A cat has bleeding after giving birth: is it dangerous and what to do?

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The birth of kittens and postpartum recovery of the body are considered normal events in the life of a cat who has given birth. And if a cat has bleeding after giving birth, then this can be considered a natural process that accompanies the removal of remaining tissue, blood and mucus from its body. However, situations in which such discharge appears too long after the animal has finished giving birth require certain actions on the part of the animal owner to prevent possible adverse reactions to the health of the pet.

Reasons for appearance

Complications during pregnancy are accompanied by discharge, and when it appears, the animal is provided with medical care. The process occurs before childbirth or after active contractions.

Main reasons:

Inflammation in the reproductive organs or tissues near them.
The danger of miscarriage is accompanied by bleeding.
A binding substance is released that forms a mucus plug, and a yellow discharge is formed.
Damage to the uterus.
Separation of the placenta.
A bad smell and brown mucus with a greenish tint comes out of the loop.

How should you care for your cat during the postpartum period?

Well, it seems like the dangerous period is behind us, a satisfied mommy is purring, little lumps are feeding on mommy’s tummy. However, you should not relax, because the first 10 days are no less stressful than the last 6 hours before giving birth. Basic rules of care during the postpartum period:

It so happened that nature gave the cat no more than 10 days to fully recover. After this, mommy should be ready to lead an active lifestyle and be able to hunt.
Normally, a cat's discharge after birth should last from 1 to 3 weeks. Moreover, discharge first appears in a pregnant cat, about a day before giving birth.
To make recovery happen faster, kittens sucking colostrum will be great helpers. Because at this time, stimulation of nerve endings occurs, and, as a result, contractions of the uterus. If it so happens that the colostrum does not arrive in a timely manner, then it is necessary to massage the tummy, thus stimulating the production of colostrum. To do this, you need to wet a towel, it is best to use a soft cloth, and very carefully massage your pet’s tummy.
During contraction of the uterus, mucus and tissue debris are released. And this is a normal process. The discharge that occurs on the first day may be red, brown or greenish. Around day 5, the blood discharge turns into mucous membranes; they may have a slightly pinkish tint. The discharge should be without any foreign odor.
Normally, a cat should remain active after giving birth; she can easily take care of herself. If the birth process was complicated or she has numerous offspring that can exhaust the pet, she may need the help of her owner. If the animal has matted fur under its tail or on its hind legs, then it is necessary to wipe the animal with a damp cloth.
Your pet's nest should always be clean; it is best to cover it with a light cloth so that you can better control the animal's secretions, color and quantity. The discharge should not be very copious, but slightly spotting. Ideally, one diaper is enough for 12 hours.
One of the important points is providing the cat with peace. There is no need to bother her unnecessarily, there is no need to look at the kittens again. Stress can be the source of many health problems.

The reason for contacting a veterinarian may be discharge that lasts less than one and more than three weeks.

Postpartum recovery period for a mustachioed mother – when should you not worry?

Giving birth to a cat is a very important moment.
If the owner of the animal does not have special knowledge about obstetrics, then it is better to invite a veterinarian to the house. This is especially necessary for older animals; their births often occur with complications. It is necessary to maintain cleanliness in the room where the cat gives birth. This will help avoid infectious complications and the appearance of pathological discharge. Sanitary standards should be carefully observed in the first week after childbirth. During this period, the cat's cervix is open, and infection can easily penetrate inside.

Immediately after birth, you need to monitor the animal’s well-being. It is necessary to pay attention to the color and frequency of discharge. To determine the nature of the discharge, it is useful to lay a sheet on the cat. The discharge will be clearly visible on light-colored fabric. The litter needs to be changed 2 times a day or when it gets dirty.

If excessive bloody or purulent discharge appears, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. In such cases, the animal needs emergency help.

The animal's diet after birth should be complete. This will help strengthen your immune system. Particular attention should be paid to cats that have given birth to large kittens. Such pets most often experience postpartum complications, and the animals should be periodically shown to the veterinarian in order to prevent pathologies.

Pet owners need to remember that cats with inflammatory diseases of the genital organs may go into heat soon after giving birth. Under no circumstances should sick cats be allowed to breed with male cats. Compliance with this rule will help prevent the spread of infection and intrauterine infection of future kittens.

The process of giving birth to kittens sometimes comes with complications. Possible damage to tissues of internal organs and infection. Based on the nature and duration of the bleeding, you can determine why your cat is bleeding after birth and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Postpartum injuries

Urgent veterinary care is necessary when a cat, after giving birth, bleeds a characteristic scarlet color or produces copious mucus with numerous blood clots, and also experiences:

restless behavior;
rapid breathing that becomes shallow after a while;
heart rhythm disturbance.

