Cats are amazing creatures that bring joy and companionship into our homes, but they can also suffer from various health issues, including postpartum bleeding after giving birth.
Postpartum bleeding is a common problem for cats, but it can be serious if it’s not treated quickly and properly.
In this article, we will explore the causes of postpartum bleeding in cats, how to recognize it, and what treatments are available to help your kitty recover from this condition quickly and safely.
What is Normal During Cat Birth?
During labor and delivery, it is normal for a female cat to have some vaginal discharge or spotting due to the rupture of small blood vessels in her uterus as the kittens pass through the birth canal.
This type of discharge usually stops within 24 hours after delivery and does not require any special treatment or intervention from you or your veterinarian.
Is It Normal For A Cat To Still Be Bleeding After Giving Birth?
When giving birth to kittens, cats often bleed from the uterus and form a clot to stop the bleeding.
The clot remains in the uterine wall, and the cat then stitches it shut to stop any bleeding from the wound. The cat may bleed again for several days after giving birth before it stops.
This bleeding from the uterine wall is normal.
Why Is Your Cat Bleeding After Giving Birth?
Cats often experience complications when they give birth.
The most common problem occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine walls. This separation is called placental abruption, and it can lead to heavy bleeding.
If left untreated, placental abruption can kill both the mother and the kittens.To treat placental abruption, veterinarians often recommend surgery.
However, sometimes surgery isn’t possible or necessary. In these cases, veterinarians can prescribe certain medications to help stop bleeding and prevent death.
How To Recognize If Your Cat Has Postpartum Bleeding?
If your cat is experiencing heavy vaginal discharge more than 24 hours after delivery, she may be suffering from postpartum hemorrhaging.
Other signs may include lethargy, weakness, anorexia, pale gums due to anemia, and rapid breathing due to shock or pain from internal injuries sustained during delivery or labor itself.
It’s important to note that these symptoms could also indicate other medical conditions, such as pyometra.
So, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior after giving birth.
How To Stop Postpartum Bleeding In Cats?
The postpartum period in female cats can range anywhere from 7 to 21 days, but the average is about 10 to 14 days.
After giving birth, female cats suffer from a condition known as uterine involution, or postpartum bleeding. This condition, if left untreated, can cause serious complications.
Uterine involution is when the wall of the uterus shrinks and the uterus shortens. This happens because the placenta is no longer needed and the afterbirth is removed.
This can cause excessive bleeding in the mother cat, which can make it difficult to nurse her kittens effectively.
The signs of uterine involution include weak urine or blood in the litter box, excessive bleeding from the vagina, and bloody vaginal discharge.
Cats suffering from uterine involution can be dehydrated, lethargic, and underweight.
To treat uterine involution, you can administer fluids via IV, treat the anemia with blood transfusions, or treat the infection with antibiotics.
If your cat is bleeding excessively after giving birth, don’t delay taking her to the vet.
What Medical Treatments Are Available For Cats With Postpartum Bleeding?
Postpartum bleeding in cats is a common occurrence, but it is rarely a cause for concern.
In most cases, it resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. However, if you notice persistent bleeding or bleeding after giving birth, make an appointment with your vet.
The vet will check the pregnancy and rule out any other health issues. If the vet determines that the bleeding is due to normal postpartum issues, they may prescribe medication or recommend surgery.
Can You Prevent Postpartum Bleeding In Cats?
Yes. You can prevent postpartum bleeding in cats by giving birth in a veterinary clinic or hospital.
You can also prevent postpartum bleeding by mating your cat with a male with a similar pheromone profile or by using estrus synchronization to artificially trigger ovulation.
For cats that have never been mated, it’s possible to induce ovulation by injecting a hormone or implanting an ovulating egg into the cat’s uterus.
However, you should never induce estrus or artificially induce ovulation unless a veterinarian recommends it.
When Should You Call A Vet For Postpartum Bleeding In Cats?
It’s normal for cats to bleed during parturition, just like humans bleed during childbirth.
However, excessive bleeding after birth is called “postpartum bleeding,” and it’s a serious problem for cats.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to know when to call a vet about your cat’s bleeding—you just look for the color.
Postpartum bleeding should be bright red to dark red in color, and it should be accompanied by a small amount of blood-tinged meconium.
If your cat’s bleeding is any other color, such as brown or purple, you should contact your vet immediately.
Also Read: Why Does Your Cat Keep Panting After Giving Birth?
Conclusion
Postpartum bleeding is a common problem among cats, but it can be serious if left untreated, so it’s important that you recognize the signs early on so that you can get help immediately if needed.
Luckily, there are several treatments available depending on what caused the bleeding, so with proper care, your cat should make a full recovery soon.
