You are here:

Cats/Nursing Mother

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/28/2010


Question
QUESTION: My outside cat had kittens about 4 weeks ago and everything was fine, but tragically a stray dog came along and found them and killed all the kittens. Is there anything I can do to help the mother cat with her swollen teats? I just want to ease her discomfort and pain if I can!

ANSWER: Hi Jen,

Sorry about what happened. That really is sad. There are three things you can do to help the mom. You can take her to your vet for an injection that will dry her up. You can call a cat rescue shelter and offer her as a surrogate mom. Or you can let nature take its course and she should dry up within the week.

I would then consider doing two things. Get her neutered and move her into the house. Here's a link that you should read about this.
http://www.littleshelter.com/library/cat_indoors.htm
And one on how to do it.
http://www.thenatureinus.com/2008/07/make-your-outdoor-cat-indoor-cat.html

Good luck with her whatever you decide.

Ciao, Karen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She was doing fine and the swelling was even going down, but today I went out and there was blood around two of the swollen teats? What happened and what should I do???

Answer
Hi Jen,

Clean the area. See where the blood is coming from. Are the teats hard and hot? Is the blood coming from the nipple? To be on the safe side a trip to your vet would be the right thing to do. She may have mastitis, a mammary infection. This needs a vet's treatment. If the blood is from scratches then just clean the area. Keep an eye on it to make sure the scratches don't get infected. I would have your vet check her out. It is your best bet. 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.