🐾 Vet’s Guide to Feline Metritis: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Metritis is a serious uterine infection that can affect female cats, particularly after giving birth. This guide provides comprehensive information on the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of feline metritis, tailored for Australian cat owners in 2025.

🔬 What is Metritis?

Metritis is an inflammation of the uterine lining (endometrium) due to bacterial infection. It typically occurs within a week after a cat gives birth but can also develop after abortion, miscarriage, or artificial insemination. The most common bacteria involved is Escherichia coli, but other pathogens like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species can also be responsible.

🦠 Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of metritis in cats:

• 🐾 Retained placentas or fetuses
• 🐾 Prolonged or difficult labor
• 🐾 Unsanitary birthing conditions
• 🐾 Uterine trauma during delivery
• 🐾 Abortion or miscarriage
• 🐾 Artificial insemination with non-sterile equipment

🐱 Symptoms in Cats

Common signs of metritis include:

• 🐾 Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• 🐾 Swollen abdomen
• 🐾 Fever
• 🐾 Lethargy and depression
• 🐾 Loss of appetite
• 🐾 Decreased milk production
• 🐾 Neglect of kittens
• 🐾 Vomiting and diarrhea
• 🐾 Dehydration

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, seek veterinary attention promptly.

🩺 Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests:

• 🐾 Physical examination
• 🐾 Complete blood count (CBC) to assess white blood cell levels
• 🐾 Blood chemistry profile to evaluate organ function
• 🐾 Urinalysis
• 🐾 Imaging studies (ultrasound or X-rays) to detect retained placentas or uterine abnormalities
• 🐾 Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing of vaginal discharge

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment typically includes:

• 🐾 Hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• 🐾 Broad-spectrum antibiotics, adjusted based on culture results
• 🐾 Uterine evacuation using medications like oxytocin or prostaglandins to expel retained material
• 🐾 Surgical intervention (ovariohysterectomy) in severe or unresponsive cases
• 🐾 Supportive care, including nutritional support and pain management

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

Preventive measures include:

• 🐾 Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) to eliminate the risk of uterine infections
• 🐾 Ensuring clean and sanitary birthing environments
• 🐾 Prompt veterinary care during and after delivery
• 🐾 Monitoring for signs of retained placentas or fetuses
• 🐾 Avoiding non-sterile artificial insemination procedures

📍 Regional Considerations in Australia

In Australia, outdoor cats and those in rural areas may have increased exposure to pathogens and unsupervised birthing conditions, elevating the risk of metritis. Ensuring indoor birthing environments and regular veterinary care can mitigate these risks.

📱 Stay Informed with Ask A Vet

For personalized advice and support, consider downloading the Ask A Vet app. Our platform connects you with licensed veterinarians for real-time consultations, helping you keep your feline friend healthy and happy.

🐾 Download the Ask A Vet app today and ensure your cat's well-being is always a tap away! 📲