Signs of Aborting Kittens in Female Cats

Like humans and other species, cats experience different reproductive problems, including abortions. Abortions, or miscarriages, are sometimes spontaneous and can be caused by infection, disease, age, health or improper nutrition. Miscarriages are serious health risks. If you notice any signs of miscarriage in your cat, contact a veterinarian immediately.

  1. Vaginal Discharge

    • A sign of feline abortion or miscarriage is vaginal discharge. For cats, vaginal discharge of any kind is abnormal, so it may be an indication that the cat is experiencing a miscarriage. Fluids discharged as a result of a miscarriage are normally yellow, thick and mucouslike. However, fluids may also be clear or watery.

    Vaginal Bleeding

    • Vaginal bleeding is another sign of feline miscarriage. Bleeding occurs when a cat experiences a mycotic abortion, which is an abortion due to fungal infection. The presence of fungi causes the uterus to bleed, and blood leaks out of the vagina.

    Fever

    • During and after miscarriages, cats experience an elevation in body temperature. Fever is a result of infection inside the body. The cat may be unable to expel the kittens' fetuses, causing the dead tissue to dissolve inside. The body reacts to fight such infections by raising body temperature. Detect high body temperature by placing your hand on the cat's belly to determine if it feels warm to the touch.

    Loss of Appetite

    • If a pregnant cat shows a significant decrease in appetite, it may be experiencing a miscarriage. However, loss of appetite is somewhat normal for cats. If loss of appetite is the only sign that you notice, closely monitor the cat for the next 48 hours to observe any other symptoms.

    Fetal Expulsion

    • Perhaps the most obvious sign of a feline abortion is fetal expulsion. If you notice that the cat expels any bloody or mucouslike tissue, you may have witnessed a miscarriage. During early pregnancy, the fetus may simply resemble a wad of tissue, rather than a kitten. Alternatively, if you notice tissue material in your house or in the yard, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.