Rectal Polyps in Cats: Causes, Signs, & Treatments
Seeing anything unusual in your cat’s litter box can be alarming. This is especially true if you spot bloody poop, or notice your kitty seems to be having trouble going potty. One possible cause behind troublesome litter box symptoms is rectal polyps.
While they’re not extremely common, polyps can be painful and can point to underlying issues that need attention from your vet. Here’s what the team at Sacramento Cat Hospital wants cat parents to know about rectal polyps:
What Are Feline Rectal Polyps?
Rectal polyps are small, usually benign growths that develop on the lining of a cat’s rectum or colon. They’re most common in middle-aged and elderly cats, although they can appear in younger felines, too.
While the polyps themselves aren’t usually cancerous, they can be annoying, uncomfortable, and even painful for your kitty. And if they’re left untreated, they can fester or get infected.
Common Signs to Watch For
One of the first signs your kitty is dealing with a rectal polyp is bloody poop. The blood might look bright red (often from the lower colon or rectum) and you can usually see it on the outside of the stool or on tissue if you’re physically wiping your kitty’s bum.
Cats may also strain when trying to go potty. Or, they might seem to visit the litter box more than usual—without any success.
Other signs can include:
- Frequent constipation or difficulty passing stool
- Mucus in the feces
- Scooting or licking around the rectal area
- Sudden changes in litter box behavior
Keep in mind that these symptoms can also show up with other gastrointestinal conditions. If you notice any of these signs of potential trouble, it’s crucial to take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Rectal Polyps?
The exact cause of rectal polyps isn’t fully known. But chronic inflammation of the colon or rectum due to infections, parasites, or food allergies may play a role. Some cats appear to simply have a genetic predisposition to developing these unpleasant polyps.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If we suspect your kitty has a rectal polyp, we can do a physical exam, including rectal palpation, to get a better look. Additional imaging or even a colonoscopy may be needed, along with a biopsy to rule out the possibility of a cancerous growth.
Treatment for rectal polyps is usually surgical removal. Anti-inflammatory medication can also help by reducing irritation and helping prevent polyps from coming back.
If your cat seems to struggle with frequent constipation or has bloody poop, bring her to the vet as soon as possible.
Early treatment can help prevent any complications and help your kitty feel better. Thankfully, most cats recover just fine and get back to their normal, happy selves soon after surgery or treatment.
If you’re concerned your cat may have a rectal polyp, reach out to the experienced team at Sacramento Cat Hospital. Call us at (916) 488-4161 to schedule an appointment today.