Such manifestations indicate tissue ruptures. If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes or the amount of blood exceeds several teaspoons in volume, the cat will die. Even if the discharge is not heavy, the animal may go into shock.

Treatment depends on the amount of discharge and how much the cat bleeds after giving birth. If the bleeding is dripping and lasts no more than 10 minutes, drugs are used that help stop the bleeding. In case of severe and prolonged bleeding, emergency surgery is performed.

Inflammation of the uterus

If an infection enters the birth canal, inflammation of the uterine mucosa may develop. Infection can enter a pet’s body not only during the birth of kittens, but also later, since the cervix closes completely only on the 10th day after the birth of the offspring. The cause of the disease can be unsanitary conditions, incomplete expulsion of the placenta from the uterus, as well as a dead fetus.

Main signs of metritis:

A cat bleeds after giving birth.
The bloody discharge is copious and thick, like a paste. Their color is bloody-greenish.
The animal's body temperature rises, sometimes up to 40.5 degrees, the cat is depressed, does not eat and does not look after the kittens.

The treatment, which must be carried out by a doctor, usually uses oxytocin, which accelerates the involution of the uterus and brings it to a normal state. A course of antibiotics is also prescribed. In severe cases, the uterus is removed. In any case, kittens are weaned from their mother and transferred to artificial feeding. To avoid such complications, the pet should be examined immediately after birth.

It is important to remember that regardless of the nature of the bloody discharge, the presence of a sour, rotting, pungent foreign odor is a reason to seek veterinary help.

If a cat is pregnant, the owners must be fully prepared for the upcoming birth and obtain the necessary theoretical knowledge by reading the literature or consulting with a veterinarian. In this case, you can avoid serious complications that pose a danger both to the cat itself and to the offspring.

About a month before the planned mating, it is necessary to carry out preventive deworming and treat the coat against ectoparasites - fleas, ticks, lice-eaters. After a week, it is worth vaccinating your cat, which will avoid contracting dangerous infections and diseases. Revaccination is especially important if the cat roams freely outside.

It is very important to provide a balanced, complete, nutritious diet, adhere to a daily routine, and feed your pet at the same time. If your pet is kept on natural feeding, be sure to give the animal vitamin and mineral complexes.

Maintain hygiene, protect the pregnant cat from stress, avoid hypothermia, limit the cat from jumping from heights. A few days before giving birth, prepare a “maternity” room for your pet. Proper care of your cat during pregnancy will help avoid postpartum complications.

Often the process of giving birth to kittens comes with complications, which can be caused by infection, urogenital pathologies, injuries, bruises, and unfavorable conditions of care and maintenance. If the placenta does not completely depart, the vulva will constantly discharge bloody, watery discharge with a characteristic unpleasant sour odor.

Bright spotting after the administration of oxytocin indicates rupture and tissue damage. If the bleeding does not stop within 10-15 minutes, the cat will lose a large amount of blood, which can lead to anemia and even death.

Bloody discharge in cats after birth may indicate infection of internal organs, incomplete removal of the placenta, or the presence of kittens that died in the womb.

Bleeding can develop due to rupture of the walls of the uterus, with multiple pregnancies, carrying too large kittens, narrow birth canals, prolapse, uterine inversion, difficult childbirth.

With inflammation of the walls of the uterus, vaginitis, urogenital infections, postpartum discharge has a thick consistency, dark red, brown, dark brown, gray color with green clots, inclusions, and a fetid putrefactive odor. At the same time, you can notice general signs of deterioration. An inflammatory process in the uterus can develop due to the presence of dead fetuses in the uterus.

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Acute inflammation is accompanied by:

deterioration of general condition;
increased body temperature;
lack of appetite;
depressed state;
refusal to feed and care for the offspring.

Thick, pasty, bloody, purulent discharge of black, dark brown, gray color indicates the development of pyometra - inflammation of the uterus. This disease poses a real threat to the life and health of your pet and requires immediate treatment.

Postpartum bloody discharge interspersed with breast milk is a sign of vaginitis, inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system.

Owners should be alert to postpartum discharge that has putrid, sour, or other specific odors. In this case, urgently call a veterinarian at home.

To monitor the nature of postpartum discharge, use sterile snow-white cotton cloth as bedding for your pet. Change the sheet every 10-12 hours. If you notice any deviations from the norm, immediately contact your veterinarian. After diagnostics have been carried out and the root cause has been established, the cat will be prescribed adequate effective therapy.

Treatment methods for pathological postpartum discharge should be prescribed by a veterinary specialist, taking into account the diagnostic results and the root cause of this condition. The choice of therapy depends on the nature and intensity of postpartum discharge from the loop, the general physiological state of the animals, and accompanying clinical signs.

