You are here:

Cats/2 lower nipples swollen, can't nurse

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/2/2009


Question
Our 11 month old "kitty" just gave birth, right before the date we made for spaying.  Two of her lower nipples have been slightly swollen, engorged and bright pink color for a couple of weeks now, before her giving birth.  She gave birth last night and fortunately there were only 4, as the 2 bottom, lower nipples are not functioning. I hope she doesn't have mastitis.  She doesn't seem in pain and in fact looks rather relaxed.  I started putting a warm wash cloth on the nipples, using latex gloves, but don't know how long and how often to do this.  She is my daughter's cat, who is away on vacation, without a phone, and I am not an expert, so this is all new to me.  It's the weekend and I cannot call or go to the vet.  Thanks for your advice when it comes. Barbara

Answer
Hi Barbabra,

Here are the signs of mastitis:

Pain and swelling in the area around the teats.
Redness
Discharge
Fever
Bloody milk or yellowed thick milk
Queen not allowing kittens to nurse
Queen become lethargic, refuses food and water
Dehydration and weight loss
Kittens start fading

From what you describe she doesn't have Mastitis. However I am not there or a vet to say no for sure. Being pink is normal for how the nipples are to look like. Being red and hard is usually a sign of Mastitis. Using the warm compresses won't hurt her. You can do this every hour or so for about 5 minutes.

Unless she takes a turn for the worse I would take her to the vet on Monday. Also, make sure you feed her a high quality, high protein food. She needs extra nutrition for taking care of the kittens. I would suggest feeding her the kitten type of whatever brand you feed her now. This will do her a lot of good. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.