Cat Health Care for Swollen Mammary Glands

Swollen mammary glands, or mastitis, in felines can indicate several different health issues. If your cat has swollen mammary glands, it is important to take into account a variety of factors, including age, gender, whether or not your cat has been fixed, and if it has been nursing kittens. In many instances, mastitis is the result of hormonal changes, an infection, or a blockage of the glands. However, mastitis can also be a symptom of breast cancer. As such, mastitis usually warrants a visit to the vet.

  1. Causes

    • Mastitis in cats can be a symptom of several different medical conditions. Among young, unspayed females entering heat, it is normal for the mammary glands to become swollen. Pregnant cats also exhibit swollen mammary glands. In these situations, mastitis is the result of hormonal chances and is not a cause for concern. However, if your cat has been nursing kittens and her mammary glands suddenly become swollen, it is likely that she has a blockage in her nipple or has developed an infection. Among nursing cats, mammary infections are somewhat common since their kittens scratch and bite at the nipples to stimulate milk production. Fortunately, nursing-related mastitis is easily treatable. If your cat is not entering heat, pregnant or nursing, the mastitis is more likely to be a symptom of cancer. Mammary cancer is fairly common among cats, particularly unspayed females.

    Symptoms

    • If your cat has mastitis, its mammary glands will become swollen, warm and painful. If the mastitis is related to an infection, blockage or cancer, they may also present with a fever, lethargy, poor appetite and dehydration. A nursing cat may stop feeding her kittens, and her milk may become thick, yellow or bloody.

    Diagnosis

    • Your vet will begin by performing a physical examination and asking questions about your cat's recent experiences and behavior. If he suspects an infection, he may perform a blood test to confirm his diagnosis. To check for blockages or tumors, he will palpitate the affected area. If he discovers any abnormal lumps, he may take a biopsy or X-ray the area for further evaluation.

    Treatment

    • The treatment for feline mastitis depends largely on the underlying condition. Hormone-related mastitis is not dangerous and requires no treatment. Your vet will simply instruct you to monitor the condition and call if it persists or worsens. If it is an infection, your cat will be prescribed an antibiotic. If it is a blockage, the vet may try to manually remove it by carefully squeezing the affected nipple. In the unfortunate event that your cat has cancer, your vet will want to discuss the treatment options that best fit its condition.