Dealing with a Cat Miscarriage: Essential Care & Tips

Cat Abortion Symptoms

The symptoms of a cat abortion can vary depending on the length of the pregnancy.

1. Abortion within the first two weeks of pregnancy:

When a cat aborts during the early stages of pregnancy, there may be a small amount of pale pink discharge from the vulva. However, if the cat is particularly clean and you do not observe frequently, you might not notice any symptoms. Cats often lick their vulva and eat the discharge tissue during their grooming, making it difficult to detect an abortion.

2. Abortion after one month or more:

If an abortion occurs after more than a month of pregnancy, the cat's vulva may show a large amount of red discharge, along with abdominal pain, anxiety, and the delivery of embryos, dead fetuses, or mummified fetuses.

It is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if you notice any abnormal discharge or behavior in your cat, as abortion can be a severe condition.

What to Do if Your Cat Aborts

There are two main aspects to consider: emergency treatment and postabortion care.

1. Emergency Measures:

Upon discovering abortion symptoms, the cat should be taken to the vet immediately to determine if the fetus can be protected. In cases of threatened abortion, a lack of progesterone is often suspected, and a 2mg/kg intramuscular injection of progesterone should be administered every 48 hours for 3 to 5 doses, depending on the current weight. This progesterone injection can help to stabilize and preserve the pregnancy.

In addition, intramuscular progesterone injections can also affect habitual abortions. If there is a history of reproductive issues, it is recommended to note the last abortion date and administer the same dose of progesterone three days prior to protect the fetus.

Since it is possible that only some of the fetuses may die (not all), progesterone injections are essential.

When abortion is inevitable due to fetal death, prostaglandin F2α, oxytocin, or estrogen should be used to facilitate the expulsion of the fetus and other uterine contents. Otherwise, leaving them inside can lead to infection in the female cat, potentially resulting in death.

2. For female cats showing signs of toxic shock or general poor condition, it is crucial to administer glucose supplements immediately and use antibiotics appropriately based on changes in temperature and bloodwork.

Of course, it is also important to ensure that your cat receives adequate nutrition after surgery to maintain a healthy body. Highquality cat food with a high meat content, such as a brand with up to 85% meat, and a high crude protein content of 42%, can be beneficial. You can also consider giving your cat some treats to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.