When a cat gives birth, continued bleeding often causes concern, leading owners to question what constitutes a normal recovery versus a medical emergency. The process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state, known as involution, naturally involves the discharge of blood and tissue. Some post-birth bleeding is expected in the mother cat, also called the queen. The volume, color, and duration of this discharge are important indicators that distinguish a healthy recovery from a serious complication requiring immediate veterinary attention. Understanding this difference ensures the health and safety of the new mother and her kittens.
Normal Post-Partum Discharge (Lochia)
The normal discharge following birth is termed lochia, which is the body’s method of expelling remnants from the uterine environment. Lochia is a mixture of blood, tissue debris, and uterine fluids shed as the placental attachment sites within the uterus heal. Initially, the discharge can range from a dark reddish-brown to a greenish-black coloration, which is typical immediately after the delivery of a kitten and its placenta.
This discharge should be relatively light, appearing as simple spotting rather than a continuous, heavy flow. The color generally changes to a rust or brownish-red over the next few days, becoming lighter in volume and shade as time progresses. Light spotting can persist for up to three weeks post-delivery as the uterine healing process completes. Lochia should never be foul-smelling, and the queen should appear healthy, attentive to her kittens, and possess a normal appetite.
Recognizing Dangerous Bleeding
Bleeding that deviates from the characteristics of normal lochia is an immediate sign of a potential medical emergency. A flow that is heavy, continuous, or profuse, soaking through bedding quickly, is considered excessive and dangerous. The presence of bright red, fresh blood in large quantities suggests active hemorrhage rather than the dark, older blood typical of healing lochia.
The consistency of the discharge is also a significant warning sign, particularly if accompanied by a foul or putrid odor. If the discharge contains large clots, especially those exceeding the size of a dime, it may indicate a serious uterine complication. Owners must also monitor the cat’s systemic health for associated symptoms.
These signs include weakness, lethargy, or collapse, which point to significant blood loss or systemic infection. A cat with dangerous bleeding may exhibit pale gums, a manifestation of anemia or shock. Other concerning changes include a lack of interest in the kittens, refusal to eat, fever, or noticeable abdominal pain.
Common Medical Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
When bleeding is excessive, prolonged, or accompanied by systemic illness, it is typically caused by specific complications arising from the birth process. One of the most frequent causes is a retained placenta, which occurs when fetal membranes remain inside the uterus after a kitten has been delivered. This retained tissue prevents the uterus from contracting fully, leading to continued bleeding and creating an environment for bacterial growth.
The retained material often leads to metritis, a bacterial infection of the uterine lining that develops within the first week postpartum. Metritis is characterized by a foul-smelling discharge that can be dark green, brown, or pus-filled, alongside signs of systemic illness such as fever, depression, and a reduced milk supply. Common bacteria like Escherichia coli can cause this infection, and if left untreated, it can rapidly progress to septic shock.
In severe cases, heavy bleeding may result from uterine hemorrhage or a laceration sustained during a difficult or prolonged birth. Trauma to the birth canal can cause immediate, profuse bleeding that requires urgent surgical intervention. Less commonly, a systemic issue like a coagulation disorder can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, leading to generalized, persistent bleeding.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Any observation of the dangerous signs mentioned previously warrants an immediate call to an emergency veterinary clinic or your primary veterinarian. Time is a considerable factor when dealing with uterine complications or significant blood loss, and rapid professional assessment is necessary to prevent deterioration of the queen’s condition. Owners should provide a detailed history, including the exact time of the last kitten’s birth and the number of placentas observed.
It is helpful to describe the discharge characteristics, noting if it is bright red and flowing heavily or if it is dark and malodorous. When transporting the mother, bring the entire litter, as separation causes stress and disrupts nursing. The veterinary team will perform a physical examination, blood work, and possibly an ultrasound to visualize the uterus for retained tissue or excess fluid before initiating treatment.