Mastitis in Cats: Recognising and Treating an Inflamed Udder

In this guide

Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of the mammary glands, most often seen in nursing mothers a few days to a few weeks after giving birth. It happens when bacteria enter through small cracks or scratches on the nipple, often caused by kittens' sharp claws or teeth during nursing, or when milk builds up in a gland that is not being drained properly, for instance if a kitten in a large litter favours certain teats over others.

Signs to watch for

• One or more mammary glands feel hot, hard and swollen to the touch
• Visible redness or a purplish discoloration of the skin over the affected gland
• Pain when the area is touched, with the mother pulling away or growling
• Discharge from the nipple that looks discoloured, bloody or pus-like rather than normal milk
• Lethargy, reduced appetite or fever in the mother
• Kittens seeming unsettled or failing to gain weight if the milk supply is affected

Why it needs prompt attention

Left untreated, mastitis can progress to an abscess that may rupture, and in severe cases the infection can become systemic, which is dangerous for the mother and can also affect the kittens if they continue nursing from an infected gland. If you notice any of the signs above, a same-day or next-day vet visit is worth prioritising rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.

Treatment and home care

Vets typically prescribe antibiotics safe for a nursing mother, and may recommend warm compresses on the affected gland several times a day to encourage drainage and ease discomfort. In mild cases, gently expressing some milk from the affected teat can help, though this should be shown to you by a vet rather than attempted blindly. Kittens may need to be temporarily moved to unaffected teats or supplemented with kitten milk replacer if the infected gland needs to be rested. Keeping the whelping area clean and dry throughout the nursing period goes a long way toward preventing mastitis in the first place, which matters in humid Indian climates where bacteria multiply quickly.

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