Structure and Function of the Mammary System in Cats

Below is information about the structure and function of the feline mammary system. We will tell you about the general structure of the mammary system, how the mammary system works, common diseases that affect the mammary system, and common diagnostic tests performed in cats to evaluate the mammary system.

What Is the Mammary System?

The mammary system is comprised of the mammary glands or breasts and is present in all mammals, including cats and other pets. In males, mammary glands exist in a rudimentary state.

Where Is the Feline Mammary System Located?

Mammary glands are typically arranged in two parallel rows extending from the underside of the chest to the groin area, along the outside of the body wall. In cats, there are usually four mammary glands on each side, joined together in a chain.

What Is the General Structure of the Mammary System in Cats?

Mammary glands are composed of glandular tissue and connective tissue. The secretory tissue of the mammary glands become active during pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, the period of lactation when kittens are nursing, and often remain active for four to 50 days after weaning.

Each breast consists of a glandular complex and its associated nipple or teat (papillae mammae), which is covered by skin. The teats indicate the position of the glands in both the male and the female. Cats have four pairs of teats on either side of the midline. It is believed that each nipple has its own special smell, so kittens may attach themselves to one nipple and find it repeatedly.

The number of ducts opening into a teat varies from 7 to 16, and these are located on the blunt end in an irregular pattern. The streak canal, or teat canal, is 1/4 to 1/3 the length of the teat. The teat sinus extends upward from the teat canal into the gland. The teat sinuses are small uniformly wide passages.

The mammary glands have a large blood supply, and veins are more extensive than arteries. The thoracic (chest) mammary glands receive their arterial blood supply from the artery that passes through the ribs. The abdominal and inguinal (groin) glands are supplied by the arteries that come from the abdomen. Mammary veins usually lie next to the arteries.

Nerve fibers accompany the blood vessels to the mammary glands. These nerves are distributed to the tissue of the gland, to the blood vessels, to the smooth muscle of the teat, and to the skin. Secretion of the mammary glands is influenced by hormones from the brain and other organs, and by the nervous system.

What Are the Functions of the Feline Mammary System?

The chief function of the mammary glands is to provide milk and nourishment to the newborn.

What Are the Common Diseases of the Mammary System in Cats?

• Mastitis is inflammation or infection of the mammary glands. It occurs most commonly in the lactating or pseudopregnant animal. Mastitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection that travels up the teat opening. Clinical signs vary but may include pain, heat and swelling of the affected gland and abnormality of the milk.
• Mammary hyperplasia is a condition of rapid over development of the mammary glands. It usually occurs in young (under two years of age), intact (unspayed) cats. It is thought to develop as an excessive response to circulating progesterone hormone, and can occur in males or spayed females that are administered progesterone products. Mammary hyperplasia can affect both pregnant and nonpregnant cats. Sometimes spontaneous recovery occurs once blood progesterone levels fall. In some situations, surgical removal of the affected mammary gland(s) may be required.
• Galactostasis is the abnormal accumulation of unexcreted milk in the mammary gland. The condition may be associated with infected or noninfected mastitis and may also be noted postweaning or during pseudopregnancy. The engorgement of the gland with residual milk causes mild to moderate inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.
• Agalactia is the failure to produce and excrete milk. It may arise with developmental abnormalities in the mammary glands, when there is failure of milk letdown, or from other diseases of the mammary glands or mother. Such diseases include poor nutrition or systemic illness of the queen and anxiety on the part of the queen, especially young, first time mothers.
• Galactorrhea is the excessive or inappropriate production and release of milk. This milk production is not associated with pregnancy or impending delivery of kittens. It is a rare condition in the cat and may be seen with the sudden withdrawal of progesterone medications. The condition generally resolves spontaneously within several days. Recurrent episodes may be treated with spaying (ovariohysterectomy).
• Mammary gland tumors occur in the cat but are less common than in the dog. They usually develop in older cats that have never been spayed. They may also develop in association with the use of progesterone medications in the cats. Siamese cats appear to have an increased risk for these tumors. Mammary gland tumors are usually malignant in the cat. Spaying the cat can prevent these tumors.

What Types of Diagnostic Tests Are Used to Evaluate a Cat’s Mammary System?

• A complete blood count, organ profile, and urinalysis are often used to look for evidence of infection or other related organ abnormalities.
• Chest X-rays may be indicated if a tumor is present, in order to search for metastasis.
• Cytology can be performed on milk samples and is helpful to search for signs of inflammation and infection.
• Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing may be performed. Material is retrieved using a special culture swab or collection tube, and attempts are made to grow the bacteria and identify them. Several antibiotics are then tested on the bacterial culture to determine which antibiotic works best to kill the bacteria.
• A fine needle aspirate and examination of the cells is often useful when assessing masses or tumors.
• Biopsy of masses and abnormal tissue may also be performed.
• Removal of the gland(s) and submitting them for biopsy may identify the underlying problem and its cause.