Mastitis in cats after spaying: what to know

Spaying removes the reproductive organs but does not make every mammary change a surgical complication. Inflammation, infection, hormonal tissue response, fluid under the skin, bruising, or a separate mammary condition may cause a lump or tenderness. Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland and may bring warmth, redness, pain, discharge, or a cat that seems unwell. The timing of the swelling, the operation site, and whether the cat was recently nursing all help the veterinarian interpret it.

Check the mammary area and incision without pressing them, and note changes in size, colour, warmth, discharge, appetite, and behaviour. Keep the cat from licking the surgical site with the protection advised by the clinic. Keep her indoors and follow the discharge instructions. Do not massage a lump, put antiseptic or cream on it, or give medication not supplied for this cat. Send the clinic a clear photograph if they request one, but do not delay an examination when symptoms are progressing.

Contact the surgical clinic the same day if swelling grows, becomes hot or painful, opens, produces discharge, or is accompanied by feverish behaviour, low appetite, vomiting, marked tiredness, or reluctance to move. Urgent care is needed for collapse, breathing difficulty, or severe weakness. A normal-looking incision does not rule out a deeper mammary problem, so report changes away from the incision too.

Ask whether the swelling is in the incision or a mammary gland, whether the cat needs an examination or tests, how to protect the area, and what recovery changes should trigger an urgent return.