Do Cats Get Hemorrhoids
Feb 22,2025 | puaintapets
As a responsible cat owner, it’s natural to want to ensure your feline companion’s well-being. While cats can suffer from various health issues, one question that often arises is whether they can get hemorrhoids, a common condition in humans. In this article, we’ll dive into feline health and address the question: Can cats get hemorrhoids? We’ll explore symptoms, causes, and how to manage your cat’s anal health, including potential treatments for related conditions.
Can Cats Get Hemorrhoids?
In short, cats do not develop hemorrhoids in the same way humans do. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal or anal area, typically resulting from increased pressure or straining during bowel movements. While cats don’t experience the same type of vascular issues that humans do, they can experience similar symptoms caused by other conditions affecting the anal area. These conditions may cause discomfort, inflammation, or swelling, but they are not technically hemorrhoids.
The confusion arises because some symptoms that are seen in human hemorrhoids—such as swelling, itching, or bleeding in the anal region—can also appear in cats with other medical issues. Understanding these conditions can help you better care for your cat’s health.
Common Conditions That Mimic Hemorrhoids in Cats
Although cats don’t develop hemorrhoids, several conditions can cause symptoms similar to hemorrhoids. These include:
Cats don't develop hemorrhoids like humans do, but they may experience some similar diseases or symptoms, and here are some common conditions that are similar to feline hemorrhoids:
1. Rectal prolapse
Symptoms: Rectal prolapse is the most common hemorrhoid-like condition in cats, and manifests as the internal tissue of the rectum turning inside out and protruding from the anus, appearing as a pink to reddish tube-like structure.
Causes: Usually caused by exertion behaviors such as diarrhea in kittens, difficult defecation or urination in adult cats.
2. Anal Gland Problems
The most common issue in cats that mimics hemorrhoids is anal gland problems. Cats have two small sacs located on either side of their anus called anal glands. These glands release a foul-smelling secretion when your cat defecates, marking their territory. However, if these glands become impacted or infected, they can cause discomfort, swelling, and even abscesses. This can lead to symptoms similar to hemorrhoids, such as:
- Swelling around the anus
- Scooting (dragging the bottom along the floor)
- Excessive licking or biting at the anal area
- Pain or sensitivity when defecating
3. Rectal polyps and tumors
Symptoms: Rectal polyps and tumors may cause blood in the stool, straining to pass stools, or rectal bleeding, and sometimes the polyp may protrude from the anus.
Cause: The exact cause is unknown, but may be related to age and viral infections.
4. Rectal tear
Symptoms: Can result in bloody stools, swelling and pain in the anus, usually due to trauma or ingestion of a foreign object.
Cause: Commonly injured by ingestion of sharp objects or in fights with other animals.
5. Other possible conditions
Blood in the stool: May be due to enteritis, parasitic infections or other digestive disorders.
Constipation and diarrhea: may cause inflammation and discomfort around the anus, similar to the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take it to your veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment.
What Causes Anal Gland Cysts in Cats?
The main causes of anal gland cysts in cats are as follows:
I. Obstruction of secretion discharge
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Duct blockage
Cat anal glands have tiny ducts connecting the sacs to the rectum. When these ducts are blocked for various reasons, such as thick secretions, sediment-like accumulation, or secretions become sticky and not easy to be discharged due to inflammation or infection, secretions will accumulate in the anal sacs, which will lead to cysts.
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Narrowing or atresia of the opening of the anal glands
Some cats are born with narrow or even atretic anal gland ducts, resulting in secretions that cannot be discharged normally and accumulate in the glands for a long time, increasing the risk of cyst formation.
II. Infection factors
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Bacterial infection
When the secretions from the anal glands are not discharged properly, it is easy to breed bacteria, such as E. coli, etc. These bacteria multiply in large numbers in the glands, triggering inflammation and leading to anal gland inflammation, and if the inflammation is not controlled in a timely manner, it may develop into cysts.
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Other infections
Perianal abscess, rectal prolapse, anal fissure and other diseases in cats may also lead to infection of the anal glands, which in turn may lead to cysts.
III. Living habits and dietary factors
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Obesity
Obese cats, the fat tissue around their anus may press the anal gland ducts, affecting the discharge of secretions, while obesity may also lead to a reduction in the amount of cat exercise, further aggravating the problem of anal glands.
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Improper diet
Long-term consumption of overly greasy, indigestible food may lead to soft stools or diarrhea in cats, resulting in reduced stimulation of the anal glands and poor discharge of secretions, thus increasing the incidence of cysts.
