A cat cleaning themselves

Preputial Discharge (Licking Penis) in Cats

Preputial discharge is any substance flowing from the prepuce, which is the fold of skin that covers the penis. Often, licking at the prepuce/penis accompanies the discharge, so we may use the terms interchangeably.

General Causes of “Licking” in Cats

Preputial discharge may consist of blood, urine or pus. The normal cat should have no discharge, although a small amount of whitish-yellow “smegma” can accumulate around the preputial opening, and is not considered clinically significant.

There are many potential causes. These include:

The presence of preputial discharge most often suggests an underlying problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even life threatening disease (such as a coagulopathy)

Preputial Discharge: What to Watch For

Diagnostic Tests for Preputial Discharge in Cats

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination including a thorough exam of the penis and prepuce. The following tests may also be recommended:

Treatment of Preputial Discharge in Cats

Although specific therapy may be indicated once a definitive diagnosis is established, there are several things that can be done to treat the symptoms while awaiting test results:

Home Care for Preputial Discharge in Cats

Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian.Observe your pet closely. If the clinical signs are not improving or are getting worse, contact your veterinarian at once.