Agalactia in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Care Guide

Agalactia is a rare but serious condition affecting female cats’ milk production after giving birth, risking kitten health and survival.

This guide explains causes, symptoms, veterinary care, and how responsible owners can support affected queens and their litters.

What is Agalactia in Cats?

Agalactia refers to the reduced or total absence of milk production in a mother cat (queen) after birth. While it does not harm the mother, kittens rely on milk, especially colostrum, her first milk rich in nutrients and immune support.

Affected queens can suddenly fail to produce enough milk, leaving kittens malnourished and vulnerable to dehydration, which can be fatal without intervention.

Early detection and care are crucial to ensure the litter thrives.

Causes and Risk Factors of Agalactia

The precise cause of agalactia in cats remains somewhat unclear but several factors are linked to increased risk:

• Premature delivery of kittens.
• Stress from environmental factors or surgical procedures such as Caesarean sections.
• Underlying infections including uterine infections like metritis or pyometra.
• Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, especially insufficient energy and protein intake.
• Hormonal imbalances involving prolactin, a hormone critical for milk production.
• Certain breeds, such as Siamese cats, may be more susceptible.

Ensuring a stress-free environment and proper prenatal veterinary care can reduce the risk.

Recognising Signs of Agalactia and Related Infections

Owners should vigilantly observe nursing queens and their kittens. Key signs include:

• Kittens appearing weak, dehydrated, or restless.
• Little or no milk residue on kittens’ muzzles after nursing.
• Mother’s teats not feeling full or milk is absent between feeds.
• Mother cat showing signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge (metritis), or lethargy.
• Swollen, painful, or discoloured teats indicating mastitis, a milk duct infection.
• Hard lumps near the mammary glands which could indicate mammary cancer, especially in unspayed females.

Common Infectious Conditions Affecting Nursing Queens

Metritis

A serious uterine infection often caused by retained placental tissue leads to fever, smelly discharge, and lethargy. It is life-threatening and requires emergency veterinary treatment, often including a hysterectomy.

Pyometra

A bacterial uterine infection in unspayed females causing pus accumulation. Untreated, it can cause internal bleeding and death. Urgent veterinary intervention is needed, typically surgical removal of the uterus to save the cat.

Mastitis

Infection of the milk ducts leading to painful swelling and possible pus-filled abscess formation. Early treatment involves veterinary care and antibiotics. Untreated, it risks kittens ingesting harmful bacteria.

Mammary Cancer

Unspayed queens, particularly Siamese cats, have an increased risk of developing mammary tumours. Symptoms include lumps, swelling, infection signs, and pain. Early veterinary assessment is vital.

How to Manage and Treat Agalactia

Prompt veterinary diagnosis is essential to treat agalactia and any underlying infections. Treatment approaches include:

• Supplementing kittens’ nutrition immediately with a high-quality kitten milk replacer and bottle feeding to prevent dehydration and starvation.
• Supporting the queen with a high-energy, growth-focused diet during pregnancy and lactation to optimise milk production.
• Medications such as dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide or domperidone) under veterinary supervision to stimulate prolactin production and encourage lactation.
• Antibiotics and sometimes surgery for infections like mastitis, metritis, or pyometra.
• Spaying to prevent future risks of pyometra or mammary cancer for queens that are not intended for breeding.

Owners should closely monitor both queen and kittens throughout recovery, maintaining clean conditions and regular vet visits for best outcomes.

Preventing Agalactia

While agalactia cannot always be prevented, responsible care can reduce its occurrence:

• Providing balanced nutrition tailored for pregnant and nursing cats.
• Minimising stress and avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.
• Keeping nursing areas clean and comfortable.
• Prompt veterinary check-ups during pregnancy and early postpartum to catch any health issues early.
• Consider early spaying to reduce risks of severe uterine infections and mammary tumours.

Conclusion

Agalactia in cats, although uncommon, is a critical condition affecting queen cats after giving birth. It requires early identification, swift veterinary intervention, and supportive care to save vulnerable kittens and protect the health of the mother.

By understanding the signs, causes, and treatments, cat owners and breeders can act responsibly to give new litters the best start in life.