Vaginal discharge in female cats can be hard to pinpoint at home. While poor grooming is a common cause, it can also signal more serious health problems. If you notice discharge, it’s best to have your cat checked by a veterinarian.

It is common for overweight and obese cats to have poorer grooming habits because they can't bend to groom their back ends. And they often have additional folds of skin around their rectum and vagina, causing dirt to accumulate. The discomfort associated with severe arthritis can also prevent cats from grooming properly.

What to do if your cat has vaginal discharge?

Assess your cat and the discharge. Gathering the following information will help your vet make an accurate diagnosis.

Check your cat

• Check the back end close to her anus (bum), under her tail.

• Is the skin red around the back end?

• Is there any crusting on the underside of her tail or around her perineum (the skin under her tail, around her bottom and vulva).

• Is she grooming more than usual?

• Has her behaviour changed (hiding away more, grumpier)

• Is your cat in season?

• Did she give birth recently?

• Is she eating well and passing urine normally?

Check the discharge (if possible)

• How much discharge is there?

• Is it coloured?

• Have you noticed any smell?

Recommendations

• If your cat has recently given birth, is eating well, and seems healthy otherwise, the discharge may simply be a normal part of recovery after birth. You can read our article on what to expect post-birth for more details.

• Monitor your cat closely. Look for any signs of itchiness, wounds, changes in her appetite and energy levels, struggling to pass urine or changes in behaviour. Talk to a vet if you have any concerns.

Why does your cat have vaginal discharge

Different problems can cause vaginal discharge in your cat:

• Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina, often due to infection

• Growths: Uterine or vaginal tumours or polyps can cause a discharge

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

• Traumatic injury and foreign bodies

• Postpartum metritis: Infection of the uterus after birth due to retained placenta (birth sack) after kittening or miscarriage

• Being in heat

• Pyometra: Infection of the uterus (womb)

When do you need to call a vet if your cat has vaginal discharge?

Call your vet as soon as possible if your cat shows any of the following signs:

• Visible discharge from your cat's vagina

• Straining to urinate

• Increased frequency of urination

• Lethargy

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

Our online vets can help with advice and support with any of the following:

• Your cat is grooming her back end more than usual

• There is red skin around her back end

• Your cat recently gave birth and you see bloody vaginal discharge

• If you need help recognising your cat’s symptoms and what they mean

How to prevent vaginal discharge in your cat

Vaginal discharge can be associated with serious health problems and often can't be prevented. But if it’s related to obesity or arthritis, there are things you can do to help your cat.

Tackling obesity

Reach out to a vet or vet nurse to help you with a weight loss diet and guide you through this process. It includes:

• Encouraging greater activity and providing mental stimulation.

• Being careful with the type of food your cat eats, as well as how much. Create a feeding plan.

• Feeding a complete prescription diet for healthy weight management, under veterinary advice.

• Seeing your vet or weight clinic nurse for regular weight checks, once or twice per month.

• Recording your successes, photos and records.

Managing arthritis

As part of your vet’s treatment plan for arthritis, your vet may advise one or more of the following:

• Home environment adaptations: low lip litter trays for easy access.

• Keeping your cat slim and in good body condition.

• Adjusting diet and nutrition: prescription diets for weight management or mobility support.

• Supplements to improve joint health

• Prescription medicine: anti-inflammatories, painkillers.

How to know if your cat has vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge in cats is difficult to identify. Signs to look for that can indicate your cat may have vaginal discharge:

• Scooting or rubbing the back end

• Excessive grooming under the tail

• Urinating frequently and in smaller amounts

• Urinating in inappropriate places

• Discharge from the vulva can be sticky mucus-like discharge of yellow, white, green, and dark colour or blood-like

• Redness and swelling under the tail

• Skin irritation or crusting around the vulva

Vet diagnosis of vaginal discharge may include:

• History & physical exam: Including examining the vulva, abdomen, and overall condition

• Vaginal exam & sample collection: To check for infection, inflammation, or oestrus stage. This may include a swab for bacterial culture & sensitivity

• Blood & urine tests

• Imaging: Ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries for pyometra, retained kittens/placenta, tumours, or cysts. X-rays to look for pregnancy complications or tumours.

• Other possible tests

  • Hormone testing if the cat is cycling or has reproductive hormone issues

  • Biopsy if a growth or mass is found

How to look after your cat with vaginal discharge

It's important to understand that home remedies are only appropriate after a serious medical condition has been ruled out by a veterinary surgeon. Follow some tips to help you:

• Do not cover the vulva or use any nappy pants. Let the area ‘breathe’.

• If she allows, try to wash her back end with running water two times a day or as needed.

• Use shampoo, disinfectants or wipes only if prescribed by your vet.

• If she is matted or has a long coat, have her groomed and dematted professionally or at home.

• Monitor her closely. Speak to a vet if you are worried.

Vet treatment for vaginal discharge in cats

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. May include:

• Application of topical treatment, including ointments or shampoos

• Prescription medicine, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories

• Weight loss management

• Surgery, such as spaying (neutering)

Are some cats more at risk of having vaginal discharge than others?

During the first few days following birth, your cat may experience bloody vaginal discharge.However, vaginal discharge during this time is also a sign of some serious health problems. Always speak to a vet to make sure there are no concerns. Look out for other signs such as:

• Smelly discharge

• Lack of energy

• Low appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea