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Is my cat's red bleeding after birth normal or retained placenta?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

My cat is bleeding (bright red, watery) less than 48 hours after giving birth. Is it normal? What are the symptoms of retained kittens or placenta?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Published on April 8th, 2016

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.

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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