My cat's anus protrudes and is red when pooping, then retracts. Is this normal?

Thanks for using PetCoach. I’m sorry to hear about Lulu! Some mild protrusion during defecation and for a minute after is not uncommon and is usually nothing the worry about. However, I always deworm these guys anyways, as roundworms are a common cause of rectal prolapse. Something like this usually works if that’s the problem. VIP - TM-_-58700003271149947&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos={adpos}&scid=scplp1246100&sc_intid=1246100&kwid=p27187667103&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoujYo_P72QIVj2p-Ch3FMwYjEAQYASABEgJ_ofD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Her stools look slightly soft which can also exacerbate this problem so I’d add 1 tsp benefiber powder to each meal. (Shouldn’t be a problem for the hypoallergenic trial.) If you are seeing more than 5mm of red anal tissue or it is staying “out” for more than 2 minutes, it’s time to see the vet. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Lulu.

There is nothing I would be worried about as the anus seems only mildly inflamed. Usually this is caused by softer feces/diarrhoea. I would recommend to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Poor Nugget probably has a sore and inflamed little anus from her issues last week. If she's had any issues with diarrhea or straining in the litterbox, then she may need to see a vet for the proper diagnosis and medication. She could need a food change, or probiotics added to her diet, or just simply to be dewormed. Hope that helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sweetums is adorable! As long as the rectum is prolapsed (a red tubular structure is coming out of the anus) and she isn't scooting what you are seeing is probably normal. Sometimes the anus can look prominent after a bowel movement or if she has to go. Have a good day

I would recommend that you have Sweetums examined by the vet. You have described a rectal prolapse, which can be caused by intestinal parasites, irritable bowel disease, diarrhea or constipation, etc. Some pets with chronic rectal prolapse require a surgery to tack the colon to the body wall to keep it in place. If it prolapses too long, it can become ulcerated or infected, which would require surgery to remove the affected portion.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like a partial prolapse, anal gland problem or rectal mass (less likely due to young age). Please, take Ushi to your local vets for an appointment. Mild, partial rectal prolapse is usually treated with medications to soften up stools, while more severe cases need surgical treatment. Fully clinical examination should suffice to make the definite diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for Ushi.

The red ring may be a potential rectal prolapse from all the straining. Add water to the meals to increase fluid intake. Too much pumpkin may worsen constipation. Add no more than 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds body weight of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) to the meals. Ideally, Olivia should be examined by your veterinarian. Abdominal x-rays should be done to determine if she is obstipated (obstructed with stool). If so, she may need sedation and manual emptying and or enemas. Do not administer an enema at home.