Mastitis in cats and antibiotics

Mastitis is inflammation or infection of mammary tissue. Affected glands may be hot, swollen, firm, red or painful, and milk may look abnormal. Some cats become quiet, stop eating, vomit or develop a fever. Nursing kittens may fail to gain weight or may become unsettled if milk flow or quality changes.

A veterinarian must distinguish uncomplicated inflammation from an abscess, damaged tissue or a more serious infection. The examination may include checking the mother and kittens, assessing hydration, and testing a sample when needed. Human antibiotics, leftover pet medicine and over-the-counter painkillers can be dangerous for cats.

Arrange a veterinary appointment promptly. Keep the cat warm, quiet and separated from stress, and offer fresh water and familiar food. Do not squeeze the gland, apply creams, give human medicine or start antibiotics without veterinary instructions. Follow directions exactly if a medicine is prescribed, and tell the veterinarian about nursing, recent birth, allergies and any medicines already given.

Ask whether kittens should continue nursing, be temporarily supported with feeding, or be examined separately. If a collection is present, antibiotics alone may not be enough; the veterinarian may recommend drainage, wound care or hospital treatment.

Seek urgent veterinary care for rapidly enlarging swelling, severe pain, dark or damaged-looking skin, pus or blood, a foul smell, refusal to eat, repeated vomiting, profound sleepiness, collapse or breathing difficulty. Kittens that are cold, weak, crying persistently or not feeding also need urgent assessment. Do not wait for home treatment to work when the cat appears systemically unwell.

Ask: Is this infection, inflammation or an abscess? Does the mother need a sample, imaging or drainage? Which medicine and dose are safe for her? Can the kittens nurse, and how should their feeding be monitored? What changes mean we should return immediately?