Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's anus looks red, bleeding, or torn. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

I take care of two stray cats. Today, I noticed that the smaller one's anus looked very red and appeared to be bleeding or torn. It wasn't like this the day before and nothing I've seen online seems to describe it exactly. He isn't aggressive when I try to get a good look at it and it acting as spry as usual––I took the photos while he was rolling around, so my apologies for their shakiness. Should I look into taking him (her?) to an animal hospital?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2020

Hello there. Yes, this warrants having a vet take a look. It's difficult to tell for sure from the photos, but it looks like there may be a little mass there that has become irritated and bleeding. If so, it may be a benign process, but it warrants having a vet take a look in case it's something more concerning.

Since it sounds like Gibbs is pretty comfortable, this is not an emergency, but I would call and get Gibbs scheduled for their next available opening.

Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Kitten has light pink blood from anus. Is it an emergency or can I wait?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Apollo. I definitely recommend having him seen. If he is eating, acting normal, not vomiting and does not have more bleeding, then he can be seen Monday. Otherwise, he will need to see an emergency veterinarian this weekend. The bleeding can be the result of intestinal parasites, an anal gland problem, a wound near his anus or having passed a firm dry bowel movement. You should check his litterbox for any diarrhea or hard stool. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten is bleeding from its butt. Do I need to go to the vet now?

I am sorry to hear that Boba Fett isn’t feeling well. The area in the picture looks like she has an injury to the skin. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. If she is unable to poop then she needs to be seen immediately. In the meantime please keep the area clean with warm water Compresses. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat's anus looks different. Is it serious? When to see a vet?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. Based on the picture, I see nothing concerning other than a darker colored area. If you are seeing diarrhea, worms, a rash, etc. I would recommend having this looked at by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has blood from her rear and a strong smell. Is it serious?

I don't see anything outwardly abnormal from these photos. The blood is usually from straining to defecate but it could also be from rectal polyps, issues with the anal glands, inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites. It is not an emergency but I suggest you have her examined by your vet in the next couple days.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 10-month-old cat has bright red anal bleeding. Should I call vet?

Poor Reggie! If you noticed the blood after he used the litter box, I would suspect there is some irritation of his colon or anal sacs causing the bleeding. Keep a close eye on him for now, and if you see more bleeding, then take him into the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 8-month-old kitten suddenly has blood on her anus. What to do?

It is difficult to say without being able to examine your kitty. This may be blood from an anal gland infection, but could also be from an injury or bloody diarrhea. You should take her to a veterinary doctor as she will need antibiotics to prevent infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a red lump sticking out of his butt. Is it serious?

The pictures are not clear but this must be checked by a vet urgently. I would be concerned that this is a prolapse (when internal organs poke out) and surgical repair may be required, urgent assessment is vital as damage and trauma can occur

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share