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Proctitis could be caused by allergies, parasites, infections, or an intestinal blockage. This condition is treatable, but because it is painful for your cat, it’s important to take him to a vet right away to make him more comfortable and treat the underlying cause of the condition.
The rectum and anus are both parts of the large intestine. The anus is the actual opening where feces is passed through, and the rectum connects the anus to the colon. If either the rectum or anus are inflamed, the condition is referred to as proctitis. If your cat has proctitis, you will probably notice him struggling to defecate, or crying in pain while doing so. When feces does pass, it may be smaller than usual and could contain blood.
Inflammation of the Rectum and Anus Average Cost
From 541 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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:
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Inflammation of the Rectum and Anus Average Cost
From 541 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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Ask a Vet
cat
Six Weeks
Unknown severity
16 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Is there anything I can do at home to treat his problem?
Nov. 17, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
16 Recommendations
Hello Thank you for providing the picture. Is your kitten having diarrhea? Sometimes if there is constant contact between feces and the skin that can cause redness and irritation. You may apply a cool compress to the area for 2-3 minutes 3-4 times a day. If there is no improvement after a day or so, I recommend that you take him to a veterinarian for an exam. Good luck.
Nov. 17, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Domestic Short Hair/Tabby
9 weeks
Unknown severity
14 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My wife and I recently rescued a kitten and she has some redness and swelling around her anus/rectum. She's generally active as a kitten would be, uses the box, and was apparently given soft foods mostly. Her stool is of a semi hard consistency and "curls" She is very sensitive to touch near that area but overall shows no other signs of discomfort anywhere else, including the abdomen as well as there seems to be no bloating. What could we do to help until we can get her seen? We also have an older cat (~12 years old, Creamsicle Tabby, neutered, chronic sinus issues, spondylitis)
Oct. 2, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
14 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. The most common cause for rectal irritation in kittens is parasites and stool consistency. The best thing to do initially would be to have her dewormed. Taking a fecal sample to a veterinarian will allow them to look at the stool sample under a microscope and check for parasite eggs, and treat for what they see. I hope that all goes well for the kitten!
Oct. 2, 2020
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Short hair?
3?
Unknown severity
8 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I noticed about maybe a little over a month ago that my cat was rubbing her butt on the carpet. But she didn't do it often after that. Today I noticed her anus (butthole) is reddish/pinkish and swelled up a little bit. What would cause this and anything I can do at home to help her before I'm able to take her to the vet tomorrow
Oct. 2, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello Thank you for the question. She may have worms or impacted anal glands. I recommend that you definitely take her to a veterinarian for an exam. They may want to collect a sample to check for parasites, or express her anal glands. Good luck.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Burmese
Six Years
Unknown severity
7 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Hello so our 6 year old female cat has started to lick her anal areas followed by diarrhea in then which she streaks across the floor. She has improved the past few days but now is at it again. We are wondering what could be the issue
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There are many causes for diarrhea, including parasites, GI upset, intestinal infections, infectious diseases, or foreign bodies. If she seems to be acting normally otherwise, you may want to try feeding her a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a day or two, and see if that helps. If the diarrhea and the licking continues, then it probably would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine her and see what's going on. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 29, 2020
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Tabby
6 months
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
two half a pea sized swollen pink lumps on cats anus and light brown soft stool
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Those areas appear to be irritated rectal tissue, and are likely due to the scooting and irritation. Kittens are very prone to parasites, and having a fecal sample analyzed by your veterinarian for parasites would be a good idea. I hope that all goes well!
Oct. 2, 2020
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Peaches
DomestI longhair
5 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Hi guys, not sure if anyone can help, I've recently adopted a kitten and she had litter problems pre Hand but was willing to give it a go and get her better, the day I got her her anus area was covered in poo, looked quite sore and have diarreha, I've been to vets and they gave me worming stuff but that hasn't seemed to help, she is in agony when defficating, yelping and everything.she goes in her bed, next to her food bowel the lot. Has anyone got any tips on what I can do? I feel like vets aren't helping at all :(
Tux
N/a
4 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My rescue cat in which I have had for a few years, recently had a litter. Tux one of the kittens hasn’t been meowing or showing any signs of discomfort but I am worried. His anus seems red and Irritated, there is no puss coming out but it does not look right. I’ve tried searching a few things up but I can’t really come up With anything. Can you possible help guide me in the right direction to get my kitten healthy again.
Not sure what to name him yet
tabby
5 Weeks
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
So I just got my kitten today from the humane society the lady said hes was dewormed today but they told me his butt is raw, well now his butt is really bloody, raw and is bulging out idk what to do I'm freaking out😭😭😭
Ziggy
Outside Cat
3 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Ziggy is a small 3 month old outside kitten. He plays and eats fine. However he has feces on the bottom of his tail and anus. His any is also protruding slightly and pink. He doesn't seem to be in pain unless you try to clean the feces off. Does anyone know the best way to help Ziggy? I am getting worm medicine but what will alleviate the pain until then?
Graham
Orange tabby
8 Weeks
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Kitten is 8 weeks now. He is eating fine drinking water. But I notice his anus is swollen and he hasa big belly. He has a little bit of lose stool. He staring eatting a lot all of a sudden. Can I give him any medication? Is it very serious? He was dewormed 2 weeks ago
Inflammation of the Rectum and Anus Average Cost
From 541 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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