Rescued a Mama that lost all her kittens

So the kittens are no longer with her? How recently did she have them? A warm compress on her belly can help with a swollen nipple, however if she's not nursing kittens it will take time for her milk to go away. She's looking for affection and reassurance, just give her as much love as you can. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

missmeowington

Hello, and welcome to TCS!

What happened to the kittens? How long have they been gone?

It can take 10 days to 2 weeks for mom's milk to dry up. If she is engorged she will be uncomfortable. If she has an infection in a mammary gland it will be red, hot, and sore. This is called mastitis, and needs antibiotics from a vet to clear up.

In the meantime, you can put a warm, damp compress on her nipples to give her some relief.

Nursing moms can be very affectionate due to their hormones. If you think she is able, you could call a rescue group or ASPCA and ask if they have any orphaned kittens your cat could nurse. You would be fostering the kittens, and the rescue will provide food and medical care.

Mama cat may be missing her kittens. What is the situation?

I think fostering kittens if she lost hers is a great idea.  Mom's have been known to go into depression if/when they lose their kittens.

The story goes that we Had a cat we rescued, she was pregnant and had 4 kittens.  We kept two of the kittens(a boy & girl) along with mama and gave two away (a boy & Girl) to a woman that I worked with.  She sent me an email and told me the kittens she had taken 9 months ago we going to go to the pound if we couldn't take them back, we couldn't stand the thought of them in a cage so we said we would take them til we found them a home.  When I picked them up she she THEN informed me that they had never gotten fixed and he got her and had two babies that died about 5 weeks ago.  I am getting them appointments to get them fixed and check-up tomorrow

So you took both cats back that you had re-homed. Bummer! She was clearly irresponsible!

But Bravo to you for the rescue, or they would have no future!

Since mom's kittens "died" 5 weeks ago, she should be dried up by now. If she's not, someone is either not telling the truth, or mom has an infection.

Either way, use the compress on her in the meantime. My guess is that her need for affection now is from mom being in heat again.

The spay and neuter are the right way to go. The cats will be healthier and better off for it. Siblings who mate do not produce healthy offspring.

You'll need to ask if mom needs an antibiotic for her red, engorged nipple when you take her in. She may have an infection.

So sorry you are having to mop up, but thank you! Let us know when the appointments are!

Nice analysis by SArthur.  Including the observation this super friendliness is prob not just wanting to get and give love, but simply - she is in heat.

Is that case, the idea of getting her as a foster mom is no longer that hot.  It MAY be feasible, but it is no longer that apparent.  Its sooner a vet check if her gland is OK, and get her time for spaying.  Preferably after the heat period is over.

Not so fun with irresponsible cat owners whom your co-worker is.  Turning also a frien to a barely acquitance.  At least she gave you chance to take them back.  some dont even bother that much.

We had their Vet appointment today. They got all of their shots because I did not trust that she had actually ever even took them to see a vet, and they got their bloodwork done and will both be fixed this Thursday morning.  The vet said that her nipple is fine it will dissipate on its own.  I have fallen totally in love with both cats and think we are going to end up keeping them both.  The only issue now is getting my 3 cats to accept them.  I hope that after we get them fixed the hatred and anger will subside a bit, if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!!!

And thank you all for you help and concern, we alll appreciate it!!!

You might want to read this article for some thoughts on introducing the cats. Even if they've already met, you can start over.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-successfully-introduce-cats-the-ultimate-guide

It's great you're having everything done for them and they will have a loving forever home! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

Let us know how their surgeries go Thursday! [emoji]128522[/emoji]