Causes of cat discharge. Purulent discharge in a cat

With your pet. You can often hear that the process of giving birth to babies almost certainly must be accompanied by some complications and difficulties. Fortunately, this is far from the case, and it is rare to actually help the animal. Other breeders are concerned about discharge before childbirth: they also believe that discharge from the external genitalia must necessarily indicate something unpleasant and deadly... Is this really so, is it necessary to immediately contact a veterinarian?

Let’s immediately deal with one important nuance. There is discharge during pregnancy, and there is immediate prenatal discharge. If your cat has any “leaking” from the external genitalia, and there is still a month left before giving birth, immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. Discharge during such a period is an unambiguous pathology, indicating the presence of inflammatory processes in the organs of the cat’s reproductive system.

Discharge that appears shortly before birth does not pose any danger. It is very likely that your pet is simply losing a mucus plug from the cervix. This can happen about three days before giving birth. If mucous discharge appears much earlier than this period, you should contact a veterinarian. Early removal of the plug does not bode well for either the cat or her offspring.

Mucus plug, what is it and what is it for?

Any animal lover who has experienced childbirth in their pets at least once probably knows about the existence of the cervix. This is the tubular part of the organ, the function of which can be compared with the intestinal sphincters, for example. In the normal state (when the cat is not pregnant), the cervix is always tightly closed due to contraction of muscle tissue. This reliably prevents pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora from entering the organ cavity.

The uterus must always and in all cases remain sterile! Everything else is a deviation from the norm.

At the time of birth, a certain number of microbes may enter the organ cavity, but, as a rule, the body is able to cope with them on its own.

True, there is one nuance. During pregnancy, the cervix is no longer closed so tightly. This is due to the fact that subsequently the organ will still have to relax, since otherwise the cat will not be able to give birth. It is at this time that the mucous plug acquires special significance: it serves as a “plug” that does not allow dirt and microorganisms to enter the organ cavity.

Cork is impenetrable to air and other environmental factors. Damage to it during pregnancy is always fraught with a number of extremely unpleasant consequences. In cases where the integrity of the “plug” is broken in the last three to five days before birth (brown mucus), nothing bad will happen. This is a completely physiological phenomenon, and it poses no danger either to the cat itself or to its offspring.

But in situations where the plug is damaged long before childbirth, this does not bode well: pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora, dirt and other negative environmental factors enter the cavity of the pregnant uterus. All this leads to the development of severe inflammatory processes.

Signs of mucous plug coming off before childbirth

If the cat is fairly clean and regularly licks the genital area (and right before giving birth, she does this all the time), then you may not notice anything. But the classic signs discharge is the appearance of mucous discharge from the external genitalia. Normally they are pink, but may have a reddish-pinkish or even brown color. Let us emphasize once again that this is a completely normal phenomenon, and it does not pose any danger to the health and life of the animal.

But with normal prenatal discharge, the animal’s behavior should also remain normal. Since the animal feels the approach of birth, it becomes restless and constantly runs around the house in search of the most suitable place for kittens.

If something is wrong, the cat may meow “hysterically,” avoid contact with the owner, and react inadequately to attempts to palpate its stomach. If such signs appear, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Causes of pathological discharge

As a rule, in veterinary practice the following causes of pathological, unnatural discharge during the prenatal period are encountered:

Any inflammatory processes localized in the uterine cavity.
If there is a threat of miscarriage.
It happens that to form a mucus plug, the body used too large volumes of a binder, which is why “leaks” of yellow (or brown) mucus can be observed throughout pregnancy. Hypothetically, such a phenomenon in itself does not pose a danger. Unfortunately, excessive “fluidity” of the mucus plug can lead to its complete, premature destruction. We have already talked about what this entails above.
Quite rarely, but there are cases when, due to severe hormonal disorders, a pregnant cat develops signs of sexual heat, accompanied, among other things, by the release of eggs. At the slightest sign of this, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, since any hormonal imbalances that appear during pregnancy (even in its final stages) are fraught with miscarriages, as well as the birth of weak and defective kittens.
Ruptures of uterine tissue.
Pathologies of the placenta, including cases of its detachment.
Intrauterine death of kittens. Often even the most inexperienced breeder can find out about this, since the death of fruits is often accompanied by putrefactive decomposition (maceration). The smell and appearance of the discharge are appropriate; in severe cases, even being near a pregnant cat can be extremely difficult. Thick, white or green purulent discharge may appear.

