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Female cat has brown dried crust on her rear. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs

Female cat has brown/black dried crust around her vaginal/anal area. She seems normal, her eating and bathroom usage is still normal. Can't make appt. til Monday since vet clinic is closed over weekend need advice.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2017

In an unspayed cat I would worry about pyometra, an infection in the uterus. This can be a very serious, life threatening condition that needs to be evaluated and treated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If there is an emergency clinic near your home I would consider bringing Ellie in to be examined. If there is no way to get to a veterinarian before Monday I would watch Ellie very closely for any changes in activity level, appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, water intake, urination, etc. so you can give your veterinarian as much helpful information as possible when you arrive. There are, of course, other reasons for discharge around the hind end (such as dried diarrhea, expressed anal gland discharge, flea "dirt", among other things), I cannot rule any of these out without diagnostic tests. Your vet will likely recommend blood work, a urinalysis, abdominal radiographs or an abdominal ultrasound, or possibly a fecal examination. I hope this is helpful for you and Ellie!

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