What to do if a cat has swollen breasts

Usually, the solutions to a cat's swollen breasts include weaning, applying heat to alleviate cat's discomfort, artificial milking, and medication. The best method is to let the kittens suckle the cat's milk, if possible. If the kittens are not available, artificial milking is necessary. If the cat's excess milk is not removed for a long time, inflammation and ulceration of the breasts may occur, which may require the removal of the mammary glands in severe cases.

1. Weaning

If the kitten is over one month old, weaning can be done. Because the kitten's continuous suckling stimulates the cat's breasts to secrete more milk, exacerbating the swelling, only weaning can gradually alleviate the symptoms. After a period of time, the cat will also stop producing milk, and the swelling will disappear.

1. Artificial milking

If there are no kittens to nurse, artificial milking is required when the cat's breasts swell. When milking the cat, the hands, the cat's nipples, and the container for storing milk should be disinfected to prevent infection. Gently massage the surrounding area of the nipple, and then push inward from the periphery to milk. The milking process should be gentle and not forceful. Additionally, it is recommended to reduce the amount of protein-rich food such as fish soup, chicken soup, and goat milk fed to the cat, which can decrease the amount of milk produced.

1. Hot compress

If the cat has breast lumps, applying a hot compress can help. Wrap a hot towel around the cat's breast for about 20 minutes daily, which can effectively assist in dissolving the lumps. However, if the lumps do not subside after hot compresses, it is timely to consult a veterinarian.

1. Medical treatment

If the cat's swelling is severe, medication is required to help the cat reduce milk production and regulate hormone balance. Alternatively, take the cat to a pet hospital and let the veterinarian handle it.