To remove the placenta from the uterus, in most cases, oxytocin is prescribed, which is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. To stop severe bleeding - hemostatic, vasoconstrictor drugs.

For inflammatory processes in the uterus, urogenital infections of various etiologies and pathogenesis in the uterus, cats are prescribed complex antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. For endometritis, Sinestrol, Papaverine, Pituitrin, the main effect of which is aimed at normalizing the tone of the uterus, help well.

To restore the general condition of the cat, immunomodulators, multivitamins, mineral complexes, and a therapeutic diet can be prescribed.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required. During treatment, the kittens are taken away from the cat and the babies are transferred to artificial feeding.

A satisfied cat purrs, and the kittens synchronously testify to their vital activity - the torment of childbirth is over, and you can breathe freely. No matter how it is. The following days, ranging from 10 to 14 days, will be no less stressful than a couple of hours of labor.

To avoid finding yourself in a situation where you don’t understand what’s happening and don’t know what to do, learn a few simple rules:

A little less than 2 weeks are needed to restore the new mother’s body. Only after this period will the cat be able to independently obtain food and lead a full life.
After giving birth, a cat will continue to bleed for 1 to 3 weeks.
Kittens that feed on their mother's milk play an important role in the cat's recovery. As in humans, lactation provokes a reaction in the nerve endings and stimulates contractions of the uterus to an acceptable size.
During the reduction, the uterus expels the remains of the mucous membrane and tissue, which is natural discharge after childbirth. If there is no colostrum, massage the female's nipples and belly with a damp, warm towel.
On the first or second day, the discharge will be brown or bloody, possibly with green streaks or patches.
On the third day, more and more mucous will appear, transparent or pink in color. This usually happens until the fifth day.
The discharge should not have a bad odor. Notes of “metal” are considered normal.
Throughout the postpartum period, the cat is quite capable of caring for itself. Too many offspring or complications during childbirth will exhaust the animal. In this case, you may need help. Mommy will spend all her energy on caring for the babies, but won’t find it for herself. If you notice that the fur under her tail and on her hind legs is matted or damp, perform hygiene procedures. Wash your pet with a damp, warm towel until she can take care of herself. As a rule, the cat recovers quickly.
The “nest” also needs to be looked after, and this is entirely your concern. The cat itself will not be able to change the bedding in the bed or box where it spends time with the kittens. A light, plain cloth is best to control the intensity and color of the discharge. The “correct” discharge is spotting. So, one diaper will be enough for half a day.
Do not allow visitors to the cat and offspring, at least for the first time. The animal will experience stress in the presence of strangers, and this is the key to postpartum complications. Do not disturb the cat when feeding and do not touch the kittens again.

Nature allotted only 10 days for the mother in labor to fully recover. At the end of the term, the young mother should be able to hunt and lead a full life.

Postpartum discharge lasts from 7 to 21 days.

Kittens that suckle colostrum are an integral part of the recovery “mechanism”. Milk production and the reaction of nerve endings stimulate uterine contractions.

By contracting, the uterus expels the remains of tissue and mucus, so when a cat has discharge after giving birth, this is the norm. If your pet has not received colostrum, soak a soft towel in warm water and gently massage the cat’s belly.

The first discharge may be brown or red, with green “veins” or patches. Gradually, by the 4th–5th day, the discharge becomes more mucous, transparent or with a pinkish tint. Please note that the discharge should not have any foreign odor; a “metallic” smell is considered normal.

After giving birth, the cat remains active and takes care of itself. Childbirth with complications or numerous offspring can “exhaust” a cat. If you notice matted or wet fur under the tail or on the hind legs, take hygiene procedures upon yourself and “wash” the cat with a damp cloth or towel.

The nest should be clean; it is better to use a white or light cloth to cover the top layer, this will help control the color and amount of discharge. The discharge should be light (smearing), one diaper should be “enough” for 12–14 hours.

Stress is the “root” of all complications and the first cause of weakened immunity. Keep the cat away from visitors, do not disturb the pet while feeding, do not touch the kittens unnecessarily, and be sure to talk to the animal.

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Hygiene

Discharge in a pregnant cat

Pregnancy lasts 9 weeks and consists of the following periods:

From 0 to 3 weeks, the embryo is fertilized and attaches to the wall of the uterus.
From 4 to 6 weeks, the uterus increases in size, the embryos grow, and are determined by palpation.
From 7 to 9 weeks, the embryos are fully formed, and the female prepares for childbirth.

The 2nd and 3rd periods are the most dangerous, the cat sheds the fetus prematurely or contractions begin, the kittens are born premature.

