My cat was spayed while pregnant. Why are her breasts growing?

It sounds as though Knox is exhibiting signs of a false pregnancy. Since she was spayed last month, it is not possible for her to actually become pregnant. Rarely, a portion of ovarian tissue (referred to as ovarian remnant syndrome) can remain after a spay, which then produces hormones and can cause signs of heat and possible pregnancy. I do recommend taking Knox to her vet for an exam and to consider blood hormone levels to determine if ovarian remnant syndrome is suspected. For further reading, take a look at this link: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3507. I hope that all goes well!

No, this isn't normal and it can be a sign of mastitis. This is an infection of the mammary gland that is fatal without treatment. You need to take Misty into the vet first thing in the morning to get checked out.

My guess is that it is just hormone related hyperplasia. The other option is mastitis - it may be just starting. I would just keep an eye on it since she is acting otherwise normal. If after a couple weeks they lumps are still present you should have her examined by your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is likely mammary gland hyperplasia which is benign growth of the breast tissue in cats. It can happen after the cat is spayed if they ovulated and were recently in heat before the surgery. It is secondary to hormonal influence. It should resolve on it's own. I hope this helps!

If she is feverish, losing weight or hs a reduced appetite it should be investigated as soon as possible. You do not mention if she is spayed but accidents and trauma are another common cause of similar signs and often resolve themselves

It is not likely to be a retained kitten if she had [a normal delivery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats) and is behaving normally otherwise (no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/diarrhea/), [loss of appetite](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-isnt-my-cat-eating), discharge, etc.). It may be a hernia, but your veterinarian will need to make the diagnosis after a physical exam. If it is a hernia, a repair may be done if you decide to have her spayed. [Spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats) would strongly be recommended if she is not breeding stock or a show cat. This would prevent accidental or unwanted litters in the future. Spaying also decreases the risk of mammary gland tumors (breast cancer) and eliminates the risk of a pyometra (uterine infection) later in life.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mellow. I recommend showing the bumps to her veterinarian tomorrow at the check in for surgery. You can be advised if they are anything to worry about for her. Older cats will develop mammary growths, but this would be unusual in such a young kitten. It is hopefully fine, but you do need to mention it. I hope this information helps!