My unspayed cat's vaginal area is red and swollen. Should I worry?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Pippa and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I agree there is redness and swelling around the area, and I do see hairless as well. It may be she injured herself. The redness and swelling do indicate infection, although I can't say that for certain without seeing her in person. I would have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this problem and will treat her. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

Poor Kya! There are a few things that could be going on. She could be having some issues such as constipation or a urinary issue which is causing irritation. You've also indicated that she is not spayed, so swelling of the vaginal region may also indicate that Kya is in heat. I would keep an eye on the area and remove and debris with a clean washcloth, and if the symptoms persist without visible signs of going into heat, or you see other symptoms of illness such as straining to go to the bathroom, blood in the urine or stool, strange discharge, lethargy, etc, schedule a vet visit to rule out more serious issues such as infections or GI problems.

Hello. This looks like a very severe infection. The topical washes that you are using may be irritating the area more as they are not formulated for feline skin. This kitty really needs to see a veterinarian to be examined and treated. At minimum, she needs a prescription antibiotic. Your vet may want to do a urinalysis or an X-ray . Please try to have her seen ASAP.

Oreo cannot be pregnant and still be in heat. False pregnancy is rare in cats: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/reproductive-disorders-of-cats/reproductive-disorders-of-female-cats A swollen belly could indicate many things including parasites or FIP. I recommend to have Oreo examined by the veterinarian today. It's better to play it safe. Also, I recommend to have Oreo spayed. It has many health and behavioral benefits. It will also help to combat the extreme problem or pet over population. https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats/ I hope this helps.

I'm sorry you may not have gotten your question answered! I see what you mean from the pictures. It could be claw marks from one of the other cats. I see that she isn't spayed, and if she was in heat recently and there is an intact male cat in your house, it could be she was injured when the male tried to mount her. Keep an eye on these and if they do not go away, get worse, or become infected, have Minks seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This is not normal for a heat cycle. The perivulvar area looks red and inflamed which is most likely from the diaper. The diaper is keeping too much heat and moisture in/around the vulva. You may be keeping the diaper on for too many hours. If you continue with the diaper this area will likely get infected. You will need to leave the diaper off and you can treat the affected area with this: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/3-oz-3-fl-oz-hot-spot-antimicr-2877113 ) If she is bleeding a lot you will need to keep her in a kennel, bathroom or kitchen area so she does not track blood around your house. As a side note, if you are not using specific dog diapers I suggest you do so. Human products often cause this type of problem. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do recommend that she is evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. The reason is that this may be a local infection site which can be painful and cause her discomfort. Another possibility is a traumatic injury which may need further care or even a tumor. They would be able to determine what is going exactly and treat accordingly. Good luck!