Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My unspayed cat is bleeding from her vulva after heat. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 6 months old | 5.2 lbs

Hi! I have a 5 y/o cat who hasnt been spayed and doesnt have any vaccines either. She started her heat cycle 3 years ago and i never had any problems. She was on heat last week but today I noticed there were some small blood stains on the carpet so I decided to check her to see if she was hurt, but the blood was coming from her vulva and I was wondering if that was normal? Its more of a watery-like blood. This is the first time it happens and she doesnt seem like she's in pain either.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

We do not normally see a bloody discharge in cats with heat cycles like we do in dogs. For this reason I would recommend an exam by your veterinarian. We could have blood coming from the reproductive tract from infection or a tumor, or we could have blood from the urinary tract which could be due to infection, inflammation, bladder stones, bladder tumors. The vet will do an exam and may recommend a urine test and an x-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen to help determine the cause of the blood.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2017

    If she is acting normal otherwise you should be able to monitor her tonight. However if the discharge becomes thick, green or dark in color or has an odor or your cat is acting abnormally, not eating, not drinking or seems to have less energy that it could be a sign that she needs to be seen by veterinarian. Some veterinarians will go ahead with the spay with a cat that is in heat while others prefer to wait for them to come out of heat. You can discuss with your veterinarian if he or she would feel comfortable proceeding with the spay now to end the heat cycle early. Spays done during a hear cycle can have a few more complications including an increase in bleeding, swelling and inflammation.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored