Severe Mastitis in Cats: What to Know

Mastitis is inflammation of mammary tissue and often occurs after giving birth or while nursing. The affected area may be hot, swollen, firm, red, painful, or discoloured, and milk may look unusual. A cat may hide, stop eating, seem weak, or resist nursing. Severe infection can spread beyond the breast and make the cat seriously ill; kittens may also be at risk if feeding is affected.

Call a veterinarian and describe the cat's age, recent birth or nursing, appetite, temperature if safely measured, and breast changes. Keep her indoors in a calm, clean, warm space and provide water. Prevent licking if the veterinarian recommends a suitable barrier. Do not give human pain medicine, apply harsh antiseptics, or use leftover antibiotics. Ask the clinic how to feed kittens safely if the mother is too unwell to nurse.

Seek emergency veterinary care if the cat is collapsed, very weak, breathing abnormally, vomiting repeatedly, refusing water, or has pale or grey gums. A breast that turns dark, develops an open wound, releases pus or blood, or becomes rapidly more swollen also needs immediate attention. For people dealing with breast symptoms, [Breast Pain](/symptoms/breast-pain/) and [Painful Breastfeeding](/symptoms/painful-breastfeeding/) describe related human concerns, not a substitute for veterinary advice.

Does the breast need sampling or imaging, and which treatment is safe during nursing? Should the kittens continue feeding, and what backup feeding plan is needed? How should the area be cleaned and monitored at home?