Vaginal bleeding is abnormal during any feline pregnancy and should be a cause for concern. If the bleeding is noted during the early or middle stages of gestation, it's likely that the queen has had a miscarriage or aborted the babies.
In the second stage of labor, contractions become stronger and more visible and you may note a small amount of clear, tan or blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Note that it is perfectly normal for kittens to be born either head first or back-end first.
Your cat will lose her mucus plug: she may have a small amount of discharge, which is the mucus plug coming out ready for the kittens to pass through. This marks the start of stage 1 of labour. Your cat will usually lick herself clean, so you may not notice the mucus plug.
Vaginal bleeding can be caused by a normal heat cycle, uterine infection (also called pyometra), trauma, or a clotting abnormality.
Abnormal vaginal discharge (brown, green, black, or pus-colored) at any time during pregnancy, abdominal pain, and fever are all potential signs of miscarriage or infection. Additionally, some cats experiencing a miscarriage will begin to have contractions and deliver stillborn kittens.
Between weeks 4 and 6 of a cat's pregnancy, the foetuses of the future kittens will start to grow rapidly. This brings about significant physical changes for the mother to be: her back hollows out, her pelvis becomes wider and her abdomen swells.
Thomas: Tiny blood spots in wet places are a key indicator of the presence of fleas. These nasty little parasites feed off your cat's blood, and when they poop, they poop out that dried blood. Dahlia: Flea dirt looks like little black specks when it's dry, but when it's wet it turns a rusty-red or blood color.
There are many risk factors which can lead to vaginal discharge; some of the more common causes include: Vaginal trauma. Vaginal infection. Urinary tract infection.
Most female cats don't bleed on their period (aka while in heat) because they reabsorb their uterine lining as opposed to expelling it. However, you may notice spots of blood on the floor or in your cat's bed. This is normal during estrus and nothing to be alarmed about.
LABOR STAGE I
Nesting behavior begins. This is the time to place her in the queening box (hopefully she is already accustomed to the box). After getting settled in the queening box, you may notice her dragging clothing or fabric to the area to form a comfortable bed.
In a sense, yes, cats do have menstrual periods. In felines it's called 'oestrus', but many people just refer to it as being 'in heat'. Only unspayed female cats go through these cycles but rather than shedding the old womb lining like humans do, they reabsorb it, so bleeding is a very rare side effect.
Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to “scoop” her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach.
About 24 hours prior to going into labour your cat may become restless, uninterested in food and begin making a “nest”. Her vulva may be swollen and have a clear mucous discharge. Abdominal contractions will then commence, the queen will strain and the first kitten should be born within 1 to 2 hours.
The mother will have a bloody vaginal discharge for several days following delivery. If it continues for longer than one week, your veterinarian should examine her, since she might be experiencing postpartum complications such as a retained placenta.
Just like a human, when a cat is in her early stages of labor, she will have contractions that are supposed to push the babies down through the birth canal so she can deliver. You can usually see or feel these contractions by watching her abdomen closely or by gently placing your hand on her belly.
Vaginal discharge in cats is a broad symptom that can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Many of these conditions may be life-threatening, and it is important that you bring your cat to your veterinarian for a full examination if vaginal discharge is occurring.
In the third week of your cat's pregnancy the kitten embryos will begin to grow their organs. This causes a hormone surge in your female and their nipples may become swollen and pink. Around weeks three and four, your cat may start to show noticeable pregnancy signs.
However, kittens can seldom be felt until at least 26 to 35 days after breeding and fetuses can be difficult to feel in some cats. Abdominal ultrasound can be used to diagnosis pregnancy after 21 to 24 days post breeding.
During week four, you'll notice your cat gaining weight and your vet will be able to confirm her pregnancy with an ultrasound. You should avoid picking your cat up at this stage so you don't accidentally harm her or her growing kittens. Speak to your vet about the proper way to handle a pregnant cat.
The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding.
This can vary from light spotting or brownish discharge to heavy bleeding and bright-red blood or clots. The bleeding may come and go over several days.
This is also the best week for the vet to confirm pregnancy by feeling for kittens in the womb. Week 5: The kittens now take up a lot of space and the mother's belly starts to look swollen.
During the gestation period, the belly has grown more and more. In the end, it sinks down which gives your cat a pear-shaped figure. Shortly before delivery, the nipples are swollen even more. They now look like small funnels, sometimes already leaking drops of mother's milk.