Expert: Jessica - 5/1/2011

Question
Hello, our cat had kittens back in March and they just went home to their new homes thursday night, they were 8 weeks old. Mummy's stomach area/nipples feel very weird, all lumpy and bumpy, is this normal? she is not crying out or anything, she lie's more on her side so im assuming its a little uncomfortable for her.. we thought she had weened the kittens within the last week of them going home, but what went on through the night or what we didnt see im not sure, maybe they were still feeding??? If its normal because her milk is still coming in how long will it take til it gets better for her, should I do anything for her??

Answer
Hi Kate,

Most kittens are still nursing a little at 8 weeks, so some engorgement is common in cats when their kittens go at this age. However, it's very possible the babies were all weaned, and what you're feeling is normal mammary tissue. This can feel very lumpy as it's shrinking back, and many cats who've had kittens or who have entered heat many times will have a lumpy mammary area permanently. Beware, however, for any hard or well-defined lumps. These should be checked out by a vet immediately, as they can indicate mammary cancer, which is most common in cats who've had at least one heat.

If she is engorged, which will be indicated by a very hard and swollen mammary area, the best thing to do is usually to just wait it out. The milk will usually be absorbed by the body in about 10 days if she was only nursing lightly. You can try applying cool compresses to reduce swelling, but most cats won't sit still for this.

The only other thing to watch out for is mastitis, an infection of the mammary area. Symptoms of this include swelling, nipple discharge, purple or red discoloration, and warmth of the area. If you notice these symptoms, she should see a vet. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to help clear this up.

Best wishes!

Jessica