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My cat just had kittens, why are her nipples swollen and red?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Female | unspayed

This stray cat has given birth to three kittens 3weeks ago and today suddenly she has developed intense swelling in her nipples area and a thick border line around four nipples? What has happened to her?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 28th, 2018

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 26th, 2019
Doraemi may be dealing with mastitis, meaning inflammation/infection of the mammary gland. She needs to see a veterinarian immediately, as she is likely in pain. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous and even deadly for cats due to toxicity, so I do not recommend giving any to your cat without consulting with your vet. Kittens that cannot nurse are at risk for dehydration and low blood sugar, which can quickly become deadly. Kittens should be nursed by their mother or fed kitten formula until they are weaned. Please have them seen by a vet immediately as well for treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebeccah Wood
Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist
Published on July 31st, 2017
Hello! I would discourage this behavior if it seems to be irritating Matilda as it could induce an infection at the mammary glands. I would agree that her nipples look inflamed. The kittens nursing on her could theoretically induce lactation, but it is definitely not enough to feed them, and they are way past weaning at 8 weeks old, anyway. It sounds like it's time to get miss Matilda spayed! In the meantime, allow them supervised visits so that you can keep them from nursing, and, if possible, keep them separated when you're not around. Good luck, and I hope that Matilda and the kittens do well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 2nd, 2021
I’m concerned Ma Socks could have mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands. Mastitis is extremely serious and fatal without treatment. Unfortunately this cannot be treated at home and you have to take her into a vet immediately. Please take her into an ER vet now. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

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