Why is my cat's anus red after litter box use? Is it diarrhea?

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear about Luna - it sounds like she has had a rough go of things lately. Diarrhea is a very non-specific signs so I'm afraid the possibilities are numerous. Intestinal worms, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivity, allergic reaction, colitis from stress, diet charge or indiscretion (stealing people food, etc), toxin, or others are all on the list. For tonight, just gently clean her up with a baby wipe or tissue. You can apply a little lanolin or olive oil to soothe the rump. A little ice pack (wrapped in a paper towel or thin kitchen towel) pressed to the anus can help with the pain and inflammation as well. Best of luck to you and Luna!

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are many causes to diarrhea with a red perhaps inflamed anus. Parasites could be the cause or a bacterial or viral infection. I would take your kitten to your veterinarian soon for a fecal test where they will test his stool for parasites and bacteria and/or certain viruses that could be causing the diarrhea. They may Rx a medication to your kitten depending on what the veterinarian discovers on the fecal test. Best of luck! I hope this has helped.

Misha should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose or rule out constipation, obstruction or a rectal prolapse. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites which can lead to diarrhea and potential prolapse from straining. If she is constipated, your vet may need to sedate her and manually empty her out. IV or subcutaneous fluids may be necessary to correct dehydration which can be a contributing factor. An obstruction, if diagnosed, may require surgery to correct.

I'm glad to hear that Lulu is acting normally, but she shouldn't be bleeding from her anus. You mentioned the full anal glands. If she had been uncomfortable due to that, she could have been licking and scooting. This could irritate the anal tissue and make it bleed. If this is the case, it should resolve on its own now that the anal glands have been addressed. You didn't mention why she is eating RCVD PD, but it is a diet that can be used for allergies. If so, she could be having a flare up of skin disease. Lastly, if she has any intestinal parasites, it can make the anus itch. If the bleeding doesn't stop she will need to be re-evaluated. I hope this information helps!

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.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If it has gone back to normal, then it likely was just a bit harder for him to pass that bit of poop. This could have been a one-off episode for Pumpkin, or it could be a sign that his poops are too hard. You can try just monitoring him and feeling his poop to see if it is hard or squishy. If it is hard, or very wide for his anus, then try adding canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, just plain canned pumpkin) to his diet. This will increase fibre. Also, with his name it is fitting that this should help him. Otherwise, just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't stay out. If it comes out and stays out, this is a true emergency which requires fixing right away. Best of luck with Pumpkin.