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Why does my nursing cat's nipple smell rotten and look brown?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why could a breastfeeding cats nipple skin smell rotten and a brownish glossy looking color. She is on antibiotics for unknown sickness. The antibiotic is called Clavamox and she started breastfeeding again yesterday.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Elva Ma DVM

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 12th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. I would be worried about mastitis (mammary gland infection) based on your description. Are the kittens nursing from that nipple? I would try to encourage them to nurse from all mammary glands, and if the problematic one is not being emptied, you may need to gently express it every few hours to help it empty. Warm compresses may help with this as well. Sometimes it is a problem with the kittens not being able to find the nipple, so you could also try clipping the hair around the affected gland to make it more visible and easier for the kittens to reach.

I hope this helps, and that mom feels better soon!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 16th, 2017

    Hello, you can clean her underside with a damp cloth and see if this removes the debris. It could be that the kittens are causing irritation of the nipples and she could be oozing some blood. This is also more likely if the kittens are now older and developing some teeth.

    If the debris does not clear up, then monitor her mammary glands for firm, swollen, pain and discharge which could indicate mastitis.

    Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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