Pathological discharge in pregnant cats is often accompanied by other alarming signs: apathy, lack of appetite, inappropriate behavior. Note that negative symptoms also include the cat’s reluctance to lick the area of the external genitalia in the presence of discharge from them. Since such behavior (craving for cleanliness) is inherent in cats at the genetic level, the absence of this trait indicates a very serious condition of the animal.

What kind of discharge should you call a veterinarian for?

Discharge of clear mucus in the first weeks of pregnancy is completely normal. At this time, a mucus plug is formed in the cervix, and the “technological surplus” from this process is released into the external environment.

Depending on the color, smell and consistency, as well as the time of appearance (immediately before birth or long before it), the discharge can be either physiological or pathological, indicating the need to urgently call a veterinarian.

To accurately determine the nature of the “leaks”, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

Bloody or bloody discharge, appearing a few days before the kittens are born is a bad sign. If more than a tablespoon of blood is released, and its volume continues to increase, we are clearly talking about intrauterine bleeding. At the slightest suspicion of this pathology, you must urgently contact a veterinarian.
If around the middle of pregnancy your cat develops reddish-brown bloody discharge, this is a very bad sign. Most likely, it indicates placental abruption and intrauterine death of all offspring (the probability of this is very high). With properly prescribed treatment and a certain amount of luck, there is a chance to save offspring. In more severe cases, a decision may be made to surgically remove the entire uterus and ovaries.
Expirations greenish color with a disgusting smell, it is very bad. The appearance of such signs clearly indicates not only the intrauterine death of all offspring, but also the putrefactive processes occurring in the mother’s body. There is practically no chance of saving the kittens; with a high degree of probability it can be assumed that treatment will require surgical removal of the entire uterus. However, here everything depends on the intensity of putrefactive-necrotic processes.
Appearance greenish, greenish-white, yellowish discharge- a very alarming sign, as they indicate the development of purulent inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system.

Prevention is the key to health!

Thus, not all prenatal discharge in cats is normal, and if any occurs, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Even with timely treatment, there is no guarantee of preserving the life of kittens (or even the cat itself), and therefore every effort must be made to avoid the development of this type of pathology:

Remember that in healthy cats the development of birth pathologies is practically excluded. In general, carefully monitor her, choose only high-quality food, and bring her to the veterinarian for a preventive examination at least once a quarter.
In the second half of pregnancy, try to isolate the cat in a room where there are no high pieces of furniture or sharp corners so that the pet cannot injure its enlarged belly.
Be sure to get all vaccinations prescribed by your veterinarian, as they will reliably protect your cat from many infectious diseases.
A pregnant cat should be protected from drafts, but at the same time make sure that she does not sleep near heating appliances. Sudden changes in temperature have a bad effect on the intrauterine development of fetuses.
Make it a habit to carefully observe your cat’s behavior for at least ten minutes a day. The sooner you notice any deviations from the norm, the sooner you can help her.

Most importantly, remember that any discharge from a pregnant cat that appears no earlier than a couple of weeks before the “official” due date is potentially dangerous!

Of course, there are situations when they have a completely natural origin, but much more often their appearance is a consequence of severe pathological processes. Only an experienced veterinarian in a well-equipped clinic can save the life of a pet and her offspring.

The article was read by 115,652 pet owners

A cat's vaginal discharge is the appearance of a liquid substance (other than urine) on the labia of the vulva (external genitalia). The discharge may be clear or watery (serous), bloody, cloudy and gray, yellow/green (purulent) or dark green, black, brown (postpartum). A cat's white discharge may or may not have an odor. When there is discharge, the cat constantly licks the causative area.
In some cases, vaginal discharge, depending on the appearance and cause, is considered normal. However, the presence of discharge may also be a symptom of a urinary or reproductive tract disorder.

When your cat has discharge and you don’t know what to do and are looking for advice on the Internet on forums, we recommend that you do not self-medicate or experiment on your beloved cat, because the consequences of your experiment may disappoint you and your family.

Call us at any number from the contacts section and get a free consultation or arrange a doctor’s home call at the nearest time convenient for you.

What are the causes of discharge in a cat?
Vaginal discharge is normal immediately after childbirth. Over the next few days, the discharge ranges from dark green to brown in color. In such cases, discharge may persist for up to 3 weeks.

