Mammary Inflammation (Mastitis) in Cats

Although mastitis is uncommon in cats, prompt veterinary attention is warranted whenever symptoms of mastitis are evident. Mastitis occurs almost exclusively in lactating mother cats (queens), but can also be seen in false pregnancy. Most cats will respond quickly to treatment, especially if caught early. If left untreated, infections can spread into the bloodstream, causing sepsis.

Mastitis can vary in severity in multiple ways. Mastitis may only affect one gland, or the entire mammary chain. Untreated mastitis will usually increase in severity. Vomiting, kitten aggression, and teat and tissue discoloration indicate worsening mastitis.

Septic causes

• Ascending infection via teat canals
• Unsanitary conditions
• Systemic infection originating elsewhere in the body Non-septic causes
• Constant nursing in queens with large litters
• Secondary galactostasis (build up of milk) in queens nursing small litters
• Trauma inflicted on the mammary glands by kittens’ nails or teeth
• Forced or abrupt weaning

Diagnosis of a case of possible mastitis begins with a full physical examination. Diagnosis may involve blood work, cytological examination of the affected gland or fluid from affected teat(s), x-rays, and ultrasound.

Treatment varies with the type and severity of the mastitis, and usually includes systemic antibiotics and pain relief. In severe cases where infection has advanced, hospitalization with IV fluids and other supportive care may be necessary. Surgery to debride and flush the affected gland(s) or to remove the gland(s) are also possibilities. Non-septic mastitis may be treated with warm or cold compresses and/or manual draining of the gland(s).

With appropriate treatment, prognosis is good, with most cats recovering within 2-3 weeks. In cases where infection has entered the bloodstream, prognosis is guarded.

Prevention of mastitis can be done through a number of actions;

• Maintain a clean & dry queening area
• Ongoing attention to the condition of the mother, especially when weaning
• Trim kittens’ nails
• Encourage kittens to suckle from all teats - move them around if needed

Mastitis is not contagious, but infectious pathogens can spread from a mother to a kitten while the kittens are nursing.

Mastitis is uncommon in cats, occurring almost exclusively in nursing mothers.

• Antibiotics
• Pain medication
• Warm or cold compresses
• Encourage kittens to suckle from affected teat(s)
• Hand milking if kittens not available
• Hospitalization
• IV fluids
• Surgery