According to medical science, if the source of the problem is removed, the problem should also go away. But this statement contradicts when we observe spayed cats still experiencing periods.
There are possible explanations for the same but for the initial moments, it still stuns us. Spaying of cats entails the removal of all reproductive organs which means they should not express any more signs related to reproduction and the process.
But why does this happen or is it a very common occurrence? Let’s find out.
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Do Spayed Cats Get Periods?
When spayed, cats are put under surgery to remove the reproductive organs in the cat. The uterus and the ovaries of a cat are removed.
These organs are responsible for all reproductive functions in a female cat. As periods are one of the reproductive functions, the removal of these organs would result in the discontinuation of such processes.
After being spayed a female cat would not experience periods.Â
Periods in cats are different than in humans also they are not in any way similar to dogs. The cats experience periods of heat in which they are ready to mate.
They are sometimes accompanied by discharge of blood from the vaginal passage, unlike humans who experience it periodically for a few years without a pause.
Cats do not have menstrual periods they have periods of heat which are accompanied by blood sometimes. It is not necessary that every female cat would expel blood when it goes into heat.
Do Cats Still Have Heat Cycles After Being Spayed?
If your cat has a successful spaying surgery it would no longer experience heat cycles anymore. Heat cycles in cats are due to the release of hormones from their reproductive organs.
If they are spayed, the said organs are removed, and hence the release of such hormones one of which is estrogen comes to a standstill in the cat’s body, so if the surgery is successful your cat would not experience any heat cycles.
According to pet parents sometimes they have seen that their cats still experience heat cycles even after being spayed.
One of the reasons could be due to unsuccessful surgery. This is a possible scenario when the surgery is unsuccessful and the organs are not removed correctly.
Your vet may take the help of ultrasounds and other equipment to ensure the surgery is successful. This may not be the only possible reason other health issues are responsible for the same.
It is also possible that even after a successful surgery female cats may still undergo periods of heat or heat cycles which is due to some medical conditions like ORS or hormonal exposure
Signs Your Cat Is Having Periods After Being Spayed?
As cats do not have periods as humans do so identifying the symptoms of heat becomes a little tricky. Blood is a clear giveaway if your cat is still experiencing periods of heat even after being spayed.
Other signs that indicate towards your cat is in a period of heat are mostly behavioral. A female cat’s behavior in such situations changes so drastically that it could be noticed from a mile away.
During a heat cycle, a cat is more vocal and shows a lot of affection. It would even welcome physical touch and allow you to pet it more than it regularly does.
It also exhibits territorial behavior like urinating all over the place so that it could send a message to male cats regarding its availability.
Another tick that they show in a period of heat is that when you pet them they may lift their rear and wiggle it. But some cats do not do this it is just a common gesture observed in female cats.
If your female cat shows any of the above behavior it might not have had a successful spaying surgery or facing a whole other medical condition.
As some medical conditions have symptoms that mirror that of a cat being in heat. Such conditions require close observation and constant checkups and follow-ups.
Why Do Female Spayed Cats Bleed?
Bleeding in cats during heat periods is completely normal but it is not normal if this occurs after they are neutered.
Reasons for the bleeding to occur even if your female cat is spayed could be numerous and varying too:
1. Ovarian remnant syndrome(ORS)
This is a medical condition when female cats have organs or parts of it due to one reason or the other inside Which could later grow into new organs.
If your cat has underlying tissues or cells which somehow escape the notice of professionals during surgery they could continue to produce hormones which would result in your cat experiencing the whole heat cycle again which could sometimes result in a little bleeding from the vaginal passage.
Another reason is that your cat may have a part of the organ despite the main organ which could still be producing hormones even after surgery.
2. Hormonal exposureÂ
If your cat ingests hormones, especially estrogen which is the reproductive hormone your cat could exhibit heat-like behavior.
Some products contain these hormones and if your cat by any means ingests these hormones it may experience symptoms of being in a period of heat.
3. Stump pyometraÂ
A small tissue could be left behind during the surgery which is called a stump, this stump would not produce any hormones but just be present inside the cat’s body.
But if this stump contracts an infection its called a pyometra which could lead to vaginal discharge
 3. Adrenal tumor
Adrenal glands inside the cat’s body are located near the kidneys and those organs are responsible for hormone regulation inside the cat’s body.
In the case of a tumor in the adrenal glands, it could lead to the production of excess hormones inside the cat’s body and it would even escalate the production of sex hormones inside the cat’s body.
4. No surgeryÂ
It could be possible that the cat is never spayed. This is a common occurrence when people take in stray cats or adopt cats from shelters.
This is because at places like these cats are check-up but externally internally they are not given a proper check-up which you would have to take up with your vet.
What To Do If Your Cat Has Periods Even After Being Spayed?
If you observe your cat showing symptoms of periods even after it has undergone spaying surgery, it is a matter of growing concern.
The odds are 5 out of 1 that the reason for your cat experiencing periods after being spayed is harmless. These issues usually have a concerning medical reason behind them.
If you notice your cat giving off heat-like symptoms accompanied by vaginal discharge you should first check for something around you which would have caused it like the intake of hormones externally.
The presence of estrogen in their systems could lead to them showing heat-like behavior. Once that option gets checked out and comes out to be negative you need to take your cat to the vet.Â
Due to various reasons, your cat may be experiencing such stuff. ORS is one of the prominent ones.
If your vet thinks your cat may have ovarian remnant syndrome, they may proceed with a series of tests and ultrasound procedures which could even lead to your cat going into surgery again.
After surgery vaginal discharge is predictable until the cat heals from the surgery. This also goes for the first surgery as your cat may bleed until it recovers which takes about 12 to 14 days.
Interesting Read: Can A Spayed/Fixed Cat Get Pregnant?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for spayed cats to bleed?
No, it is not normal for spayed cats to bleed. If something like this is happening to your cat you should consult your vet as it may be due to medical conditions like ORS or stump pyometra which are concerning for the well-being of your cat.
My cat bleeds just after the spaying surgery is it normal?
If it is just after the surgery it would be normal because sometimes the sutures break, which leads to the cat bleeding through the area, and sometimes due to surgery the area may seem red and bleed due to soreness which is common. But if this continues after recovery it’s not common and should be bought under your vets’ knowledge.
Summary
Spaying is the process of removal of a cat’s reproductive organs. These organs are responsible for producing sex hormones that can justify your cat’s actions in a period of heat.
Sometimes even after the surgery people notice that the cats exhibit heat-like behavior accompanied by some vaginal discharge most likely to be blood.
This under many circumstances is not normal, it could be due to underlying medical issues which could have been affecting the cat’s body. Conditions like Ovarian Remnant Syndrome or adrenal tumors could cause these kinds of situations.
If you observe your cat showing such symptoms you should immediately consult a vet and get the issue resolved as delaying could be fatal for your cat.Â
Interesting Read: Why Does My Cat Look Skinnier After Being Spayed?