Brown discharge at any time alerts doctors; darkening is a sign of placental abruption and fetal death in the womb. A dangerous situation for the body occurs during intoxication, so that the woman in labor does not die, doctors provide assistance to her.

Late treatment results in the death of the pregnant female and kittens.

Adviсe:

Pregnancy is planned according to the rules after consultation with a veterinarian, all vaccinations are given, and vitamins are taken.
The animal is kept away from drafts and sudden changes in temperature are prevented.
The owners treat the cat carefully and do not touch the abdominal area.
Attention is paid to all deviations from the norm.
The pet's condition is always monitored.

Danger signs:

Scarlet blood indicates tissue damage; if it flows for about 10 minutes, you need to seek help from a surgeon to stop the bleeding.
Placental abruption occurs in the 2nd stage of pregnancy.
Green mucus with a disgusting odor comes out after the embryo dies. The body of the expectant mother is exposed to toxins, works poorly, kidneys, liver and other systems fail.
Impurities of pus indicate inflammation, an examination is carried out by a veterinarian, therapy is prescribed to save the pet’s life, and antibiotics are used. Termination of pregnancy is performed in the most difficult situations.

Bloody discharge before birth in a pregnant cat appears after rupture of the uterus or other internal organs. Comprehensive tests and ultrasound examination are carried out in case of detachment, the cat is observed by a doctor before the onset of labor.

The veterinarian looks for dead fetuses in the abdomen and performs a cesarean section or premature birth if found. The cat's health cannot be saved without surgery if the kitten dies in the womb.

Diarrhea is often confused with discharge from the loop; digestive problems are resolved with the participation of a veterinarian, since they affect the development of the embryos. Amniotic fluid and other secretions are examined after birth, the veterinarian studies their properties and prescribes medications.

What is considered dangerous?

If the birth of mustachioed babies was accompanied by the use of stimulants, for example, oxytocin, then bright and abundant red discharge from the vagina indicates that a uterine rupture has occurred. In this dangerous situation, the pet urgently needs professional help, because... severe bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes can take the life of an animal.

Other situations where action should be taken:

When postpartum discharge from the cat's genitals has a thick green consistency interspersed with blood, which signals the development of inflammation in the uterus. The cause of this problem in most cases is infection or incomplete removal of the placenta. There are situations when a dead fetus continues to remain in the womb, which causes decay and intoxication processes in the cat’s body.
If a yellow or gray-green mucus-like liquid with an unpleasant odor is released from the vagina, then an inflammatory process in the uterus is most likely diagnosed. In such a situation, the pet’s temperature may rise, lethargy and apathy appear, eating behavior will change, and the mother cat will become cold towards her kittens. If the uterus is seriously damaged, it may need to be removed.
If you detect white and liquid discharge from the genitals, you should seek help from a specialist. These signs indicate the first stage of pyometra or vaginitis. Plus, the cat is in a dejected state.
If the pet arches its back very much, screams, meows irritably, and when lying down, blood is visible in the discharge and its increasing intensity, then this is a good reason to help the mother cat by taking her to the veterinary clinic.
When the discharge smells unpleasantly of something sour or rotten.

Bleeding occurs in a cat after childbirth for various reasons, usually the root of the problem is various kinds of physical damage: ruptures of the uterus and vulva, multiple births and heavy weight of babies, narrowed birth canals, rupture of sutures, eversion or prolapse of the uterus.

All of the above cases require urgent and professional help. The owner’s initiative and the prescribed therapy itself can harm the pet.

It is completely natural for a cat to have discharge during heat or estrus. The color of the discharge during this period is transparent, and the consistency is uniform without an unpleasant odor. The heat does not stop for several days, and the cat arches her back, exposes her hindquarters, and shows excessive playfulness and affection.

Discharge during pregnancy may appear in a cat up to the third week. This is due to the fact that a mucus plug forms in the cervix, the excess of which flows out. This is usually clear or stringy mucus that is difficult to notice because it comes out along with urine. Until the 6th week, yellowish discharge is very rarely observed in small quantities - excess amniotic fluid.

During contractions and pushing in a cat, the presence of brown and bloody discharge from the uterus is normal. For some time after childbirth, liquid greenish discharge appears, gradually becoming lighter, and then completely disappearing.

Scarlet blood at any stage of a cat’s pregnancy is always a sign of pathology and can be a signal of uterine rupture. The reason for the release of brown clots is placental abruption or fetal death. Green ones with an unpleasant odor indicate a bacterial infection, most likely due to the death of the kitten and the beginning of the decomposition process.

