Mammary gland hyperplasia (swollen mammary glands) in cats is due to the influence of estrogen. In cats, estrogen promotes the growth and development of mammary tissue. This usually happens around the time of ovulation each month, which is when your cat has her period. During this time, estrogen levels increase, promoting the growth and development of breast tissue.
However, sometimes mammary gland hyperplasia may be caused by hormonal imbalance. For example, too high or too low estrogen levels in cats can lead to mammary gland hyperplasia. In addition, obesity, hormone therapy, certain drugs, and certain genetic mutations may also lead to breast hyperplasia. If you find that your cat has symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia, it is recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
