Why Is My Cat Having Discharge While Pregnant?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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About 24 hours prior to going into labour your cat may become restless, uninterested in food and begin making a “nest”.

Her vulva may be swollen and have a clear mucous discharge

. Abdominal contractions will then commence, the queen will strain and the first kitten should be born within 1 to 2 hours.

Is it normal for my pregnant cat to have discharge?

“In many cats having their first litter, this first stage of labor can last up to thirty-six hours.” The queen usually stops eating during the last twenty-four hours before labor, and her temperature may drop below 100°F (37.8°C).

Vaginal discharge is rarely seen.

Do cats leak before giving birth?

When your cat is ready to give birth, there are several noticeable signs:

she may start leaking milk

, have visible contractions and start to purr loudly. Her body temperature will also start to drop slightly (by around 1°C).

Do cats have white discharge before giving birth?

You might notice your cat licking her genitalia frequently –

There is a discharge from the cat’s vulva a few hours before birth starts

. Your cat’s water will break as well. Now is the time for pacing, restlessness, and howling, meowing, or chirping from your cat.

Why is my cat leaking discharge?

There are many risk factors which can lead to vaginal discharge; some of the more common causes include:

Vaginal trauma

.

Vaginal infection

.

Urinary tract infection

.

What does pregnant cat discharge look like?

You notice that her discharge is

smelly or contains fresh blood

(blackish/reddish discharge is normal for a few weeks after the birth). Mum’s mammary glands become red, firm or are obviously painful. Any discharge from mum’s nipples is smelly, brown or bloody.

How do I know if my cat is having trouble giving birth?

She

will be dull and lethargic

, ignore her kittens, refuse food, become polydipsic, and may vomit. A purulent, foul-smelling vaginal discharge is present along with fever. Abdominal palpation may cause the queen pain and the uterus usually feels thickened.

How many kittens is normal for a first litter?

Between one and nine kittens will be born in a litter – most commonly

four to six

. First-time queens usually have a small litter size. When the birth is finished the mother will settle and allow the kittens to feed.

Can you feel kittens in a pregnant cat?


After about 50 days into the pregnancy

, as kittens near their birth size and begin to move about vigorously, they can once again be felt. Abdominal palpation is the least stressful (for a cat) and the least expensive (for you) method of detecting pregnancy—but it is not fail-proof.

What color is cat amniotic fluid?

Fetal membranes are

usually reddish-yellow in color

and surround the fetus that’s floating in amniotic fluid. If the mother cat fails to remove the fetal membrane within the first minute after birth, you will need to break the sac and wipe away any fluid from the kitten’s nose.

Can my cat still be pregnant after giving birth?

Your cat’s pregnancy will last about 9 weeks, with the average length being 63-65 days. And,

a cat can get pregnant again very quickly after giving birth

! Nursing her kittens won’t prevent pregnancy, and your kitty’s next heat may occur just a few weeks after her kittens are born.

How do you help a cat give birth for the first time?

Your cat might want to hide to give birth. However, you can

prepare a birthing area

, such as a cardboard box or laundry basket lined with towels or blankets. 2 If the cat uses this spot, it will be easier for you to observe and attend to the birth. Absorbent pads: Get absorbent pads to line the delivery area.

How do cats prepare for birth?

Just make sure that the items you use do not have any strong odors or fragrances. Kittens are born deaf and blind recognizing their mother only by scent. Set up her

food and water

just outside the nest and place a litter box about two feet away. Ensure that the area you choose is not a high traffic area.

What does it mean when cats throw up clear liquid?

Water/Clear Liquid

If your cat is vomiting clear liquid, it can be the fluid contents of the stomach, or

your cat might have drunk too much water

. There are many possible diseases that can cause cats to drink too much water, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease.

How do you know if your cat needs glands expressed?

Signs that you may need to express the glands manually include

redness in the area and the cat scooting around or licking excessively

. 1 Do not express your cat’s anal glands without first consulting with your veterinarian. Problems such as anal gland infections and tumors require additional treatment.

How do I know if my cat has an infected uterus?

  1. Bloody or purulent vaginal discharge.
  2. Urinating outside of the litterbox.
  3. Bloated abdomen.
  4. Lethargy.
  5. Vomiting.
  6. Decreased appetite.
  7. Blood in urine.
  8. Increased urination.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.