Treatment methods

One of the causes of postpartum bleeding is incomplete expulsion of the placenta from the uterus or the remaining kitten in it. It is wrong to assume that if the cat’s efforts are over, then the birth is over. In some cases, the fetus or its membrane remains in the womb. This can lead to serious consequences for your pet's health and even death. If the fetus is not removed within 24 hours, it will begin to decompose, poisoning the mother’s body with toxic toxins. The discharge will be copious, dark, thick, with a noticeable smell of rotting.

Feel your pet's belly after contractions are over. It will be hard if there is still fetus in the uterus. There are drugs that stimulate labor, one of which is oxytocin. Such medications cause strong contractions of the uterus, helping the woman in labor push out the kitten. Stimulant medications are not harmful to animals when used in a timely manner and in proper dosages.

The procedure for removing a kitten must be carried out as quickly as possible. A day after birth, the kitten in the womb begins to decompose, and in order to save the cat's life, surgery to remove the uterus will be required.

Can a cat be given Oxytocin after giving birth?

In the last century, Oxytocin was a fairly common drug used after childbirth. At the moment it is considered somewhat outdated, however many veterinarians use it very successfully. This drug stimulates contractions, but it is not recommended for use either immediately before birth or at the time of labor resolution, because the animal may have uterine rupture against this background. Oxytocin is widely used during the expulsion of the placenta, that is, when all the babies are born.

If the owner has given Oxytocin and the pet is bleeding brightly, then this is a clear sign of uterine rupture. In this case, the cat must be taken to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. If the bleeding is dripping, then a hemostatic drug can help in this situation. When the discharge is abundant, nothing will help her except surgery.

Frequent injuries after childbirth

The walls of the uterus become inflamed during acute metritis, the disorder appears due to unsanitary conditions, vaginitis, if a dead fetus or placenta remains in the birth canal, subinvolution of the organ occurs. The retained embryo may protrude from the loop; doctors carefully remove it under sterile conditions.

No stress - no problems

Most of the complications that occur during a cat's birth are related to either her anxiety or genetic factors. You cannot correct heredity, but protecting your pet from unnecessary stress is your primary responsibility.

A pregnant cat's body is constantly under stress, even if you don't notice it. From the first day of fertilization until the end of feeding the offspring, the young mother’s body will be forced to adapt to the conditions.

From about the third week of pregnancy, the kittens will begin to physically put pressure on the mother's organs, which will lead to real physiological changes in the functioning of the body. During this time, the cat's immune system will be suppressed. The vulnerability of an already weakened body leads to an increase in risks associated with the development of hidden pathologies and infection with viral diseases.

Prevention measures

Preventative measures will help prevent complications after childbirth:

Do an ultrasound of the uterus of a pregnant cat to know the exact number of kittens and not worry that one of them remains in the womb or birth canal.
Conduct an examination of the cat for the presence of pathologies, the exacerbation of which during pregnancy or during childbirth can threaten the health and life of the animal. If you have urolithiasis after childbirth, bloody mucus may appear in the urine, and during pushing, stones and sand may become dislodged. There is a high probability of damage to the genitourinary system. You will need to take a urine test and undergo an ultrasound of the kidneys and genitourinary system in order for the veterinarian to prescribe treatment.
Properly care for your pregnant and postpartum cat. Provide her with peace, the help she needs, a balanced diet and enough fluids.
Carefully monitor the condition of the body and behavior of your pet. Cover the box in which the mother and her offspring live with a white cloth to monitor the color and intensity of postpartum discharge.

Diagnosis and treatment

First, the animal must be examined by a doctor and prescribed a set of necessary diagnostic measures. Depending on the suspected disease, the following studies may be prescribed (variably or in combination): blood tests (simple, detailed, biochemical) and urine, cultures to identify the bacteria that cause the infection, vaginoscopy, X-ray or ultrasound, biopsy with cytology, serological studies.

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The choice of treatment method depends on the specifics of the disease. Some can be resolved through therapeutic measures, others only through surgery. So, if the appearance of vaginal discharge is associated with pathological processes, therapeutic measures are prescribed. In cases of serious infectious diseases, tumor formation, inflammation and damage to the genital organs, surgical operations may be prescribed. The following methods are carried out:

in case of blood clotting disorders (mechanical injuries, postpartum complications) - hemostatic therapy;
the use of antibiotics - to suppress pathogenic microflora;
removal of the uterus and its cervix, possible removal with appendages;
removal of tumors. It is also possible to remove benign formations. Removal of malignant tumors is also accompanied by drug treatment.

If your cat has abnormal postpartum discharge, the choice of treatment will depend on the cause. It is necessary to treat the underlying pathology:

If the placenta is not fully delivered, the veterinarian gives an injection of Oxytocin. This remedy causes contractions of the uterus and helps remove the placenta.
For infectious diseases, antibiotics are indicated.
If a cat has severe uterine bleeding, then the use of coagulants is necessary.
For fistulas and advanced cases of pyometra, surgical treatment is indicated.

