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Help! My nursing cat has raw, chafed nipples. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

My cat recently had her first litter, two weeks in and I’m noticing some bad chaffing near her nipples, what can I do? She doesn’t act like she’s in pain or anything and she’s still nursing it just looks raw.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on February 24th, 2018

I would not apply anything topical as the nursing kittens may swallow it or even refuse to nurse. An omega fatty acid supplement can act as a natural antiinflammatory and moisturiser and can help with skin repair and recovery. I also recommend you start to partially wean the kittens onto a semi solid kitten food to reduce the demands on Chichi also

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    If Chichi doesn’t seem bothered with it, I would not do anything right now. If you see her start to push the kittens away or she will not allow them to nurse, then she may need to be examined for a vet. Don’t put anything on there since it may not be safe for the kittens.

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