Why is my cat dripping milk? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The sight of your cat dripping milk can be both endearing and concerning. While milk production is a natural process associated with pregnancy and motherhood, it’s not always that straightforward. The most common reason for a cat to drip milk is recent birth, but there are other causes. In short, your cat may be dripping milk due to pregnancy, postpartum lactation, pseudopregnancy, or certain health conditions affecting mammary glands or hormone levels. Let’s explore these reasons further.

Understanding Normal Lactation in Cats

Postpartum Lactation

The most common cause of milk production is after your cat has given birth. Approximately two days before delivery, a cat will start to produce milk. You might notice thick, cream-colored secretions coming from her nipples. This is normal and prepares her for nursing her kittens. After delivery, her milk production will ramp up to meet the demands of her growing litter. The amount of milk and duration of lactation will depend on factors such as the number of kittens, their age, and the mother cat’s individual physiology.

The Weaning Process

As the kittens grow and start to eat solid food, the mother’s milk production will naturally decrease. This weaning process is gradual, and the mammary glands will slowly shrink. It might take a couple of weeks for the milk production to cease entirely. During this time, a little leaking can be normal.

When Lactation Isn’t Related to Pregnancy

Pseudopregnancy (False Pregnancy)

A female cat can produce milk without being pregnant. This condition is called a pseudopregnancy or a false pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can mimic the changes of a true pregnancy, causing the mammary glands to develop and produce milk. Even cats that have been spayed can sometimes experience a false pregnancy. You may notice milky or watery secretions leaking from her nipples for several weeks, but the symptoms usually resolve on their own.

Other Causes

While less common, a few other factors can lead to milk dripping in cats.

• Stimulation: Nipple stimulation can sometimes trigger milk production. This could be from kittens (or even other animals) sucking or kneading.
• Medications: Certain medications can have hormonal side effects, potentially inducing lactation.
• Endocrine Disorders: In rare cases, imbalances in endocrine hormones might contribute to milk production.

When Dripping Milk is a Sign of Trouble: Mastitis and Other Concerns

While milk production itself isn’t always a problem, there are situations where it could signal an issue.

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands, often caused by a bacterial infection. This is most frequently seen in the postpartum period. Factors like sudden weaning or the death of a kitten can cause excessive milk accumulation leading to mastitis. Symptoms include a firm, painful, swollen, and discolored mammary gland, which may produce abnormal secretion. An affected cat may show signs like being anorexic, depressed, lethargic, and even have a fever. The milk might also be cloudy, thick, bloody, or contain pus. If left untreated, mastitis can become severe and even life-threatening.

Toxic Milk Syndrome

If a mother cat has septic mastitis (a severe infection of the mammary glands), the milk can become toxic to her kittens, potentially causing septicemia and even sudden death. This is known as toxic milk syndrome and usually affects kittens 1-2 weeks of age.

Milk Fever (Eclampsia)

Eclampsia, also known as “milk fever,” is a serious condition related to calcium deficiency. While not directly causing milk dripping, it can occur in nursing mothers who aren’t receiving adequate nutrition. Eclampsia can cause symptoms like tremors, muscle spasms, and even seizures. It is often the result of an underactive parathyroid gland, which regulates the amount of calcium stored in the bones. Early symptoms might include anorexia, restlessness, and aggression.

What to Do if Your Cat is Dripping Milk

If your cat is dripping milk, it’s important to observe her closely and determine the likely cause. If she has recently given birth, some dripping is normal. But if she is not pregnant, not recently had kittens, or if she exhibits any signs of discomfort or illness (like those described above), it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. They can determine the underlying cause, rule out serious conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment. Don’t hesitate, early intervention is crucial to avoid complications for both the mother cat and her kittens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a female cat produce milk without being pregnant?

Yes, cats can produce milk without being pregnant. This is known as pseudopregnancy or false pregnancy, and it is caused by hormonal imbalances mimicking pregnancy.

2. How long does it take for milk production to stop after kittens are weaned?

It typically takes a couple of weeks for milk production to gradually stop after weaning. During this time, you might still notice some leaking.

3. What are the symptoms of mastitis in cats?

Symptoms of mastitis include a firm, painful, swollen, and discolored mammary gland; abnormal milk secretion (possibly cloudy, bloody, or with pus); and general symptoms such as lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite.

4. Is milk good for cats?

No, cow’s milk is not good for cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting. There are some specially designed cat milk options, which are more suitable.

5. What is toxic milk syndrome in cats?

Toxic milk syndrome occurs when a mother cat has a severe mammary gland infection (septic mastitis), and the infected milk becomes toxic to her kittens, potentially causing sepsis or sudden death.

6. What is eclampsia (milk fever) in cats?

Eclampsia, or milk fever, is a serious condition caused by low blood calcium levels, usually seen in nursing mothers who are not getting adequate nutrition. It can cause symptoms like tremors, muscle spasms, and seizures.

7. How can I tell if my cat has a clogged milk duct?

A clogged milk duct may lead to mastitis. The symptoms include: swollen, hard breast; red or purple skin; pain; open sores on the breast; scabs on the breast; bloody milk; pus in the milk; or cloudy or thick milk.

8. What does mastitis look like?

Mastitis usually affects one breast, causing it to be swollen, hot, and painful to touch. It can be red, and there may be a wedge-shaped lump or a hard area on the breast.

9. Can mastitis in cats go away on its own?

No, mastitis in cats usually requires treatment. Without treatment, it can become severe and even life-threatening. Most cats respond well to antibiotics and recover quickly with the right treatment.

10. What causes a cat’s mammary glands to become swollen but not have mastitis?

Swollen mammary glands can occur during a true pregnancy as the body prepares for lactation or during a pseudopregnancy. Nipple stimulation and hormonal imbalances can also lead to mammary gland enlargement without an infection.

11. How do you stop a cat from lactating?

To reduce lactation, gradually decrease the amount of time the kittens spend nursing while making sure they have access to solid food. Ensuring the mother has enough water and a balanced diet will also help. If pseudopregnancy or an underlying health issue is the cause, vet-recommended strategies may be needed.

12. Can a cat who has never had kittens nurse?

Yes, a female cat who has never had her own litter can nurse abandoned kittens. This behavior is called “fostering” and shows a strong maternal instinct.

13. Why is my 4-month-old kitten still nursing?

Kittens may continue to engage in “nursing” behavior long after weaning, as a way of self-comforting or displaying contentment. It may not actually be for milk but instead a way of kneading and sucking as a comfort behavior.

14. What does it mean if my cat is producing bloody milk?

Bloody milk is a sign of a problem, often mastitis, and requires a veterinary visit. It is abnormal for healthy milk production.

15. If my cat is leaking a brown liquid is that related to milk production?

No, a brown liquid is likely anal gland discharge. If your cat is leaking a brown discharge from their anus, they should be checked by a veterinarian. This is not related to milk production.