Expert: Jessica - 7/2/2010

Question
my cat Callie had kittens about 2 and a half months ago and we just got homes for all the babies. but her nipples are engorged with milk and she is uneased right now. what should i do to help comfort her?

Answer
Hi Kaytee,

Cool compresses are the best to help reduce swelling if the cat will cooperate.  Most kitties aren't so willing, but you can give it a try.  Cool, damp cloths can be used, and chilled green cabbage leaves make good compresses, too.  Slice the surface of 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 abnormally warm to the touch, and that a discharge doesn't appear.  These are signs of an infection called mastitis, and she should see a vet if any of these symptoms arise.  Cats with mastitis should receive antibiotic treatment.

Good luck!

Jessica