat isn't spayed, she could have a mammary tumor. In cats, 90% of these are malignant. She does have to see a vet for this problem, as a malignant tumor could also be causing her to vomit. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

Sometimes mama cat's will let their kittens suckle much longer than is healthy. I would recommend separating the mom and her kitten, or you can have her wear a pet shirt or baby onesie to cover the nipples. You can apply warm compresses several times a day to the swollen gland. If it becomes hard, warm, seems painful, or if Zara has a poor appetite or a rectal temperature over 103, she should be seen by a vet as she may have developed mastitis (or an infection of the mammary gland) and would need antibiotics.

I suggest a veterinary exam soon. Any mass, especially if grows fast and appears painful to touch should be assessed. If the mass is related to the nipple or mammary gland, it could be a type of breast cancer. I cannot see well on the pictures nor can I feel it so please see a veterinarian in person for a better assessment. Good luck with Raven and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach .

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Princess. Yes, I would make an appointment for her to see her veterinarian right away. Cats, that have not been spayed, are very prone to developing mammary tumors. The majority of these tumors are unfortunately cancerous. If this appears to be the case, her veterinarian may recommend some testing or discuss surgery with you. I hope this information helps!

Poor Kitty! Mammary tumors can grow and rupture, so it is possible that she has a mammy tumor that has burst through the skin. It is important to make a decision quickly about treatment with mammary tumors in cats, as 90% of these tumors are malignant with rapid spread to nearby lymph nodes and mammary glands. The sooner she receives treatment if she has mammary cancer, the better for her. I would recommend making a decision as soon as possible regarding treatment for Kitty.