Do male cats have nipples? Yes, male cats do have nipples. This is because nipples form very early in a kitten’s embryonic development, before the sex of the kitten is determined. Both male and female kittens develop nipples by default, and in males, they simply remain. There’s no functional purpose for male nipples, but there’s also no evolutionary reason to remove them, so they persist naturally.
How Many Nipples Do Male Cats Have?
Male cats, like male humans, have nipples, though they are non-functioning. Unlike humans, however, cats usually have more than two nipples. Both male and female cats typically have an even number of nipples, ranging from 4 to 10. Most commonly, cats have 6 or 8 nipples, but 4 or 10 is also considered normal.
Cats usually have their nipples arranged in parallel rows along the belly, but there are exceptions. Occasionally, a cat may have an odd number of nipples, which is perfectly normal — your cat is just a little unique!
Why Do Male Cats Have Nipples?
Male cats, like most male mammals, have nipples because they are part of the basic body plan established during early development. In the earliest stages of growth, all kittens develop nipples before their sex is determined. As male kittens grow, testosterone limits further development of mammary tissue, leaving the male cat nipples in place but non-functional.
These nipples do not produce milk and have no role in reproduction or survival. From an evolutionary perspective, they persist simply because they do not cause harm, so there is no selective pressure to eliminate them. As a result, male cat nipples are a normal and harmless anatomical feature.
What a Normal Male Cat Nipple Looks Like
Where Are a Male Cat’s Nipples Located?
Male cat nipples are anatomically similar to female cat nipples—at least when a female isn’t pregnant. They can be hard to see, especially on cats with long fur or small bodies, so feeling for them is often easier than spotting them. To locate a nipple, gently run your fingers along the cat’s abdomen and feel for small, soft bumps arranged in rows along the chest and belly.
Appearance of Male Cat Nipples
Boy cat nipples are small, round bumps located along the underside of the body in two parallel rows running from the chest toward the abdomen. They are usually pale pink or flesh-colored and can be either flat or slightly raised. Because they are tiny—often just a few millimeters across—they can blend into the surrounding fur or skin and are easy to miss unless you’re looking carefully.
Important: You cannot determine a cat’s sex by their nipples alone.
What Do Pregnant Cat Nipples Look Like?
According to PetMD, during pregnancy, a female cat’s nipples start to change around the third week. They become darker, slightly swollen, and develop a small hairless ring, a change often called “pinking up.”
When nursing begins, the nipples enlarge further to support feeding, remaining prominent for about six weeks while the kittens nurse. After weaning, the nipples may shrink and lighten in color, though some enlargement can persist, particularly in cats that have had multiple litters.
Male Cat Nipple Diseases
Now that we have addressed the question, “Do boy cats have nipples?”, it’s important to understand the conditions that can affect them.
Infections
According to WebMD, male cat nipple infections are extremely rare, representing less than 1% of feline skin or mammary-related veterinary cases. Usually, there’s no cause for concern if the nipples remain small, dry, and unchanged, without redness, swelling, discharge, or sensitivity.
Contact a veterinarian if the nipple or surrounding area becomes red, swollen, warm, scabby, painful, or begins oozing fluid or blood, as these signs may indicate infection, injury, or an underlying skin condition that requires treatment.
Mammary Fibroadenomatous Hyperplasia
Mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia (MFH) is a rare, benign condition that causes rapid enlargement of mammary tissue. It mostly affects young female cats and is extremely uncommon in males. MFH is usually linked to exposure to progesterone or progesterone-like drugs.
Symptoms may include sudden swelling of one or more mammary glands, firm or rubbery tissue, warmth, and in some cases, skin stretching or ulceration. Prompt veterinary care is essential if swelling occurs quickly, becomes painful, ulcerates, or interferes with walking or grooming.
Treatment involves removing the progesterone source, using medications to reverse hormone effects, and providing supportive care. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Mammary Tumors
Mammary tumors in male cats are extremely rare but serious. They typically occur in older cats and often appear as a firm lump near a nipple that gradually enlarges. The affected area may feel fixed, swollen, or painful, and the skin can ulcerate as the tumor grows.
Any new mass near a nipple requires prompt veterinary evaluation, as feline mammary tumors are often malignant. Early diagnosis and surgical removal significantly improve outcomes, whereas delays can limit treatment options and reduce prognosis.
Inverted Nipples
Inverted nipples in male cats are uncommon and usually harmless. They appear as small indentations rather than raised bumps and often go unnoticed beneath the fur. This variation may be present from birth or develop with age and skin changes.
In most cases, there’s no cause for concern if the area is clean, painless, and unchanged. However, you should see a veterinarian if a nipple suddenly inverts, becomes swollen, discolored, painful, or develops discharge, as these could indicate infection, trauma, or an underlying mass.
Enlarged Nipples
Enlarged cat nipples, male and female, are usually related to localized irritation or hormonal influences. The nipples may appear thicker, slightly raised, or darker than usual.
Mild, stable enlargement without pain or discharge is often not urgent. However, veterinary attention is necessary if the nipple grows quickly, becomes hard, red, ulcerated, or painful, or if your cat shows lethargy or changes in behavior.
Signs That Your Cat Needs to See a Vet
Rapid or unexplained changes around one or more nipples can signal a health issue. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
Sudden swelling near a nipple
Redness, warmth, or persistent skin irritation
Discharge, crusting, bleeding, or unusual odor
Firm lumps or thickened tissue beneath or around a nipple
Ulceration, scabbing, or skin breakdown
Pain, sensitivity, or strong reaction when touched
Sudden changes in nipple appearance accompanied by lethargy or reduced appetite
Prompt evaluation helps ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Can Male Cats Produce Milk?
Male cats do not normally produce milk. Their nipples lack fully developed mammary glands capable of lactation. In rare cases, hormonal imbalances or medical conditions may cause a small, milk-like discharge, but this is abnormal. If you notice any fluid coming from a male cat’s nipple, contact your veterinarian for evaluation.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do male cats have nipples?” you’re definitely not alone. Male cat nipples are completely normal, small, and non-functional, reflecting early development before sex differences appear. Most changes are harmless, but it’s wise to occasionally check your cat’s nipples and be alert for any unusual swelling, redness, or discharge.
If you notice enlarged, painful, or otherwise abnormal nipples, it’s best to schedule a veterinary check-up to rule out infections, lumps, or other rare conditions. With regular observation and care, you can ensure your cat stays healthy and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do a cat’s nipples ever go away?
No. A cat’s nipples remain for life and do not disappear.
Why do male cats develop mammary tumors?
Mammary tumors in male cats are very rare. When they do occur, they are often linked to hormonal influences, age-related factors, or other underlying health conditions. Early detection and veterinary evaluation are important for the best outcome.
