Pregnant Cat Bleeding: What Owners Need To Know

If your pregnant cat is bleeding from her private parts, it could be a sign of a serious health condition. While a small amount of blood-tinged discharge or spotting is normal just before or during labour, heavier bleeding could be a sign of an infection, trauma, or fetal death. Pyometra, a severe infection of the uterus, is one of the most common causes of vaginal bleeding in cats and can even lead to death if left untreated. Other potential causes include trauma to the vaginal area, a urinary tract infection, a tumour in the reproductive tract, or a kitten blocking the birth canal. If you are concerned about your cat's health, it is best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Pregnancy and birthing complications

If your cat is bleeding slightly for a day or two after giving birth, this is considered normal. The discharge will turn more red-brown and eventually stop on its own. However, if your cat is still passing discharge after 2 or 3 days, you should visit your veterinarian immediately.

Some abnormal situations can cause a cat to bleed after giving birth, such as:

• The kittens are large and damage the mother cat's birth canal during birth.
• Retention of fetal membranes.
• Uterus infection, inflammation, or trauma.
• Fluid build-up in the uterus.
• An unborn kitten is blocking the cat's birth canal.

If there is a foul-smelling, deep-red or black-coloured discharge, you should contact your vet immediately.

Vaginal tear

If you suspect that your pregnant cat has a vaginal tear, it is important to contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic right away. While waiting to see the vet, keep your cat calm and comfortable, minimising stress. Take note of the amount of bleeding and any other symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behaviour, to report to the vet.

Uterine infection

Symptoms of Pyometra

• Vaginal discharge
• Changes in drinking and urinating habits
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Causes of Pyometra

Pyometra occurs when the uterus becomes susceptible to bacterial infections. This happens when the progesterone hormone stays at an elevated level in the cat's body, causing the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterine lining is supposed to thin out again. However, in some cats, abnormal cystic growth begins instead, creating an environment for bacteria to grow and cause an infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pyometra

If you spot any symptoms of pyometra, it is important to bring your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will likely recommend spaying your cat, which involves surgically removing the sexual organs, including the uterus and ovaries. Antibiotics will also be given to prevent the infection from returning or spreading.

If your cat is needed for breeding, the vet may offer an alternative treatment. Hormones will be administered to induce uterine contractions and open the cervix, allowing the pus to drain out. Antibiotics will then be used to treat the infection. However, this method carries more risks and is only recommended if breeding is absolutely necessary.

Placenta retention

The mother cat, or queen, usually removes and eats the placenta instinctively. However, in some cases, the placenta is retained in the uterus. This can be due to an abnormally difficult labour, or dystocia, which can be caused by the queen's health, the position of the kittens, their size, or the number of kittens.

Signs of placenta retention include:

• Odorous lochia, a reddish-brown discharge from the vulva that may turn green if an infection has set in.
• Reduced milk production
• Bloody discharge for more than a week
• Bacterial infection of the uterus, usually caused by E. coli
• Septic metritis, inflammation of the wall of the uterus

If you suspect your cat is retaining a placenta, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will likely conduct a physical examination, examine the vulva, perform a urinalysis, and take blood tests to check for infection. They may also use an ultrasound or X-rays to locate the retained placenta.

Treatment may include an injection of oxytocin to stimulate contractions, intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, and, if necessary, surgery to remove the placenta. If the infection is strong and widespread, the veterinarian may need to spay your cat to prevent further infection.

Fetal death

Infection is a common cause of miscarriage in cats, with viral infections being the most common. Bacterial and parasitic infections can also cause miscarriage. Hormonal shifts or abnormalities, particularly low levels of progesterone, may also lead to miscarriage.

There are often no visible signs of miscarriage, especially in the early stages. Abnormal vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, and fever are potential signs of miscarriage or infection. Ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy and determine whether the fetuses are alive.

If a miscarriage is suspected, testing of both the mother and the fetus may be recommended to determine the cause. Blood tests, cultures of vaginal fluids, and histopathology of the fetus may be carried out. Finding the cause of the miscarriage may improve outcomes for the cat's future pregnancies.

If a cat develops a fever during pregnancy, intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be administered to prevent miscarriage or severe medical complications. If hormonal imbalances are suspected, a progesterone supplement may be given to help maintain appropriate hormone levels.

Frequently asked questions