Understanding Mastitis in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary glands, usually due to bacterial infection, affecting nursing queens or late‑pregnancy cats. Prompt treatment prevents sepsis and ensures kitten survival.

Causes

• Bacterial entry via teat canal (common: E. coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
• Trauma from kitten teeth/claws
• Poor sanitation, overcrowding
• Milk stasis (missed feedings, sudden weaning, large litter loss)
• Systemic illness compromising immunity

Clinical Signs

• Swollen, firm, hot, painful glands
• Red/purple discoloration of skin/teats
• Abnormal milk: bloody, pus‑tinged, watery, clumpy
• Fever (>103°F / 39.4°C), lethargy, anorexia
• Neglect of kittens (painful to nurse)
• Kittens failing to gain weight, crying excessively

Diagnosis

• Physical exam + history
• Milk cytology (degenerate neutrophils, bacteria)
• Bacterial culture & sensitivity (guides antibiotics)
• Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) if systemic signs
• Ultrasound if abscess suspected

Treatment

1. Antibiotics: Broad‑spectrum pending culture (amoxicillin‑clavulanate, cephalexin, clindamycin). 2–3 week course.
2. Pain control: NSAIDs (meloxicam, robenacoxib) safe in lactation; avoid opioids if possible.
3. Warm compresses 3–4× daily to promote drainage.
4. Milk out affected glands gently every 4–6 hrs (hand express or pump) to relieve stasis.
5. Supportive care: Fluids, nutrition, quiet environment.
6. Kitten management: If queen too ill or milk toxic, supplement/hand‑rear kittens. Otherwise, allow nursing if milk appears normal and queen tolerates.

Prevention

• Clean, dry nesting area; change bedding daily.
• Trim kitten nails weekly.
• Monitor nursing; ensure all glands used.
• Gradual weaning; avoid abrupt cessation.
• Good queen nutrition pre/post partum.

Prognosis

Good with early, aggressive treatment. Abscess formation or sepsis worsens outlook. Recurrence risk if predisposing factors unaddressed.