1yr old mother

Question
our semi feral cat has had 3 kittens .2 have gone to a new home together leaving the biggest one with mum who is still feeding .
within one day her teats have got very large or full is there any need for concern or does this normally happen.they just look like they have doubled in size within 36hrs and they feel very firm.shes not bothered if you touch them and they are not leaking milk.
she will be going to the vets within the next 2 weeks to be spayed unless I have to take her sooner if there is a problem

Answer
Hi, Carol.  It sounds as though the other two may have left before they were fully weaned, since the last is still nursing.  If allowed, a mother will wean her kittens very slowly, finally stopping them from nursing at all around 12 weeks old.  This is healthy for the mother and kittens, both emotionally and physically.  When kittens are weaned abruptly, you see mothers becoming engorged.  So what you're seeing is probably a normal result of not being able to taper nursing off slowly enough.  I would recommend to hold a cloth soaked with warm water to the area a few times a day.  This can help prevent pain.

However, be on the lookout for any redness, purple discoloration, discomfort, yellow or thick discharge from the teats, or feeling warm to the touch in the mammary area.  This indicates mastitis, a seriously painful infection that needs antibiotic treatment right away.

I'm glad you have chosen to get her spayed!  Good luck to you all!

Jessica