TL;DR: Vaginal bleeding in cats indicates potential urinary or reproductive issues and typically requires a veterinary exam within 24-48 hours. Seek immediate emergency care if the bleeding is paired with lethargy, vomiting, or a swollen abdomen.
What causes persistent vaginal bleeding in my cat?
Persistent spotting of blood from the vulva in cats is an abnormal clinical sign indicating that blood is leaking from either the reproductive tract or the urinary system. In intact (non-spayed) females, this could indicate uterine issues, while in spayed cats, it is more commonly associated with the bladder or urethra. Common causes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or more serious conditions such as pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection) or reproductive tract tumors.
Is vaginal bleeding in my cat a veterinary emergency?
- Urgency Level: Medium. Most cases require a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
- High-Priority Emergency: Seek immediate care if your cat is lethargic, refusing food, vomiting, or has a distended abdomen.
- Spotting often signals an underlying inflammatory or infectious process that needs prompt medical attention.
How does taking a photo of the discharge help my veterinarian?
- Visual Evidence: A clear photo on a white paper towel helps the vet see the exact color (bright red vs. dark brown).
- Consistency and Volume: Photos help determine if the discharge is watery or mucoid and the approximate amount of blood.
- Accurate Triage: This visual information allows for more accurate phone triage and helps the doctor narrow down the diagnostic path before the physical exam begins.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Persistent blood spotting from the vulva in cats can be caused by pyometra, especially when the cervix is open, resulting in a purulent vulvar discharge often containing blood. Vaginal cytology can help determine the nature of any vulvar discharge. Differential diagnoses should exclude pregnancy and other causes of vulvar discharge. A complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis should be performed to evaluate overall health and rule out other causes of similar clinical signs.
Chapter: Reproduction
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1399)