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My cat is bleeding after giving birth to a dead kitten. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

HI Sadly my cat gave birth to a one dead kitten...after one day she started bleeding out from her vagina... im kinda scared so can someone help with this..oh i almost forget is it normal that her milk stays in her nipples !!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2019

You can see some bleeding after giving birth, that is normal, but without seeing her in person, I can't say if it's normal or not for sure I'd be concerned she may have more kittens yet to be born. Have her seen by a vet immediately. As for the milk, yes it's normal to still have milk there.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2018

    You will need to take your cat to your veterinarian for an exam. She may still have a dead kitten in her or a reetained placenta, or have an infection (which may have caused the death of the kittens). She will need a thorough exam and possibly prescription antibiotics. Please take her to a vet today.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 6th, 2019

    It was probably the placenta and that would be normal. Here is an article about what to expect when cats give birth. This may answer more of your questions:

    ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats/ )

    Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 2nd, 2018

    I am very sorry to hear that.
    Eating the little one could be completely normal and discharge as well after giving birth.
    I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist more than 48hours or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence.
    Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My 8-month-old cat had one kitten and is bleeding. Is this normal?
Blood is not normally seen in the birthing process and usually indicates that there is a complication. While it's possible that she only has one kitten, it's also possible that she has more inside. I recommend taking her to the vet for an evaluation as soon as possible. They can keep things from getting worse and check for any other kittens. I hope that helps and all is well with Baby.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat had one dead kitten, still pregnant & bleeding. Is she okay?
It sounds like Callie is no longer showing signs of active labor, and some bloody discharge can be normal for days to weeks following the birth of a litter. It would be unusual however for her to have only one kitten and I would be concerned that there might be other kittens left behind. I would recommend seeing a vet as soon as you can - if there are other kittens that are alive but distressed a c-section might be necessary, and if there are other kittens that have died Callie probably would still need surgery to have them removed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Is my cat's red bleeding after birth normal or retained placenta?
A small amount of reddish/brown discharge is normal but frank red blood may indicate internal bleeding. Check her gums to make sure she isn't pale - indicating anemia. The blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which is an emergency, and she should be assessed by a veterinarian right away. Retained placenta/kittens would appear as discolored/odorous discharge, fever, and poor doing of the mother. Either way, I would highly recommend she be examined by a vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat had kittens. Is dark blood discharge normal after birth?
Blood discharge after delivery is quite common and considered normal. if she continues being weak tomorrow i would start getting worried, make sure she eats well, give her some good quality kitten food.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my cat bleeding thick blood two days after giving birth?
No, I would expect continued bleeding. I would recommend that you follow up with your veterinarian and have her evaluated. She may need an ultrasound or x-rays to determine if she has any remaining feti.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat just had kittens and is bleeding. Is this normal discharge?
This is probably normal lochia discharge that you will see as vaginal discharge for several week post-queening. If she is eating well, the kittens are nursing, and all the nipples have normal milk discharge, she is probably fine. If Princess stops eating, or has vomiting or diarrhea, or seems weak, or has signs of swollen nipples and mastitis, she needs to see a vet right away. Hope that helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat just had kittens. Should I worry about her bleeding and fast breathing?
A certain amount of bloody discharge is normal after delivery. This can last days to weeks. If it is frank blood, Diamond should be examined by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER today. Check the color of her gums. They should be pink. If they appear pale, take her to the veterinarian immediately. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible until she sees the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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