Inflammation of the Rectum and Anus in Cats

Proctitis, or inflammation of the rectum and anus, can cause your cat a great deal of discomfort that is especially noticeable when he tries to defecate. Some of the symptoms you should keep an eye out for include:

• Straining to defecate
• Blood in feces
• Excessive licking 
• Scooting his bottom across the floor
• Difficulty defecating

There are a number of different factors that can cause a cat’s rectum and anus to become inflamed. Some of the most common causes include:

• Allergic reaction
• Tumors or polyps in the rectum
• Inflammatory disease
• Colon inflammation, also known as colitis
• Parasites in the intestines, including tapeworms or whipworms
• Presence of a foreign object

If you spot any of the symptoms of proctitis, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Talk to the vet about the symptoms you have observed and when they began. You should also provide the vet with a thorough medical history for your cat, and let the vet know if you have recently made any changes to your pet’s diet. If your cat lives outdoors, make sure you mention this to the vet as environmental allergies could cause inflammation if ingested.

The vet will begin by performing a digital rectal examination, which will help assess the condition of the anal gland, and the quality of the stool in the intestines. The vet may also perform complete blood count, urinalysis, and fecal flotation tests, which will help the vet eliminate possible causes of the symptoms. A stool sample may also be examined to check for the presence of parasites. 

If nothing turns up on these tests, the vet may perform an ultrasound or X-ray to check for foreign objects that could be obstructing and irritating the cat’s rectum or anus.

Treatment will need to first focus on alleviating the discomfort, and then on treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. If the anus is inflamed, the vet may shave the hair in this area and apply a topical ointment to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. An enema with hydrocortisone may also be administered to soothe the cat internally.

If the underlying cause is a parasite or infection, the vet will prescribe medication that you must administer at home on a regular basis. Oral anti-inflammatory medication is usually prescribed even if the cause is not an inflammatory disease. This medication can help reduce the swelling in the rectum and anus and make your cat more comfortable. 

In some cases, the inflammation is caused by a foreign object or tumor inside the cat’s body. If this is the case with your cat, it is likely that the vet will perform emergency surgery to remove the foreign object or mass. 

While the underlying cause is being treated, the vet may recommend feeding your cat stool softeners or fiber supplements. Both of these options will soften the feces and make it easier for your cat to defecate without pain.

You will need to closely follow the vet’s instructions when it comes to administering medication to ensure your cat heals properly. If you miss even one dose of an antibiotic treatment, for example, the bacteria could become resistant to the medication, making it less effective.

If your cat has been licking the area, the vet may recommend putting an Elizabethan collar on him to stop this behavior. Or, the vet could give you a poor-tasting topical ointment to apply to the anus.

To make defecation easier on your cat, the vet will most likely ask you to change your cat’s diet to include more fiber and easily digestible foods. Make sure you have this conversation with your vet prior to leaving the office, and follow his instructions closely. Monitor your cat as he heals and take him back to the vet if the symptoms are still present after treatment is over.

As long as your cat receives treatment in a timely manner,  rectal and anal inflammation is easily treatable by veterinarians.