Generally, the testicles of cats go unnoticed due to their small size and their location that can camouflage the tail or the fur if it is long. For this reason, it is easy for us to notice that a cat has swollen, hardened or reddened testicles, that is, they are clearly visible. In this article on our site we will explain what causes these signs may be due to and what the treatment of choice will be, which, of course, must be prescribed by the veterinarian.
If your cat has swollen or very large ones, keep reading to find out what's wrong, what the treatment consists of and go to the specialist with all the information.
Orchitis, cause of testicular swelling in cats
If our cat has swollen testicles, it may be suffering from orchitis, which is a infection in the testicles This can be caused by a wound, bite, irritation or burn that serves as a gateway for the bacteria that will cause the infection. In this sense, cats can be injured in fights with other cats, especially if they have access to the outside and, in addition, are not neutered, since in these cases it is common for them to participate in fights with other cats to control the territory or to access females in heat. We will see in another section the consequences of irritations or burns in the testicles.
Symptoms of orchitis in cats
If our cat has very large testicles we can suspect orchitis which, in addition, produces pain The cat will have swollen testicles and it is we may observe that, due to this discomfort, he licks himself frequently If we proceed to palpation carefully, we will notice that the cat has hard testicles.
On the other hand, if the cat feels discomfort in the testicles when urinating in the litter box, it may begin to evacuate outside of it, which is known as improper elimination.
How to treat orchitis in cats?
If the vet confirms that the cat has swollen testicles due to orchitis, treatment will include the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatoriesIf the cat accepts it, cold application would also help reduce testicular swelling. After an orchitis the testicles can be reduced in size.
As prevention, we can highlight the following measures:
- Of course, sterilization or neutering, which also has other advantages for the cat's he alth.
- Prevent our cat from having access to the outside to prevent fights with others.
- Control the safety of your environment so that you do not come into contact with irritating substances or hot surfaces.
- If we discover any injury to the scrotum, even if it seems superficial, we should go to the vet to check that there is no infection.
Cat with red and swollen testicles due to dermatitis
In addition to orchitis, cats can have swollen and reddened testicles due to contact with some irritating substance. It would be a contact dermatitis Plants, paints, synthetic fibers, cement, medicines, shampoos, etc. may be behind this reaction. In this case, the cat will be upset, with itching of greater or lesser intensity depending on the substance that causes it.
At first, the affected skin will appear red. If left untreated, this skin can thicken and darken. We must find what caused the reaction to prevent the cat from contacting it again. In addition, the veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which usually consists of corticosteroids.
Finally, a traumatism to the cat's testicles can also cause them to become swollen and red due to pooling of blood.
Testicular inflammation in cats due to tumors
Although it is not very common for a cat with swollen testicles to suffer from cancer, neoplasms would be another cause of testicular inflammation. The cancer would affect one of the testicles, which would appear enlarged, consistent and, instead of presenting a regular and smooth surface, it would have irregularities and nodules Other times the size does not varies but testicle feels hardened
For this case and for any of those we have exposed, sterilization at an early age is recommended as a treatment, before the cat begins its sexual activity, approximately 5-6 months old.
