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My cat's breast is swollen and painful after kittens. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 1 year and 10 months old

My cat breast is swollen and hard i think it's painful,she had kitten and now they are in new house,they were 8 weeks what should i do for my cat?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2019

This presentation is likely to be caused by a mastitis, which is an inflammation/infection of the mammary glands quite common in post-lactating feline patients.
A check up would be ideally required to confirm this clinical, suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Vote Icon11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 7th, 2017

    Poor willow. It appears that she may have mastitis an infection of the mammary gland. She needs to see a vet asap as this is very painful and can become a systemic illness. I would continue to bottle feed kittens until mom gets assessed to see if she can still feed them or not. Make sure they are on KMR or a good quality kitten milk replacer

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2017

    Hello. The mammary glands will not explode. Just let the kittens nurse and the un-used mammary glands will decrease without stimulation. You just have to check her daily (or twice daily) that there is no development of mastitis. Feel each gland and rub them. If you are feeling hot, or cold (very big concern if cold) then get her to a vet. Express the milk from each nipple, if it is anything but white (yellow, green, clear) then get her to a vet. Otherwise just leave her alone. Good luck with Chocolate.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why are my cat's breasts swollen and painful after kittens left?
Hello. I am sorry to hear that Thamia is painful. If the breasts are hard, hot, swollen, painful to touch, or cold, then she could have mastitis and should be seen by a vet. Even if she is just painful from engorgement you can get pain medications from your vet. There is unfortunately nothing you can give at home that is safe. Please have her into a vet as soon as you can, and if you are noticing pain/swelling/hot/cold then you should get her in ASAP. Good luck with her!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat's teat is swollen and painful after birth. Is it mastitis?
Your baby may be suffering from mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland). This is very painful and you really need to take her to the vet for an exam. and pain medicine and antibiotics if called for. In the meantime you can put warm moist compresses on the teat. This should relieve some of the pain temporarily.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why are my cat's breasts swollen after giving birth? Is it serious?
No, this isn't normal and it can be a sign of mastitis. This is an infection of the mammary gland that is fatal without treatment. You need to take Misty into the vet first thing in the morning to get checked out.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My nursing cat's mammary gland is swollen. Is it mastitis?
It could be that Bonnie has mastitis, which can happen with nursing cats. Mastitis is an infection of the mammary glands, and it can fatal without treatment. I would take Bonnie and her kittens into the vet today to get this checked out. Best of luck.
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New Pet
My cat just had kittens, why are her nipples swollen and red?
It looks like KuKKu may have mastitis (an infection in the mammary glands). I suggest you have her checked by a vet. She will need treatment that you can't provide at home. Here is a link to an article about this issue in cats: ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-cats ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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Vet Q & A
My female cat has swollen breasts. Vet says wait, what to do?
If she is feverish, losing weight or hs a reduced appetite it should be investigated as soon as possible. You do not mention if she is spayed but accidents and trauma are another common cause of similar signs and often resolve themselves
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
New mom cat has a hard lump on her belly after birth. Is it serious?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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