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My pregnant cat is spotting. Is this normal when she's in labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant cat is bleeding a little from her vulva and seems to be going into labor. Started last night around 6pm

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 26th, 2015

A small amount of a blood tinged discharge or "spotting" from the vagina is normal just before or during labor. Monitor her, but don't stress her out or she may delay the delivery. Most cats will [deliver a litter](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats) without human intervention. Provide a quiet, warm, dimly lit, clean area for her to deliver then back away. If the discharge becomes heavier or transitions to active bleeding, then she should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER immediately. After all the [kittens](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-myths-about-kittens) have been delivered and the mom has settled down, consider an exam with your veterinarian to confirm good health for your new little family.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds as though she is about to have the kittens. I would confine her in to a quiet room with some boxes to hide in, food/eater and a litter box. Check on her every few hours. Cats can get stressed easily and not show it and delay labor. Keep other animals, people and children out of the room. If there are no kittens in 24 hours she should see a vet as bleeding for that long is not normal. Good luck!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 23rd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is best to know how far along she is to have an idea when she is due. Blood around the vulva is likely a sign of impending labor. But it could be a warning sign as well. I would stay calm and put her in the room you want her to give birth in. Provide a litter box, food and water as well as towels and boxes for her to hide in and give birth in. They you need to give her space and keep people away from her. Cats can delay labor if stressed. Keep everyone out: other adults, kids and animals. Check on her every 2 hours to see how she is doing. If there is no kitten born in 3 hours or you see more blood she needs to see a Vet. Good luck

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2018

    Hello, sorry to hear about Cleo. Spotting may be seen during pregnancy which could be related to changes in her reproductive tract. However, other causes may include a urinary tract infection or vaginitis. Lastly, a problems associated with the pregnancy itself may also cause these changes. If she continues to have spotting, if she loses appetite or becomes lethargic, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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