Symptoms of Hemorroids in Cats

Hemorrhoids are a medical condition associated with swelling or inflammation of the veins or blood vessels of the soft tissues around the lower rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids are not unique to cats. Humans, dogs and horses can also get hemorrhoids. The causes of feline hemorrhoids include straining to move stool, chronic constipation or diarrhea. If your cat shows symptoms of hemorrhoids, take her to a vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

  1. External Hemorrhoids

    • The visible symptoms of external feline hemorrhoids include itchiness, tenderness and pain in the rectal area. Your cat may attempt to relieve discomfort by dragging his bottom on the ground, chasing his tail or excessively licking the rectal area. You may also notice a reddish-brown or purplish protrusion dangling on your cat’s anus; this is a hemorrhoid. If the condition goes untreated, the hemorrhoid may grow larger and more bright red in appearance.

    Internal Hemorrhoids

    • Cats with internal hemorrhoids may not show any discomfort because the hemorrhoids are inside the anus and do not have any pain-sensitive nerves. Bleeding is often the first sign of internal feline hemorrhoids, resulting in blood in the cat’s stool. Blood in the stool, however, can also result from rectal tumors and fissures. If you suspect your cat has hemorrhoids, bring her to a vet for a diagnosis and treatment.

    Infection

    • Feline hemorrhoids are not life-threatening. If left untreated, however, hemorrhoids can lead to other painful medical conditions, such as abscesses on the anal glands. Abscesses that go untreated can damage nerve endings in the anus and can lead to fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is a medical condition in which cats are not able to retain or control their stool.