Why does my nursing cat's nipple smell rotten and look brown?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Why could a breastfeeding cats nipple skin smell rotten and a brownish glossy looking color. She is on antibiotics for unknown sickness. The antibiotic is called Clavamox and she started breastfeeding again yesterday.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 12th, 2018
Hello, and thank you for your question. I would be worried about mastitis (mammary gland infection) based on your description. Are the kittens nursing from that nipple? I would try to encourage them to nurse from all mammary glands, and if the problematic one is not being emptied, you may need to gently express it every few hours to help it empty. Warm compresses may help with this as well. Sometimes it is a problem with the kittens not being able to find the nipple, so you could also try clipping the hair around the affected gland to make it more visible and easier for the kittens to reach. I hope this helps, and that mom feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 16th, 2017
Hello, you can clean her underside with a damp cloth and see if this removes the debris. It could be that the kittens are causing irritation of the nipples and she could be oozing some blood. This is also more likely if the kittens are now older and developing some teeth. If the debris does not clear up, then monitor her mammary glands for firm, swollen, pain and discharge which could indicate mastitis. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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