During the course of therapy, the owner must provide the pet with adequate nutrition. The animal's diet must be designed in such a way that it is rich in vitamins and other beneficial substances. This will strengthen the cat's immunity and promote recovery.

To understand what is causing the cat’s internal bleeding, specialists will conduct an ultrasound, x-ray, palpation, etc.

Depending on the cause of the disease, therapy will be prescribed:

If problems appear due to the effects of oxytocin, hemostatic drugs will be prescribed, as well as active therapy. Severe blood loss will most likely require surgery.
For whitish discharge from the genitals, antibiotic therapy is performed using intramuscular injections. In this case, the mother cat can be treated at home without being separated from the little furry cats.
When endometritis is diagnosed, the pet is treated with Papaverine, Sinestrol and Pituitrin, which increase the tone of the uterus, which allows you to get rid of all traces of blood and mucus. If the process of releasing clots is difficult, then you can massage the abdominal cavity, thus affecting the uterus. Therapy for this disease takes about 2 weeks if everything is done correctly initially.

In any case, even in the absence of abnormalities, the mother cat should be given immunomodulatory, restorative drugs and vitamin supplements.

If a woman in labor has infectious diseases, she needs to be separated from the little fluffies.

What should the owner do?

The owner of the animal should remember a few simple rules:

Don't interfere. Childbirth is a natural process, and most cats give birth on their own. You just need to unobtrusively observe the pet’s behavior.
Do not panic. The owner's anxiety will increase the cat's anxiety.
Be ready to help. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian in advance about what medications may be required (hemostatic agents, labor inducers, etc.).

When do you need veterinary help?

However, in many cases, postpartum discharge is one of the symptoms of serious pathologies. You should immediately contact a veterinarian in the following cases:

If during the birth process the animal does not have all the placenta released. For example, a cat gave birth to five kittens, but three or four placentas came out. This condition threatens the pet with a dangerous disease - purulent inflammation of the uterus. This severe pathology often has to be treated surgically.
If a large amount of discharge comes out of the loop, this most often indicates a disease.
If an animal comes out with pus, this always indicates severe inflammation or tumor. Moreover, the pathological process does not always develop in the genitals. Such discharge may be a sign of bladder cancer.
It is necessary to contact a veterinarian if discharge was observed during pregnancy.
If an animal experiences heavy and prolonged bleeding, this should always be a reason to immediately contact a specialist.
If a cat suffers from poor blood clotting, and after giving birth the animal experiences red discharge, this is a very ominous sign. With hematological pathologies, any damage received during childbirth can bleed for a very long time. In severe cases, the animal may die from blood loss.
It is also necessary to urgently contact a specialist if discharge is observed after a difficult birth that occurred with ruptures of the mucous membrane. In such cases, cats often develop inflammation of the vagina - vaginitis.
In rare cases, primiparous animals develop a fistula between the intestines and genitals. This is an extremely dangerous pathology that can be complicated by sepsis. In this case, not only blood is released from the loop, but also a small amount of feces.
If your cat has had chronic urinary incontinence in the past, you should be examined by a veterinarian. In this case, urine constantly leaks and irritates the loop area. Over time, inflammation develops, accompanied by discharge.

Next, we will look at the different types of postpartum discharge and the possible reasons for their appearance.

Treatment

To prescribe the necessary treatment, the veterinarian conducts an examination using palpation, ultrasound, and x-rays and consists of the following:

For minor bleeding caused by Oxytocin, veterinarians prescribe hemostatic agents; if significant blood loss is observed, then surgical intervention will have to be performed on the animal.
If a cat gets sick, her temperature rises, then the kittens need to be isolated from their mother and transferred to artificial feeding.
When a veterinarian prescribes gentle treatment, the owner may not have to face the question of separating the mother from the kittens.
If a cat is diagnosed with inflammation of the uterus, then in addition to antibiotic therapy, the veterinarian prescribes medications that lead to an increase in tone. As a result, the remaining tissue is removed from the uterus. In addition to medications, you can massage your tummy. With timely treatment, a complete cure occurs in your pet after 2 weeks.
Immunostimulants and vitamins will help the animal recover after a difficult period.
In case of inflammatory processes in a cat, it is necessary to conduct a milk test. If it turns out to be infected, the kittens must be separated from their mother.

If your cat has bloody discharge, the situation needs to be assessed immediately. If complications occur, you should contact your veterinarian for medical help as soon as possible. It is very important that assistance is provided in a timely manner, because the life of a young mother depends on it.

