Mastitis or Mammary Gland Tumor???!!!!

[Concerned]

I rescued a female preg. cat who had two kittens. I noticed a med.-size mass on her chest-belly area. I looked up Mammary gland tumor (80%-90% are cancerous in cats!!!) and it seems similar to these descriptions. But I also read about mastitis - could these be it? This mass is not "open" it is under her skin. How do I tell if it is just swollen/mastitis or a tumor?

[Tina B and crew]

I'd recommend taking her to a vet. Even if it is only mastitis it will give you peace of mind. If she is still nursing and this came on all of the sudden there is a likely chance it could be mastitis. Last cat I had with mastitis, it was simply swollen...didn't feel anything like a tumor. It was rather flat and spread out around the nipple. Warm compresses will help ease the discomfort. But I'd take her to the vet anyway, just to be sure.

[davet]

mammary gland in case it is an infection t=so the kittens don't get and adverse bacteria into their systems, at least till the vet see it...

[Traci]

Its impossible for us to tell you if this is a tumor vs mastitis, you need to get kitty to your vet immediately for a thorough exam.

Depending on the age, and how many litters kitty has had will depend on her risk factor regarding mammary cancer. Mastitis is equally a concern here, left undetected and untreated can cause sepsis which requires agressive treatment, and PROMPTLY I might add.

Don't wait, get kitty seen ASAP.