mother cat no longer nursing

Question
There is a cat in our apartment complex that has had kittens. Two nights ago the 2 surviving kittens were adopted/rescued by someone in the complex (we're confident they were old enough). The problem is that the mother cats belly is getting firm... we believe from no longer nursing. Is this something to be worried about?? And, if it is, what can be done without having to take her to a vet?

Answer
Hi Cathy.  It's common for the mammary area to become engorged and hardened when kittens are rehomed.  It will usually last for about 7-10 days, sometimes a couple of weeks before the milk is eventually resorbed by the body.  It's very uncomfortable for poor mama but is generally nothing to be concerned about healthwise.  Sometimes holding a warm, moist compress to the area will release a small amount of the milk to relieve some of the pressure, but she might not cooperate with this.