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Cats/swollen/hard nipples
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Question
I adopted a street cat who was severely under weight and pregnant. since she has had 6 healthy kittens with no complications at all which was surprising in it self. Because the mother was already skinny and 6 kittens suckling off of her didnt do her any better. I have since bought the best kitten food out there which was recommended by a specialist and she started her diet 2 days ago. the mothers nipples are very swolen and hard and i am very worried. what is going on with my cat and is there anything i can do to fix this? we are down to one kitten as the rest have been homed and i intend to keep this last kitten with its mother.pleeeease help me and im sorry for the essay.
Hi Migzy,
There could be two problems she might be having. One is Mastitis which is an inflammation of the cats' mammary glands. Or the other could be just that she is still producing milk and her teats are engorged from this. Either way take a warm compress to the area and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Do this a few times a day. See if that helps. Watch her behavior and her physical condition. If she seems off, not eating , has a fever, is lethargic, or if her teats become red, have a funky discharge of any type, get her to the vet right away. Mastitis can kill her. I would take her in to the vet anyway. Better to be safe than sorry. And if it is because of still producing milk for gone kittens the vet can give her a shot to dry her up. Good luck and take care.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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