Vaginal discharge is a normal symptom of heat in an intact female dog. Bloody discharge occurs for several days when the cat is in heat;
Vaginal discharge is also considered normal during the immediate postpartum period. The discharge is often present for several days. Color ranges from dark green to black. Traces of discharge can persist for up to 3 weeks;
After birth, when the placenta does not leave, the cat may experience constant watery and sometimes bloody discharge. This type of discharge is abnormal;
Any discharge that occurs during pregnancy is potentially dangerous;
Urogenital infections, such as urinary tract infections or uterine infections in cats (), may result in a discharge that is pink or opaque in color (purulent);
Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract can cause bloody or purulent discharge from the cat's vagina;
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) can lead to watery or mucous discharge;
A coagulation (blood clotting) disorder may result in abnormal bloody discharge that is difficult to distinguish from blood in the urine (hematuria);
Trauma or the presence of a foreign body in the vagina can lead to bloody, watery, or purulent discharge;
An abnormal position of the (ectopic) ureter or problems with the sphincter (the muscle that acts as a valve to open the bladder) can lead to pooling of urine in the vagina and secondary irritation and resulting persistent discharge;
Defects and fistulas between the rectum and vagina can result in the passage of watery feces from the vagina.

What other symptoms besides vaginal discharge can be observed?

Any type of vaginal discharge other than normal urine flow;
Excessive attraction of cats;
Excessive licking of the vagina;
The cat rubs its butt on the floor or rolls on the floor for a long time;
Increased urination and/or difficulty urinating;
Difficulty with bowel movements;
Lethargy, fever, increased thirst.

What diagnostics are needed?

It is important to obtain a complete medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination.
Additional studies may include:

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis;
Culture to rule out bacterial urinary tract infections;
Vaginal cytology;
Culture of vaginal discharge;
Abdominal X-ray (X-Ray) to evaluate the uterus and pelvis;
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
Vaginoscopy;
Cytology and biopsy of any abnormal tissue in the vagina;
Serological tests for brucellosis and herpes;
Examination of the kidneys and ureters to identify any abnormalities;
Coagulation, if bloody discharge is associated with a blood clotting problem.

What treatment is prescribed for discharge from the loop (vagina)?
Vaginal discharge, which is considered normal, does not require treatment. Additionally, vaginitis, which sometimes occurs in young puppies, often resolves spontaneously after the cat has been spayed or gone through her first heat.
Other causes of vaginal discharge in cats require specific treatment depending on the cause. Examples of such therapy may be:

Surgical removal of an infected uterus, foreign body, or uterine or vaginal tumor (pyometra);
Surgical correction of any congenital defects of the ureter, vaginal walls or rectum;
Prescription of antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginitis, consequences of injury;
Corrective therapy for any bleeding disorder;
Chemotherapy for selected tumors of the vagina or external genitalia, such as sexually transmitted diseases (lymphosarcoma, transitional cell carcinoma).

How to treat at home if a cat has discharge from a loop? Home care
Administer all prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. Observe your pet. If clinical signs do not improve or worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to call a veterinarian at home? What questions will need to be answered?
In order to call a veterinarian, you need to:

Call the operator at the numbers specified in the Contacts section;
Tell what happened to the animal;
Provide the address (street, house, front door, floor) where the veterinarian will arrive;
Specify the date and time of the doctor’s arrival.

Call a veterinarian at home and he will definitely help you.
At home, as they say, even the walls heal.

A cat's discharge may consist of liquid substances, which does not include urine. They mainly appear on the external genitalia. It is worth noting that the discharge may be bloody, gray, cloudy and even watery.

It is important to notice this phenomenon in time. In some cases, this is no big deal. But often discharge indicates that the animal has health problems. Moreover, they can be of any nature. In any case, the cat should be immediately shown to a veterinarian in order to exclude the worst possible outcomes. There are several main reasons why cats have discharge.

So, first of all, this phenomenon can be considered normal only if it occurs in the postpartum period. Moreover, it is important to pay attention to the color, so dark green and brownish-red discharge should not cause concern to the animal’s owners. After all, we are talking about the recovery period after childbirth; it usually lasts 3 weeks. Sometimes discharge appears in cats during estrus, if it is “untouched” by the cat. This phenomenon occurs over several days and does not pose any danger.

Moreover, this phenomenon is quite difficult to distinguish from blood in the urine. Therefore, diagnosing anything on your own is difficult, and generally dangerous for the animal’s life. If a cat has suffered a vaginal injury, then bleeding may accompany it throughout its life.

