Female cat swelling up

My cat had a litter of kittens around 7 months ago. She looked after them well however we kept one and he kept feeding from her for months. After she was spayed, I was hoping it would stop him from sucking without success. I got tabs from the vet to dry her up.

The problem with my cat is that she looks like she is going to explode. The last few days she has done nothing but sleep, and I don't think she has eaten today either. I have had a good feel of her as I was a vet nurse for years, however, she doesn't seem to be in pain and I can't feel anything abnormal.

Any suggestions as to why she is so big in the abdominal area? I can't imagine it is all fat.


It is unclear from your letter whether the area that is swollen or enlarged is your cat’s teats or her abdomen. If the swelling is in her teats, it could be because they are irritated, especially if the kitten is still trying to nurse from her. If the swelling is in her abdomen and is new since her pregnancy, meaning that she lost the weight and has since become bloated, I would be concerned that it could be a uterine infection, another pregnancy, or fluid in your cat’s abdomen. It is also possible that it is just fat, but only a vet could tell you for certain.

Any time a cat seems lethargic and isn’t eating properly and presents with feline illness symptoms such as swelling, a trip to the veterinarian would be advised.

All the best,
Dr. Neely