Expert: Jessica - 6/29/2010

Question
we have a very friendly stray female in our neighborhood, she gave birth about 3 wks ago but sadly the kittens are gone. she is only maybe 8 mths old herself. but the kittens have been gone for maybe 1 wk.  her milk is of course still coming in but she is sooo swollen. we are just wondering if there is anything we can do that will help her ease the discomfort she must be feeling from being so full? please let me know  thank you sincerely deb

Answer
Hi Deb,

Cool compresses are the best to help reduce swelling if the mother will cooperate.  This is a big IF!  Cool, damp cloths can be used, and chilled green cabbage leaves make good compresses, too.  Slice the veins or roll the leaves with a rolling pin to make the leaves more flexible to lie flat on her skin.  Then hold them to her skin as long as she'll allow.  It's believed they have some anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.  Also, it's believed that parsley may have some diuretic properties, so you could make a poltice out of this to apply to the mammary area, or give her some fresh parsley to eat.  It's harmless, and most cats actually enjoy it as a treat.  Hopefully, it will help drain some fluid from the mammary area.

She should be feeling much less discomfort in a couple of weeks, but keep an eye on the area to make sure it doesn't become discolored or warm to the touch, and that a discharge doesn't appear.  These are signs of an infection called mastitis, and she should receive antibiotic treatment.

Best wishes!

Jessica