TL;DR: Green discharge in a pregnant cat before a kitten is born is a life-threatening emergency indicating placental separation. Seek immediate veterinary care to save the kittens and the mother.
What does green discharge mean in a pregnant cat?
Green discharge, or uteroverdin, is a pigment that is released when a placenta separates from the uterine wall. While it is normal to see a small amount of dark green fluid during active labor immediately before a kitten is born, seeing it at any other time during pregnancy is a significant red flag.
Is green discharge in a pregnant cat an emergency?
- Green discharge indicates that at least one placenta has detached, meaning the kitten is no longer receiving oxygen or nutrients from the mother.
- Without immediate veterinary intervention, the kittens and potentially the mother are at severe risk.
- If your cat is experiencing green discharge and has not yet delivered a kitten, you should contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Why should I take a photo of my cat's discharge for the vet?
- A clear photo allows the veterinary team to assess the color, volume, and consistency of the fluid.
- This visual helps the vet determine the severity of the placental separation.
- Sharing a photo allows the surgical team to prepare for a possible emergency C-section before you even arrive at the clinic.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
During parturition, a normal vaginal discharge can be clear, serous to hemorrhagic, or green (uteroverdin). However, an abnormal color or character of vaginal discharge warrants immediate veterinary attention. Stage I labor presents with a clear, watery vaginal discharge, while visible abdominal efforts characterize Stage II. Typically, abdominal efforts should not last > 1-2 hours between kittens.
Chapter: Reproduction
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 2227)