The color of the discharge during this period can range from dark green to black. As in the previous case, all this persists for 3 weeks. If we are talking about the pregnancy period, then any discharge in cats at this time is dangerous. There is no point in waiting and hoping for the best; you need to take the animal to the veterinarian. So, all of the above is considered to be harmless phenomena; further we will talk about more serious cases.

Urogenital infections are often accompanied by discharge from the genitourinary tract. They may be pinkish or even opaque. In the latter case, we are talking about a purulent infection. Most likely, the animal is developing pyometra; you need to start fighting it immediately. This disease is a serious tumor. A cat's pyometra must be removed in a timely manner so that it does not lead to death.

The next reason for discharge may lie in cancer of the urogenital tract. With this phenomenon, the discharge is reddish or purulent. They mainly appear in the vaginal area. Pulling and self-medication is prohibited; the animal should be given qualified assistance immediately. Often, mucous discharge signals the presence of vaginitis. This disease is fraught with serious consequences. It is an inflammation of the vagina, in which action must be taken immediately. Blood clotting disorders lead to abnormal bleeding.

It is important to recognize discharge in time, because for some reason many owners do not attach any importance to it. Ultimately, the animal suffers and everything ends in death. Obviously, you don’t want to lose your pet due to inattention. Therefore, you need to know some information. In particular, about the most terrible diseases, such as pyometra.

But if we are talking about pus, then you should consult a doctor. What is pyometra in cats and how to properly deal with it? By the way, if the injury was “removed” by an experienced specialist, then there is no need to worry. Otherwise, more serious problems may arise. Sometimes animals have an abnormal position of the ureter or some problems with the sphincter. In this case, discharge occurs, the cause of which is the pooling of urine in the vagina.

This “combination” promises constant irritation, which is where, in fact, everything comes from. Sometimes cats have some defects in the rectum or fistulas. Therefore, watery feces travel through this channel through the intestines into the vagina. This is where the strange discharge comes from. In any case, whatever the nature of this phenomenon, we need to fight it. You should not wait until the situation changes on its own, this can lead to serious consequences and the animal may eventually die.

If you do not address this issue in time, you may be left without a pet. Pyometra in cats, which is not so easy to treat, is often found in these animals. Therefore, if any discharge appears, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Most owners periodically encounter certain problems with cats. For example, estrus is often accompanied by clear secretion, which is completely normal. However, what should you do if your cat has white discharge? What is their danger and how should such symptoms be dealt with? More on this later in the article.

White discharge due to endometritis

Initially, if a cat has white discharge from the uterus, this can be considered a bad sign. Of course, there is a possibility that everything is fine. But you should play it safe and check your pet for common diseases. Among them:

vaginitis;
endometritis;
pyometra.

While white discharge in a pregnant cat is more or less understandable, in other cats it can be a cause for concern. For example, this may indicate an infection. Specifically speaking about endometritis, it occurs in animals that have been given medications for estrus. This is why veterinarians recommend sterilizing cats whose owners do not need offspring.

A cat may have white discharge after giving birth. This is often associated with retained placenta. In addition, it happens that the frozen fetus remains directly in the uterus. This causes purulent processes that lead to endometritis itself.

This disease can manifest itself in both acute and chronic forms. In the second case, the symptoms are practically indistinguishable, so the cat may seem quite cheerful. And the fact that these animals are prone to cleanliness will lead to the owner not even noticing that something is wrong.

Such a disease, if not properly treated, can lead to putrefactive processes and even death of the cat.

White discharge due to pyometra

One of the reasons for the production of white pus in a cat may be pyometra. This disease requires a very serious approach and intervention from specialists. The causes of this disease can be both hormonal imbalances in the pet and the consequences of endometritis.

If your cat's discharge is not properly treated, pyometra can appear very quickly.

The symptoms of this disease do not appear immediately. It's not just vaginal discharge. Signs such as fever, loss of appetite, thirst, and strange odors may appear. Closed pyometra is considered the most dangerous. In this case, the uterus is closed and prevents the cat from escaping white pus. Thus, the animal’s condition deteriorates very rapidly, leading to the fact that the pet can barely move.

Sometimes pyometra appears too late. There is no white watery discharge, and pus accumulates inside. Such processes can be fatal. The discharge of pus in a cat is not always noticeable, so you should carefully monitor your pet's condition. This is important, because only the owner can notice in time and prevent terrible consequences.