Complications during childbirth

Some animals calmly give birth in the presence of their owner, while others try to hide in a secluded corner. If the pet is hiding, then it cannot be left unattended.

Your cat may need help with the following conditions:

Weak labor. This happens due to a large fetus or weakness of the uterine muscles.
Bleeding. Appear when the birth canal or uterine walls are damaged. Veterinarian assistance should be provided within 10 minutes.
The birth of a kitten in the amniotic sac. Usually the bladder ruptures inside the uterus, but if it comes out intact, then you need to break the membrane and give the baby to the mother. If this is not done, the kitten may die.

You need to observe the animal unobtrusively, trying not to disturb it. If the cat trusts the owner, then she herself asks for help with a loud meow.

In what cases is the help of a veterinarian required?

An examination by a veterinarian of a pregnant cat if bleeding appears during pregnancy is mandatory in any case. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of bleeding based on laboratory clinical studies and ultrasound. Medical care not provided on time can cost the life of not only the offspring, but also the cat itself.

Any pathological process in an animal’s body poses a direct threat to life and health. During gestation, the uterus increases in size and is abundantly supplied with blood for the active growth of kittens. Rupture or other damage to the uterus as a result of trauma is accompanied by heavy bleeding - without emergency help, the cat may die from severe blood loss.

If one or more fetuses die, the pregnant cat must undergo emergency surgery. Otherwise, the fetus will begin to decompose inside the womb, which will lead to intoxication, and subsequently, the death of the pet. The recovery period after surgery necessarily includes treatment with antibiotics and other medications.

If the kittens can still be saved, the doctor prescribes restorative therapy to the patient - a course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins. If there is no direct threat to the cat’s life, the animal is sent for home treatment. It is necessary to provide the cat with a warm sleeping place, plenty of fluids and a gentle diet.

How to avoid complications during pregnancy? To do this, it is enough to follow preventive measures, namely:

provide the animal with a nutritious, healthy diet;
conduct deworming courses in a timely manner;
get vaccinated on time;
Allow your pet to breed after a comprehensive examination by a veterinarian;
try to avoid injury and hypothermia of the pet;
Constantly monitor the cat’s condition before giving birth;
Do not expose the animal to stress and heavy physical activity.

The cat has been giving birth for two days now and after the birth of two kittens, labor stopped, she is suffering, how can I help?

Marina, Moscow

A cat can normally be in labor, well, just like a dog, for up to 12-18 hours. If labor lasts longer, it means that labor is already pathological. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that these 12 hours are not birth from the beginning of the appearance of the first kitten until the appearance of the last. This is the time that can, in principle, be as long as possible between kittens. That is, if you have one kitten and the second kitten is not born within the next 12 hours, the birth is certainly pathological. If in total more than 24 hours pass from the birth of the first kitten to the last, then the birth is also pathological. In this case, you must definitely contact a specialist, because there are a huge number of birth pathologies, ranging from intrauterine death of kittens to malpresentation of fetuses.

Symptoms of pathological discharge

Of course, the main clinical sign for all these pathologies will be vaginal discharge, but various variations are still possible due to the deterioration of the animal’s general condition:

As we have repeatedly written above, pathology should be suspected if any uncharacteristic discharge appears immediately after childbirth or a few days after it.
At the same time, cats begin to constantly lick the genital area. Sometimes they get so carried away by this activity that they even stop caring for their kittens.
Often, with inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, the pet experiences severe pain, which is why it begins to behave inappropriately. She constantly runs, meows, and can literally roll on the floor. The animal cannot even feed the kittens normally. However, in such cases, we would recommend feeding babies artificially, since pathogenic microflora can get into the milk.
A fairly characteristic symptom is constant, non-stop urination. This happens because the cat is constantly pushing.
For the same reason, constant “big” hikes or involuntary bowel movements are possible. Due to the constant mixing of discharge from the genitals and feces, brown discharge may be observed.
Apathy, feverish state, sharp increase in thirst.

Remember that if your pet is in a lethargic state and (especially) a noticeable drop in its overall body temperature, you must immediately call a veterinarian. These signs indicate septic processes. If you delay, your cat may very well die.

Main predisposing factors

So, why might a cat bleed during (or after) childbirth? There are many reasons.

Let's list the most dangerous ones:

Pathologies of the cervix , including its insufficient opening. The latter happens with some pathologies of the endocrine glands in cats: if the animal’s body produces too few hormones, the cervix will not open in time. This will lead either to the impossibility of a normal birth of kittens, or to ruptures. If a large fruit still manages to “squeeze” through a hole that is too narrow, ruptures are inevitable.
Oncological diseases of the reproductive system. They are more common in older animals, but can also occur in relatively young cats.
Placenta previa . A pathology in which the baby's place is located close to the cervix.
A much more unpleasant situation is when the placenta grows into the muscular lining of the uterus , or the muscular tissue of the organ “attracts” the placenta. In severe cases, during childbirth, all this is torn so that the cat dies from massive blood loss in a matter of minutes. In addition, even at the onset of labor, the animal screams loudly in pain and behaves very nervously and restlessly. Without the help of a veterinarian, the animal will not be able to give birth on its own, and if it manages to do so, it will die.
Infectious diseases of the reproductive system, including those that the cat suffered long before giving birth. The fact is that with endometritis, for example, the uterus itself can be severely damaged, as a result of which the embryos will not be able to attach normally to the endometrium. This can lead to very severe pathologies, including ectopic pregnancy.

One of the most common problems is birth injuries . They are especially typical for cases of large fetuses. When the cat itself is small, but the father of the kittens is a representative of some large breed, the birth can end badly (especially when the mother is a first-time mother). Injuries to the cervix are very common. They are dangerous, by the way, not only because of serious bleeding: subsequently an inflammatory process develops, fraught, among other things, with the development of oncological pathologies of both the cervix itself and the entire uterus.
Prenatal injuries are no less dangerous . For example, in cases where a pregnant cat jumped unsuccessfully and hit her stomach, a hematoma may form directly in the tissues of the uterus. During childbirth, it will almost certainly burst, causing bleeding. However, if the hematoma is already formed and no further bleeding occurs, the cat’s health is not in danger.
Deformities and congenital pathologies of fetuses . Again, in this case, unborn kittens can become very large (especially when the fetus is a weird mishmash of two or three fused embryos). Often natural childbirth is not possible in such cases. Practicing veterinarians say that in cats that have given birth to kittens with abnormalities at least once, the chances of this happening again are very high.

Thus, the conclusion is simple: if a cat secretes a small amount of blood from her genitals and this happens only during the birth of kittens, then her life and health are most likely safe. In cases where copious bleeding is observed both during the birth of kittens and after it, it would not hurt to call a veterinarian. Most likely, something is wrong with your pet. And it is advisable to do this as soon as possible.

A set of measures to prevent undesirable consequences of childbirth

When preparing for childbirth, even experienced animals experience fear and anxiety. The nervousness of the cat's mother can negatively affect the birth process.

You need to observe the animal unobtrusively, trying not to disturb

To reduce the likelihood of complications, it is necessary to prepare in advance for your pet a place that meets the following requirements:

Accessibility for cleaning. You need to be able to clean the cat’s “nest” and at the same time disturb the mother and offspring as little as possible. A good option would be a mattress covered with an absorbent diaper.
Space limitation. While crawling, newborns can fall off the bedding, and the kitten’s squeak unnerves the pet. If labor is not completed, the reaction to the baby's crying can cause complications. A large box or installation of limiting sides will do.
No drafts. The immunity of both mother and cubs is still weak.
Removing strangers. Extra people make the animal worry and try to hide the born offspring. Inexperienced cats can accidentally crush babies. In a calm environment, the pet will relax, give birth and settle down so that it is more convenient for newborns to suckle.

Please note: Stopping arterial bleeding from the vessels of the upper and lower extremities

A cat giving birth should have a bowl and a toilet next to the “nest”. The birth process can take several days and the cat's mother needs to ensure that her natural needs are met.

Diseases accompanied by discharge

After giving birth, a cat may develop a disease such as vaginitis or inflammation of the genitourinary system. They are bothered by white discharge that has the consistency of milk. These diseases can be dangerous for cats, because... She has a weakened immune system after giving birth. For vaginitis, treatment may be prescribed, but the cat will continue to feed the kittens, provided that the milk is not lost. But if antibiotics are prescribed, you can forget about breastfeeding.

If you, as an owner, are embarrassed by the cat’s discharge after giving birth, then it is better to call a veterinarian at home so as not to separate the pet from the babies. Perhaps in your case everything is not so bad and she will be able to feed them.

What to do if there is bleeding?

Often, when blood discharge is detected in a pregnant cat, owners begin to panic and try to help the animal at home. A favorable outcome in a pathological condition largely depends on how quickly and competently assistance is provided. If any heavy discharge with an odor is detected, the cat should be taken to the veterinarian. After examining the patient, performing an ultrasound and taking samples, the doctor decides on further treatment tactics.

There are several common reasons for miscarriage. It can be:

genitourinary infections – toxoplasmosis, chlamydia and others;
abdominal injuries, falls from great heights;
uncontrolled mating;
congenital pathologies of the pelvic organs in cats;
inbreeding leading to genetic abnormalities.