When a cat is expecting kittens, she needs to receive a series of special care throughout the pregnancy For everything to go well, a child needs a quiet home, a protein-rich diet, and above all, lots of love from their human family. It's also essential that their caregiver knows recognize the warning signsAnd one of the most worrying is the presence of blood.
Normally, feline pregnancy progresses without problems, and most cats manage very well on their own. However, sometimes complications can arise. abnormal bleeding which indicates that something is wrong. If you're wondering why is my pregnant cat bleeding And how you should act; here you will find a detailed guide to understand what may be happening and when to go to the emergency vet.
What color is blood?
Depending on color of bleeding Depending on the type and stage of pregnancy the pregnant cat bleeds, different measures will need to be taken. A small, occasional reddish spotting at the beginning of pregnancy is not the same as a dark, foul-smelling discharge, or one accompanied by fever, pain, or lethargy.
Red blood
If the blood is from vivid red color And if the bleeding is minimal, it may indicate that one of the fetuses has died and that the body will reabsorb itIn this case, the cat can continue with the rest of the pregnancy normally. Most commonly, The cat continues to live a completely normal life.He eats, moves around, seeks affection, and uses his litter box as usual.
Even so, it's always recommended Take her to the vet for an examinationThe professional will assess the condition of the fetuses and uterus through an examination and, if necessary, with ultrasound, and may prescribe treatment. antibiotics or anti-inflammatories specifically for cats If there is a risk of uterine infection or inflammation, it is also important to inform the veterinarian. In what approximate week of gestation Where is it located and when did you first notice the bleeding?
Red bleeding at different times during pregnancy
When red blood appears in the first weeks of pregnancyIn addition to the possible reabsorption of a fetus, it may be a small partial abortion or slight bleeding associated with embryo implantation. If you have any doubts, it's best to consult a veterinarian to rule out complications.
If red bleeding occurs past the halfway point of pregnancy or near delivery, may indicate Advanced abortion, placental abruption or the onset of labor itself. In these cases, it's important to observe whether the cat shows contractions, panting, nervousness, nesting or the expulsion of clear or mucous fluid, as these could be signs that labor has begun or that you need to know how to help my cat give birth if any problem arises with one or more fetuses.
Black blood or green fluid
If the bleeding is black, very dark or expels green or greenish liquidThe situation is more serious. These colors may indicate that the cat is suffering from a bacterial infection in the uterus (such as metritis or an open pyometra during pregnancy) or that there is one or more kittens that are dead and rotting inside, instead of being reabsorbed.
When this happens, the cat usually presents other symptoms such as loss of appetite, apathy, fever, and vomitingThere may also be unpleasant odor from vaginal dischargeExcessive licking of the genital area, abdominal pain, or rapid breathing. In these circumstances, the mother's life is in danger, as well as the lives of any surviving fetuses.
To recover as quickly as possible, it is necessary to Take her to the vet urgently.because their own life is at stake. The professional may need to perform blood tests, an ultrasound, and, in some cases, a... emergency cesarean section or even sterilization (removal of the uterus and ovaries) to save the cat.
Other causes of bleeding in a pregnant cat
Even in a pregnant cat, bleeding isn't always solely due to pregnancy. There are other causes. diseases and health problems which can cause the cat to bleed from the vulva or for us to see blood in the litter box or on the floor:
- Cystitis or urinary tract infections: can cause bloody urinePain when urinating, frequent visits to the litter box, and meowing when urinating.
- Pyometra: a serious infection of the uterus that can also occur in unspayed cats; it causes fever, weakness, bleeding or pus through the vulva and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- TraumaBlows, falls, or bites to the abdominal or genital area can cause internal or external bleeding.
- Uterine or vaginal tumors: less frequent, but can manifest with intermittent staining or bloody flow.
In all these cases, the recommendation is the same: Don't wait for the problem to solve itself and seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
What to do if my pregnant cat is bleeding
In the event of any type of bleeding during pregnancy, the first thing to do is keep calm and observe the cat closely. Look at the amount of bloodThe color, the smell of the discharge, whether there are clots, and whether other symptoms appear such as vomiting, fever, labored breathing, pain, apathy or intense contractions without kittens being born.
It is very useful to write it down When did the bleeding start?Tell us how many times you've seen him and any changes in his behavior. All this information will greatly help the veterinarian make a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Veterinary care is key
There are no home remedies that can treat the problemFurthermore, we shouldn't give it to him either. human medications (neither painkillers, nor anti-inflammatories, nor antibiotics) because, by doing so, we could poison the cat and end its lifeBlood, especially if it is black, very dark, or greenish, is something that must be taken very seriously.
At the veterinary clinic or hospital they will examine her, they will be able to tell us exactly what does it have and how we should act to ensure everything goes well. Depending on the situation, they may establish guidelines. medical treatment, hospitalization, fluid therapy, cesarean section, or surgeryThe sooner you receive professional help, The better the forecast both for the mother and for her kittens.
Keep a good diet rich in proteina calm environment, a comfortable nest, veterinary check-ups when appropriate, and knowledge How to help your nursing catThis, combined with the natural ability of cats to manage their motherhood, will ensure that most pregnancies end with a healthy mother and strong kittens, and will help you react in time if any abnormal bleeding occurs.
