Cat Discharge Symptoms

If your cat is having discharge, it could mean she has an infection or some other type of illness. It is important for you to be able to catch the symptoms of discharge, because you might not be around all the time to see if your cat is experiencing it. Watching the symptoms will help you collect information to give to your vet about your cat's discharge.

  1. Wound or Orifice Discharge Symptoms

    • Discharge from a wound or an orifice such as the ear or anus may indicate an infection. Watch for actual discharge from the area that might be infected. Because cats keep themselves very clean, however, you might not always see this. Look for cat vomit, because licking discharge might cause a cat to vomit. Also, look for dried areas of blood or discharge in places such as your couch or cat bed--places where your cat spends a lot of time. Check your cat's orifices or sores to see if they are glistening or shiny, which might signal discharge. Also, check your cat's stool in the litter box for signs of blood and pus, which can also be signs of an infection.

    Vaginal Discharge Symptoms

    • Occasionally, when female cats are in season, they will have slight red vaginal discharge. This is normal unless it continues for more than a day, is thick or lumpy, or also has white pus. Take your cat to the vet if she is pregnant, has a dry nose or fever, or is throwing up.

    Eye Discharge Symptoms

    • Check your cat's eyes for eye discharge. Some clear discharge at the corners is usually nothing to worry about. However, if it looks bloody or full of pus, your cat could have an infection. Other serious symptoms include cloudy eyes, lethargy, or coughing or sneezing. Take your cat to the vet for anything other than slight clear discharge.

    Nasal Discharge Symptoms

    • A clear, slight discharge from your cat's nose is perfectly normal. A darker discharge indicates blood. A green or thick discharge indicates an infection. Call the vet right away about any discharge that is not clear, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or an unwillingness to eat.