Expert: Marcia Owen - 3/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi recently my VERY pregnant cat has been dragging her butt across the floor almost like wiping it but most of the time she hasnt even used the litterbox. Is this normal? Also I noticed a little redness possibly blood in her vaginal area is this normal?

ANSWER: Hi Amy

You don't say when your girl is due to kitten.  Its not really normal behaviour and my advice would be to get her checked out by your vet.  

Was she wormed before she got pregnant - she might have worms.  

Blood at the vaginal area would indicate that she may be nearly due?

Marcia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She is up to date on all her shots and was wormed several times before getting pregnant, its been very recently about this whole past week. I checked her stool and no noticable worms are present; also I've noticed that at this point shes too big to clean her genital area; well she has difficulty...could this possibly be why shes doing this? She is carrying a larger first; the vet did an x-ray about a week ago and said about six to seven kittens. Thanks so much!
Amy

Answer
Hi Amy

If she is unable to wash her rear end then it may be the reason but it doesn't account for the blood you saw.  However, it is not unusual to see some bloody discharge a few days prior to kittening but do keep an eye on her.  Regarding her rear end, she may appreciate it if you gently wiped her with damp cotton wool to try to freshen her up.

Sounds like you will be very busy when she produces.

Marcia.