My 2-month-old kitten has red, dry, hard nipples. Should I worry?

It probably wasn't her nipple but a build up of dead skin and sebaceous material collecting around the nipple itself. If it doesn't bother her and she's not licking excessively, then there is likely no cause for concern. Monitor the redness for resolution.

Hello, it looks like the hair follicles around the nipples could be plugged. You do not need to worry about it, besides making sure that Oreo is bathed and grooming on her own. There are some diets with increased essential fatty acids that may improve the over all coat health of your cat. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Cold packs may help reduce swelling and relieve pain. I would recommend a check up anyway as the mammary glands may be inflamed and infected and a mastitis may be present. If that is the case antibiotics may be needed.

This looks like the nipple and surrounding skin is inflammed from an injury or contact with something irritating. You can clean the area with a warm wet cloth. I wouldn't put anything on it as that may make him lick it. This should improve over the next few days. If it gets worse, more discharge or he's itching the area then I would take him in for an exam. He may need an antibiotic injection and something to reduce the inflammation. From the photo this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harper.

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'd be very concerned that Ginger could have mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands that can occur after kittens are weaned. Mastitis can be fatal without treatment, and it does require antibiotics. I would take her into a vet immediately for treatment. Best of luck.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Pippa and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I agree there is redness and swelling around the area, and I do see hairless as well. It may be she injured herself. The redness and swelling do indicate infection, although I can't say that for certain without seeing her in person. I would have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this problem and will treat her. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!