Concern regarding post partum cat

Question
QUESTION: I just got a cat through Craigslist for free. I just had this feeling that I needed to get her. It turns out she has had two litters and one is pretty recent, plus she is less than a year. She meows a lot, I think it is from the lack of attention and is hesitant to eat, but I think it is from other cats she was with. However, she seems to be engorged, her nipples have not gone back to normal, I don't know how long it has been since she delivered. Should I be concerned or would this be normal behavior/condition for a cat like this?

ANSWER: Megan,

I think that it would be wise to have this cat examined by a veterinarian ASAP - it's possible that she could be pregnant and close to delivery if she had access to an intact male cat just after giving birth to her last litter or she may have had her kittens removed from her care several weeks too early. When mother cats wean their young they do so gradually which wouldn't result in engorged nipples. You may find that this kitty has mastitis which is an infection of the mammary glands that requires treatment with antibiotics. Since you mention a diminished appetite I would be inclined to think that mastitis is the most likely answer, unless of course this little girl delivers a litter of kittens in the next couple of days. Mastitis is painful, her mammary tissue will likely be swollen, a bit red and feel quite hot, she may not appreciate anyone touching her breasts if she is suffering from mastitis. I would also suggest that the veterinarian gives an estimate as to how old this kitten really is, most female cats mature around 5-7 months of age, an average cat pregnancy is 62-68 days, most female cats nurse their babies for a period of at least 8 weeks and can become pregnant while nursing. If this baby girl really is under a year old she has had a very tough life so far. If the vet suspects that this momma's kittens have been taken away from her soon after birth the animal cruelty team will likely act by removing the kittens from the custody of her former caregiver, if this happens you may be asked to foster the babies until they are old enough to be removed from mom (if she accepts these little ones back, she may reject them after having been separated from the litter) You can help to alleviate some of the discomfort by placing a clean facecloth moistened with hot water on her mammary tissue since your family vet is likely not on duty until Monday, I would however recommend that this kitty is immediately seen on Monday so that the vet can determine whether she is pregnant or suffering from mastitis as a result of having her babies die or be taken from her too early. Hot compresses (not boiling of course, as hot as you can reasonably tolerate on the inside of your wrist works) every couple of hours will likely help to drain some of the milk or infection that's causing this little girl's discomfort if she has mastitis. If this kitty won't allow you to touch her leave her belly alone. On the same note as the possible mastitis keep an eye out on this little girl's back end for any discharge from her vagina, also keep an eye on her toilet habits, these are things that the vet will want to know when checking her over. As for her appetite not being what it should be you can try babying her a bit by feeding her some special treats like pureed chicken or freshly grilled, boned salmon, tuna is generally popular if you can't get her eating things like poultry and salmon.

I have done some superficial research on Craigslist and found that the site doesn't really have any standards for the re-homing of pets and there is great concern about the welfare of pets advertised on this site. I would recommend that you get prompt medical attention for this cat and if the vet suspects cruelty advise the local SPCA cruelty investigators so that no more pets will suffer unethical or cruel treatment at the hands of the person that you adopted this kitty from. Backyard breeding carries serious long term health and behavioral consequences. Cats who are allowed to breed unchecked can contract viral and bacterial infections and they are at a significantly increased risk for cancers of the reproductive system and breast tissue. Unsterilized cats can develop behavioral issues ranging from irritating to unacceptable. Sadly too many cats that haven't been spayed or neutered early on go ahead in life to be euthanized because they develop habits like urinating or defecating around the house, fighting or even aggression towards people. I strongly encourage pet parents to spay and neuter their pets early on to avoid health and behavioral issues like those that have been mentioned, this surgery is also very important to help reduce pet overpopulation. Pets die by euthanasia in private vet clinics and many shelters and rescue groups simply because they aren't wanted. Sadly there is a percentage of pets that become victims of unspeakable cruelty by human beings simply because they are seen as disposable or unimportant. Spaying and neutering saves countless lives every year and I believe that it's the most ethical and responsible choice for pet parents to make for their pets.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your help. She does not have any redness around her nipples, she just seems engorged. Her eating habits have improved over the last day, she has actually eaten almost twice as much as the previous. Her bowels seem to be normal as well. She is continuing to meow all the time and has been sleeping all day and awake all night meowing pacing. I felt her stomach and was surprised that it actually feels like she could be pregnant again. She sags, but the previous owner said that she would return to normal soon, so I actually believed her. I really appreciate your help and it helps me to prepare myself in case she is having kittens. To view pictures I took of her and her underside to give you a visual go to address: http://craigslistcat.snapfish.com/snapfish and use room code: craigscat

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Megan,

I suspect that this kitty has been removed from a fairly young litter of kittens prior to when she would naturally have begun to wean them. If this is the case she may have a raging case of mastitis, I really do think that you should have this cat examined by a vet promptly. I've learned over the years never to take someone else's word for things, it's best to find out what's really going on from someone outside of this situation. Your vet can do x-rays to see if she has any kittens inside of her, your vet can also do a physical exam to determine whether this cat has recently given birth or not. All in all the pictures you have taken of this little girl's mammary glands concern me, she could just be engorged with milk from having her kittens taken away way too soon, if this is the case there is a litter of very young, possibly hungry kittens that may be in grave danger. If mom has mastitis she needs antibiotics and hot compresses. If mom's pregnant again you will want to know that ASAP and be 100% certain of what you're dealing with so that you can responsibly and humanely care for this kitty. Since you mention that she spends considerable time during the night pacing and meowing she may well be looking for her litter. Once the vet assesses this cat you'll have a better sense of what's going on and be able to care for her worry free. After all, any infection has the potential to develop into a life threatening issue without prompt medical care so the sooner this girl sees her doctor the better. Good luck, I'd really be interested in hearing about the vet's findings and recommended treatment for this kitty. Enjoy your special girl, she looks like she's fairly good natured and relaxed just remember to spoil her rotten, that is after all why she chose you.