What should you know about early mastitis in cats?

A nursing cat may develop a firm or enlarged gland that feels warmer than the surrounding tissue. The skin can become red, bruised-looking or tight, and the cat may flinch, lick the area, hide or resist nursing. Milk may look thick, cloudy, bloody or contain pus. Kittens may struggle to feed if the gland is painful or the milk supply changes.

Mastitis is inflammation of mammary tissue and may involve infection. An irritated teat, milk buildup, injury or bacteria entering damaged skin can contribute. A veterinarian must distinguish mastitis from an abscess, blocked gland or another lump; do not squeeze the gland or apply human creams.

Arrange a veterinary appointment promptly and keep the cat and kittens warm, clean and quiet. Gently note which glands are affected and whether the cat is eating, drinking and caring for the kittens. Follow the veterinarian's instructions about nursing, medicines and warm compresses. Never give human painkillers, leftover antibiotics or herbal products without veterinary guidance.

Seek urgent veterinary care if the cat is weak, feverish, vomiting, stops eating, breathes unusually, becomes dehydrated, or has a gland that turns purple, black, ulcerated or rapidly larger. Pus, foul-smelling discharge, severe pain or kittens that are not feeding also require prompt attention.

Which gland is affected, is infection or an abscess suspected, can the kittens continue nursing, and how should the area be cleaned? Ask how to monitor the cat's temperature, appetite and the kittens' feeding.