IV. Other factors
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Ageing
As cats grow older, their body functions gradually decline and the contraction ability of the anal glands may weaken, leading to difficulties in discharging secretions, which may easily trigger cysts.
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Lack of exercise
Long-term lack of exercise in cats will lead to insufficient muscle strength around the pelvis, which will not be able to effectively squeeze the anal glands and cause secretions to accumulate.
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Stress reaction
When the cat is subjected to stressful situations such as strong external stimulation, fright or sudden change of living environment, it may lead to abnormal secretion of the anal glands and increase the risk of cysts.
How to Treat Some Hemorrhoid-Like Symptoms or Diseases in Cats?
Some hemorrhoid-like symptoms or diseases in cats and their treatments are listed below:
1. Rectal prolapse
Treatment: Mild rectal prolapse can be treated by manual repositioning, which gently pushes the prolapsed rectum back into the anus, followed by purse-string sutures around the anus to temporarily narrow the opening and prevent the prolapse from reoccurring.
For severe rectal prolapse or if manual repositioning is not effective, surgical treatment such as rectal fixation or rectal resection may be required.
Precautions: Soft food and stool softeners need to be given after treatment to keep the bowels clear and avoid straining to pass stools.
2.Diseases of the anal sacs
Treatment: In the case of anus sac impaction, the veterinarian will manually squeeze out the secretion inside the sac.
In the case of anus sac abscess, the abscess may need to be incised and drained and treated with antibiotics.
Precautions: After treatment, the cat needs to be prevented from licking the wound and an Elizabethan collar can be worn.
3. Rectal polyps and tumors
Treatment: Surgery is usually required to remove the polyp or tumor and pathological examination to determine its nature.
Precautions: After surgery, the cat's recovery needs to be closely monitored and further treatment such as chemotherapy may be required.
4. Rectal Tear
Treatment: Mild tears can be treated conservatively, such as with antibiotics and painkillers, and keeping the bowels open.
Severe tears may require surgical suturing.
Precautions: Provide easy-to-digest food and avoid constipation during treatment.
5. Blood in stool
Treatment: A thorough examination is needed to determine the cause of blood in stool, such as enteritis, parasitic infection, etc., and then treat accordingly.
Precautions: During the treatment period, the cat's mental state and diet should be closely observed.
Preventing Anal Health Problems in Cats
1. Dietary management
Provide a balanced diet: Make sure your cat's food contains enough fiber to help maintain normal bowel movements and defecation. You can choose high-quality cat food or add moderate amounts of probiotics and fruits to the diet.
Control food intake: Avoid overfeeding to prevent your cat from becoming obese, as obesity can lead to anal gland problems and other health issues.
Ensure adequate water intake: provide fresh water and encourage your cat to drink more to keep the stool moist and prevent constipation.
2. Living environment management
Keep the litter box clean: Clean the litter box regularly to keep the litter clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth and infection.
Provide appropriate exercise: Encourage moderate exercise for cats to help maintain a healthy weight and promote bowel movements.
Regular inspection and cleaning: Regularly inspect your cat's anal glands and if you find them swollen or with abnormal secretions, you should clean them promptly or seek medical attention.
Correct cleaning method: When cleaning the anal glands, gentle pet-specific cleaning products should be used, avoiding excessive force or the use of irritating products.
3. Disease prevention and treatment
Regular veterinary checkups: Take your cat to the veterinarian for a comprehensive checkup on a regular basis so that potential health problems can be detected and treated in a timely manner.
Timely treatment of related diseases: If your cat is found to have constipation, diarrhea or other intestinal problems, it should be treated promptly in order to prevent the occurrence of anus health problems.
Preventing parasitic infections: regular internal and external deworming to prevent itching and inflammation of the anus caused by parasitic infections.
FAQs
Why is my cat bleeding from his bottom?
Can a cat's diet really affect its anal - area health?
Absolutely. A diet that causes constipation or diarrhea can lead to problems like anal gland impaction or rectal prolapse. A balanced diet helps maintain normal bowel movements.
How often should the vet check my cat's anal glands?
During routine check - ups, which are usually recommended once a year for healthy adult cats, the vet may check the anal glands. However, if your cat has a history of anal gland problems, more frequent checks may be necessary.
Conclusion
While cats don’t develop hemorrhoids in the same way humans do, they can suffer from a variety of anal health issues that cause discomfort and irritation. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the potential causes of these issues—such as impacted anal glands, rectal prolapse, or constipation—can help you take the right steps to alleviate your cat’s discomfort. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice signs of anal health problems, as prompt treatment can prevent more serious complications.
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