Inflammation of the Rectum and Anus in Cats

Proctitis could be caused by food allergies, internal 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 straining to defecate, or crying in pain while doing so. When feces does pass, it may be smaller than usual and could contain fresh, red blood. You may notice that the tissue appears swollen and bright red.

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
• Fresh blood in feces
• Excessive licking of the back end
• 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:

• Food allergy
• Tumors or polyps in the rectum
• Inflammatory disease
• Colon inflammation, also known as colitis
• Parasites in the intestines, including tapeworms, whipworms and protozoa
• 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 certain allergens 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 a 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 assess the digestive system and 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 gently clean the area and apply a topical ointment to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. If the cat has been licking, an Elizabethan collar will be provided.

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. Stool softeners will soften the feces and make it easier for your cat to defecate without pain. Fiber supplements will firm up loose stool, resulting in less straining in those with diarrhoea.

You will need to closely follow the vet’s instructions when it comes to administering medication to ensure your cat recovers well. 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. 

To combat any diarrhea, 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 generally easily treatable by veterinarians.

Inflammation in the rectus and anus can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has inflammation in the rectus and anus or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

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