Cat Pregnancy: Causes of Urethral Bleeding & Abortion I

Part 1: Identifying a Cat's Miscarriage

Cats can experience various forms of miscarriage, including stillbirth, premature birth, mummified fetus, and fetus maceration. Determining if a cat has miscarried involves observing any unusual signs. In the early stages of pregnancy, a cat's miscarriage may go unnoticed by the owner, as there might only be occasional discharge of a pinkish color from the vulva. However, if the pregnancy extends beyond a month, the cat's vulva may exhibit a significant amount of red discharge with a yellowish tinge. In cases of premature birth, there may be live, dead, or mummified kittens before the expected due date.

Part 2: Diagnosing Bleeding During a Cat's Miscarriage

A typical pregnancy in cats lasts around two months. If a cat starts bleeding after 40 days of pregnancy and the bleeding continues for more than 40 days, it indicates some internal changes. Monitor the amount of bleeding; a small amount is usually considered a normal part of pregnancy. If the bleeding is excessive, it could be a sign of a miscarriage. It's advisable to consult a veterinarian and pay attention to other symptoms. Cats may also experience premature labor and bleeding due to some form of stress.

Part 3: Determining a Cat's Labor

Generally, a mother cat will have amniotic fluid and vaginal discharge as labor begins. A normal delivery usually occurs within two hours. If there is no sign of a fetus within two hours, it's essential to take the cat to a veterinary hospital for an abdominal ultrasound to check the fetus's position and presentation. If the fetal heart rate is below 200 beats per minute, an emergency cesarean section may be necessary.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on cat pregnancy, you might find the article "What to Do If Your Cat Gets a Cold During Pregnancy" helpful.