🩺 Mastitis in Cats – Vet Treatment Guide 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog Writer

1. Introduction: What Is Mastitis? 🐱💧

Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the mammary glands, most commonly affecting lactating queens (female cats nursing kittens). While it may begin as mild discomfort, mastitis can quickly become severe, painful, and even life-threatening if not promptly treated. Understanding the signs and knowing when to seek veterinary help is essential for the health of both mother and kittens.

2. Causes of Mastitis in Cats 🧬

• Bacterial Infection: The most common cause is bacteria (often E. coli, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus) entering through cracked nipples or abrasions caused by nursing kittens.
• Injury: Trauma from overzealous kittens or environmental hazards (like bedding friction) can lead to infection.
• Poor Hygiene: Dirty bedding or unclean environments allow pathogens to thrive.
• Milk Accumulation: If kittens are not nursing evenly or weaned suddenly, milk buildup can cause engorgement, pain, and secondary infection.
• Blocked Ducts: Just like in humans, blocked ducts can predispose to mastitis.

3. Who’s Most at Risk? 👶🐈

Mastitis primarily affects:

• Lactating queens with large litters or uneven nursing patterns.
• Cats with poor maternal hygiene or kept in soiled bedding.
• First-time mothers unfamiliar with kitten nursing routines.
• Cats with compromised immune systems or under significant stress.

4. Recognizing the Signs of Mastitis 🔍

Early identification is key to a smooth recovery. Look for:

• Swollen, red, hot, or firm mammary glands.
• Reluctance to allow kittens to nurse or signs of pain when touched.
• Discolored milk (yellow, green, or bloody).
• Fever, lethargy, or reduced appetite in the queen.
• Kittens crying or failing to gain weight (may indicate milk issues).
• Abscesses or open sores near nipples in advanced cases.

5. Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Vet 🏥

If you notice signs of mastitis, visit your vet immediately. A typical diagnostic workup includes:

• Physical exam: Checking all mammary glands, temperature, and pain levels.
• Milk sample: Analyzing for bacterial culture and sensitivity.
• Bloodwork: To check for systemic infection or sepsis.
• Ultrasound: May be used to check for abscesses or retained fluid.

6. Treatment Options 🩹💊

6.1 Antibiotics

A vet-prescribed antibiotic is essential. Choices depend on bacterial culture, but commonly used options include:

• Clavamox (amoxicillin/clavulanate)
• Cephalexin
• Clindamycin

Always complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early.

6.2 Pain Relief

NSAIDs (like meloxicam) may be prescribed for swelling and pain—but only under veterinary supervision due to dosing sensitivity in cats.

6.3 Warm Compresses & Milk Expression

• Gently apply a warm compress 2–3 times daily to affected glands.
• Hand-express milk to relieve pressure and encourage drainage (if not too painful).

6.4 Drainage or Surgery (Severe Cases)

If abscesses or necrotic tissue develop, surgical drainage or even partial gland removal may be necessary.

7. Nursing During Mastitis: Should Kittens Continue? 🍼

This depends on the severity and the vet’s guidance:

• Mild, non-abscessed mastitis: Kittens can often continue nursing, especially if antibiotics are safe for lactation.
• Severe or abscessed mastitis: Kittens may need to be bottle-fed while the queen heals.

Ensure kitten nutrition with quality kitten milk replacers like Purrz KittenPro+ Formula if supplemental feeding is required.

8. Home Care & Hygiene 🧼

• Change bedding twice daily—use clean, soft, absorbent materials.
• Keep the queen’s mammary area clean and dry after compresses.
• Monitor all glands daily for new swelling or discharge.
• Weigh kittens daily to track feeding success.
• Use gloves if applying ointments or draining infected milk.

9. Recovery Timeline ⏳

With prompt care:

• Mild cases: Improvement within 3–5 days, full recovery in 1–2 weeks.
• Severe cases: May take 2–3 weeks or longer, especially with abscess formation.

10. Preventing Future Episodes 🚫

• Ensure kittens nurse evenly on all glands—rotate them manually if needed.
• Clean the queening area and bedding daily.
• Keep mother cat well-fed with high-protein diets (like Purrz LactationBoost).
• Monitor nipples post-weaning for swelling or discharge.

11. Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz for Support 🐾

Ask A Vet: Use the Ask A Vet app to send photos, ask about nipple swelling, or confirm whether it’s safe for kittens to continue nursing—available 24/7!

Woopf: Provides ultra-soft bedding ideal for sensitive post-natal queens and hygiene pads to keep nests dry and infection-free.

Purrz: Offers nutrition-packed kitten milk replacers and lactation supplements to support mothers through recovery.

12. When to Call the Vet 🚨

• Fever, lethargy, or refusal to eat.
• Rapid swelling, pus, or severe pain.
• Milk discoloration (green, yellow, or blood-tinged).
• Kittens not gaining weight or seem agitated at the nipple.

13. Final Thoughts 💬

Mastitis is manageable, but prompt recognition and care are essential. Don’t wait—early intervention can save a queen’s life and safeguard her kittens’ wellbeing. With the right veterinary plan and some home hygiene diligence, your feline family will thrive. 💖