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My cat lost her kittens and is engorged with milk. How can I help her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat lost her kittens yesterday now she is swollen with milk, what can I do to help her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2015

I am sorry she lost her kittens. The best thing is not to do anything except check the mammary glands frequently for redness and heat and pain. If that occurs you will need to take her to a vet , as me may be getting mastitis. Other than that, feed her normally, make sure she has enough to drink (water. The pressure of the milk will stop the milk production and the teats should get smaller over the next week . Give her lots of lovings!

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204Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 3rd, 2019

    Hello, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Macey's kittens. The kittens suckling is what hormonally triggers Macey to continue making milk. Without this stimulation, her body should slowly stop producing the milk over the next few days and her mammary glands will begin to shrink and return to normal. Please keep an eye on her belly to make sure that this healing process goes well without sign of infection. Signs of a mammary gland infection (mastitis) are decreased appetite, redness, swelling, pain, and yellow/green discharge from the nipples. If this occurs, I would recommend having her seen by her veterinarian. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 2nd, 2019

    Do nothing. The milk will go away, but in order to do so the mammary complexes need to be very full. The pressure will destroy the milk producing glands (which is normal) and then there will be no more milk after a while.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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