Treatment of white discharge

If your cat has a white or yellow discharge, this should be a good reason to contact a veterinary clinic. Do not hesitate, because time can play against your pet. The doctor must immediately take tests, swabs and conduct all studies, assess the situation with his eyes and with the help of ultrasound. This will help you understand why your cat has white discharge.

The prescribed treatment is often complex. In especially severe cases, surgical intervention is allowed.

It is worth understanding that the recovery process will be a huge stress for the animal and may take more than one day or even a month. Therefore, it is during this period that the cat will need the care and support of the owner. A combination of love and medication should help the animal cope with inflammatory processes.

In some cases, owners do not suspect that the cat has problems with the reproductive organs. A signal about painful processes in the body of a pet is white, yellow or bloody discharge from the vagina. In the article I will describe their types and the diseases that cause them. I’ll tell you what needs to be done, whether it can be treated and what first aid to provide to the animal.

White

Inflammatory process in the genitals, there is a white discharge from a loop. It is a consequence of hypothermia or infection. The cat licks under its tail. Frequent urination. When pathogenic bacteria reach the bladder, it develops. Walking your pet and being in drafts is prohibited. Self-medication is ineffective. It is possible to prescribe the necessary medications only by examining urine.
Serous vaginitis– inflammation of the vaginal walls. Typical of organ injuries received during lambing. Possible as a complication of previous diseases. This occurs after administration due to microflora disturbance.

Purulent

genital and reproductive organs. The cat is losing weight for no reason and is indifferent to food. Fluid regularly accumulates under the tail. The pet stops taking care of herself. Looks sloppy.
Catarrhal-purulent vaginitis. Inflammation of the vaginal walls, complicated by an abscess. A viscous and cloudy exudate is observed.
Vaginal phlegmon. Swelling of the vulva and pubis, accompanied by abscesses. Pus and mucus come out.
– purulent inflammation of the mucous layer of the uterus. It occurs against the background of hormonal imbalance, provoked both by the consumption of drugs that reduce sexual activity, and by advanced endometritis. The individual is not active and looks depressed. The most dangerous is the closed form. No pus is released. The state of health deteriorates sharply, which is why failure to see a doctor can lead to death.

Any purulent discharge has an unpleasant odor.

Bloody

Oncology of urogenital organs. Accompanied by the discharge of pus when the general condition worsens.
Decomposition of the placenta with incomplete release of the placenta. The cat feels unwell, feels weak, does not eat, and may bleed from the anterior passage. Body temperature rises. Delay is fraught. The patient needs urgent surgery (cleaning) in a clinical setting.
Damage to the uterus associated with careless surgery, especially in sterilized cats. Blood flows from under the tail. The victim needs to create the most comfortable conditions possible: arrange a resting place in a room where no one will disturb the peace. It is not possible to determine harm on your own. Improper transportation is life-threatening. It is necessary to call a veterinarian to your home to examine and take appropriate rescue measures.
Endometritis– inflammation of the mucous layer of the uterus. It is provoked by infections, as well as by taking medications that suppress attraction to the opposite sex. The discharge is strong and spotting.
Threat of miscarriage. Bleeds between the fourth and eighth weeks.
Bleeding disorder. Leads to the release of characteristic bloody clots and red liquid.

Discharges considered physiological norm

Discharge is not always a sign of illness.

Consider cases where an unpleasant-looking sight occurs due to natural causes.

Estrus. The name speaks for itself. Signals the time for mating. Lasts 3-7 days. The female is in an excited state. Meows loudly and hysterically. Doesn't sleep well. The front part of the body bends down, the back, on the contrary, lifts up. The exudate is transparent and odorless.
Postpartum period. Typically, a woman in labor recovers after lambing within 21 days. Possible red-brown tint. They have a metallic taste. The new mother is cheerful, shows natural instinct (feeds, licks, protects the kittens).
During pregnancy are considered natural until the third week (a plug forms) and bloody the day before birth.

Prevention

To avoid unaesthetic manifestations, you must:

provide Murka proper living conditions(staying under fans, air conditioners, or in ventilated rooms is not recommended, getting wet in cold rain, or staying outside for a long time in sub-zero temperatures is unacceptable);
monitoring behavior and well-being pet;
comprehensive examination in the clinic for detection, including the listed diseases (twice a year).

If a cat has discharge in the anus area, the health of the pet should not be neglected. It is much easier to visit the veterinarian one more time than to lose a living creature due to your own negligence.