Old cat, swollen nipple?

[Amanda Cortez]

My cat is very old, about twenty, and she hasn't had a single health problem her whole life, except the occasional cold. i was petting her belly the other day and noticed that one of her nipples didn't look right. The "tube" leading up to it is swollen and purple. I'm not even sure it's the tube, or if it even works like that...but on a day to day basis, it doesn't seem to bother her. It's like she doesn't notice, but the nipple itself is basically on it's side, instead of poking out. Normally, she would be in the vet in a heartbeat, but due to her age, I know they would just tell me it's time to put her down. They wouldn't even wanna try anything with her. She was in heat not too long ago I think, but she's also an indoor cat, so she is not pregnant. I'm not sure what else to do for her now. 

[stardogs]

Mammary tumors are the first thing that come to mind - some are benign, some are not. A biopsy is often done first and then excision in needed. A vet check is in order though to make sure it's not something simpler, like an infection.  And tbh, if I had a vet that said I should put down an animal due to age when even a potentially minor issue came up, I'd be finding a new vet asap...

[EarthRootsStarSoul]

Believe it or not, cats and dogs can get breast cancer.  Especially if they are unspayed.

[lonegirl]

Originally Posted by Amanda Cortez 

My cat is very old, about twenty, and she hasn't had a single health problem her whole life, except the occasional cold. i was petting her belly the other day and noticed that one of her nipples didn't look right. The "tube" leading up to it is swollen and purple. I'm not even sure it's the tube, or if it even works like that...but on a day to day basis, it doesn't seem to bother her. It's like she doesn't notice, but the nipple itself is basically on it's side, instead of poking out. Normally, she would be in the vet in a heartbeat, but due to her age, I know they would just tell me it's time to put her down. They wouldn't even wanna try anything with her. She was in heat not too long ago I think, but she's also an indoor cat, so she is not pregnant. I'm not sure what else to do for her now. 

 what sort of vet do you go to?? I have been in the field for 16 years....unless a pet is literally on death's door no vet I know would right out say "it's time to put her down". 

It does sound like a mammary tumor though.  Very common in unspayed females (which is why that is one of the primary reasons we recommend spaying).

[sassyfirechick]

Mammary tumors are a major reason to spay.  Everytime she goes into heat, her body is potentially prepping for babies and that includes nipple swelling.