Mama cat swollen rear nipples

Question
Hi there,
I am fostering a rescued cat that had kittens a week after I got her. They are 4 weeks old today. She had 5 kittens and has been the best of moms. Last night I noticed that her far back nipples (one especially) was very swollen and getting hard, seemed to be engorged. I used a warm compress and tried to get the kittens to nurse on that on to relieve it but they kept moving to other ones instead. I don't know if it's because of the feel (hardness) or what. What can I or should I do. Mama does not seem to be in any pain about it and acts fine. Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Rhonda, It sounds like you did the best thing already. If the nipple gets hot or red she will need veterinary care, but it is not unusual for a nipple to be very hard for a day or even two. Just put the compress on it twice a day and see what happens in the next 24 hours. It is possible that the kittens have just abandoned that nipple for whatever reason and now it is going to dry up. This is common. Just keep a close eye on it. Make sure mom has no diarrhea and that the nipple doesn't become overly sensitive or hot.
Teresa