My kitten is struggling to poop and her anus is swollen. What's wrong?

Poor kitten! Thank you for taking such good care of it. I suggest you take the kitten to a veterinarian for an exam to make sure all is well with it.. It will probably need worming as well. The vet can also give it an enema to resolve the constipation.

Swelling of the anus/rectum could be due to constipation/hard stools, anal gland issues, allergies, irritation, or other problems. You would need to have the area looked at by your vet to determine what is going on and get the appropriate treatment. Be sure to let your vet known of any other issues you may have seen such as changes in appetite, energy levels, stool habits, etc. You can also use an Elizabethan (cone) collar to prevent your cat from licking/chewing at the affected area if it is bothersome until you can get to your vet.

My biggest immediate concern would be for intestinal parasites. Most kittens have them, and if she hasn't seen a vet yet and been dewormed, she needs to. She's suffering pretty significant fluid losses for a tiny creature. Make an appointment tomorrow, and bring a stool sample with you, so that the type of parasite can be determined and appropriate treatment started.

He may be constipated or have a partial rectal prolapse. Veterinary attention is recommended to diagnose the underlying cause prior to treatment. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites which are a common cause of the symptoms described, especially in kittens.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nimbus! His anal/perineal area is likely stretched from the pressure of hard stool and straining. It is likely to eventually look normal. But it will take time and there is a slim chance that it will always protrude. As long as he defeates normally without straining if it is permanent then it is likely just cosmetic. I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

If she is experiencing a lot of pain than she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. She may be just having some constipation issues but a vet could check to make sure she doesn't have a congenital malformation and/or problems with her hips or pelvis. If it is just constipation than you could add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to her diet to increase the fiber and see if that helps.

Hi there. Smokey likely needs a fecal exam at your local veterinarian to test for intestinal parasites. This is very common in small kittens-but upon presenting with a prolapsed anus it becomes more serious. Best to be seen as soon as possible. Hope this helps!