Expert: Jessica - 7/19/2010

Question
my maine coon cat is passing yellowish discharge from her vaginal area what is it

Answer
Hi Laura,

It sounds like she could have a vaginal or uterine infection.  You should get her to a vet immediately.  If she is spayed, the good news is that she probably just has a vaginal infection, and some antibiotics should clear it up.  

If she isn't spayed, the vet will need to do a thorough exam to determine which type of infection your cat is likely to have - uterine or vaginal.  If it seems like her abdomen is sensitive or she has a fever, this would indicate the infection is likely to be in her uterus.  Uterine infections that cause a yellowish vaginal discharge are typically a pyometra, meaning an infection where the uterus fills with pus.  This infection is very bad and is, in fact, life-threatening, especially if the uterus closes up.  The best treatment for pyometra is to spay immediately.  Sometimes vets will offer you the option of trying to treat it with a strong antibiotic.  I took this option once, because we caught the infection at the very beginning, and my cat died.  If your vet suspects any kind of uterine infection, I would urge you to go with an emergency spay.  There is a tiny chance that if your cat is spayed, she could still develop pyometra, in the little remnant of uterine tissue that remains after a spay (called "stump pyometra").  Surgery may be required to save your cat if the vet suspects this to be true.

Best wishes!

Jessica