Mastitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mastitis is a painful and potentially serious condition that affects the mammary glands of cats. It typically occurs in nursing queens (mother cats) but can also develop in females experiencing false pregnancies. Recognising mastitis early and seeking veterinary treatment is essential to protect both the queen’s health and the wellbeing of her kittens.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of one or more of the mammary glands, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria may enter the gland through cracks in the skin, scratches from kittens’ claws, or via the bloodstream. The infection leads to swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes abscess formation.

Causes of Mastitis in Cats

Several factors can increase the risk of mastitis:

• Bacterial infection: Often caused by E. coli, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus species.
• Injury to teats: Scratches or bites during nursing provide an entry point for bacteria.
• Milk stasis: When milk builds up in the gland because kittens are not feeding enough.
• Poor hygiene: Dirty bedding or unsanitary environments increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
• False pregnancy: Hormonal changes may cause milk production without kittens nursing, leading to engorgement and infection.

Symptoms of Mastitis

Owners should watch for the following signs:

• Swollen, firm, or hot mammary glands
• Red or discoloured skin over the gland
• Pain when the area is touched
• Discharge from the nipple (may be pus, blood, or thickened milk)
• Reduced nursing or rejection of kittens
• Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite in the mother
• Kittens crying frequently because they are not getting enough milk

Severe cases can progress to abscesses or even septicaemia (blood poisoning), which is life-threatening.

How Mastitis Affects Kittens

Kittens may be directly affected if they ingest infected milk, which can cause digestive upset or illness. More often, the problem arises because the mother refuses to allow nursing due to pain, leaving kittens hungry and undernourished.

If mastitis is suspected, kittens may need supplementary feeding with a kitten milk replacer until the mother can safely nurse again.

Diagnosing Mastitis

A vet will usually diagnose mastitis based on clinical signs and examination. Tests may include:

• Palpation of the mammary glands
• Sampling of milk or discharge for bacterial culture
• Blood tests in severe cases to check for systemic infection

Treatment for Mastitis in Cats

Prompt veterinary treatment is essential. Options may include:

• Antibiotics: Prescribed to fight the bacterial infection.
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: To reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Warm compresses: Applied gently to the affected gland to encourage drainage.
• Milk expression: In some cases, the vet may advise carefully expressing milk to relieve pressure.
• Hospitalisation: Severe cases with systemic illness may require intravenous fluids and intensive care.

Kittens may need temporary hand feeding with kitten milk replacer until the queen is comfortable and safe to nurse.

Home Care and Support

Alongside veterinary treatment, owners can help recovery by:

• Keeping the nesting area clean and dry
• Ensuring the queen has plenty of rest and proper nutrition
• Weighing kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight
• Following the vet’s advice on whether kittens can continue nursing

Do not attempt to treat mastitis at home without veterinary guidance, as inappropriate care can make the condition worse.

Preventing Mastitis

While not all cases can be avoided, prevention measures include:

• Keeping bedding and the nesting area clean
• Regularly checking the queen’s mammary glands for signs of swelling or heat
• Trimming kittens’ claws to reduce teat injuries
• Ensuring kittens nurse evenly from all teats
• Seeking prompt veterinary advice if the mother shows reluctance to feed

Conclusion

Mastitis in cats is a painful condition that can quickly become serious if left untreated. By recognising the symptoms early and seeking veterinary care, you can help ensure the queen recovers quickly and her kittens continue to thrive. Good hygiene, regular checks, and supportive care are key to preventing mastitis and protecting the health of both mother and litter.