If your cat is struggling to pass stool, or you notice blood in the poop, there are several possible causes. One of them is rectal polyps. A small growth from the lining of the rectum that can cause bleeding and discomfort.
Rectal polyps in cats are usually benign, rarely painful, and are rarely diagnosed. However, it’s not uncommon for owners to report blood in their cat’s feces, so rectal polyps may be more common than we think.
Learn a little more about rectal polyps in cats to understand what to look out for and when you should see your veterinarian.
What is a rectal polyp?
A polyp refers to a growth or pocket of tissue protruding from the mucous membrane (in this case, the rectum). It is usually benign, but in rare cases it can become cancerous. Rectal polyps are rarely reported in cats, and cancerous polyps are even less so.
Polyps come in two forms.
- Pedunculated – Looks like a small bag with a stem attached
- Fastening – Raised flat out pocket
What are the signs of rectal polyps in cats?
Polyps bleed very easily, and the most common sign of rectal polyps in cats is bright blood in the stool, but they are usually not painful. As polyps grow larger, they may make it difficult to pass stool (tenesmus) and inflammation may cause diarrhea. In some cases, a polyp may prolapse from the anus when strained and appear as a moist, red, or bleeding lump.
How are rectal polyps diagnosed?
Diagnosis of rectal polyps is usually based on a physical and visual examination. The veterinarian uses his fingers to feel for abnormalities within the rectum. Doctors may also use an endoscope to examine the lining of the colon.
If a polyp is removed, your veterinarian may recommend sending the tissue to confirm the diagnosis and ensure there are no signs of malignancy (cancer).
How are rectal polyps in cats treated?
In many cases, polyps do not require treatment and only need to be observed.
However, if the polyp becomes large and causes discomfort or difficulty defecating, surgical removal may be necessary. The most difficult aspect of removing rectal polyps is proper access and visualization. Removal itself is usually simple, and recovery tends to be very quick and uneventful.
When should my cat see the vet?
It’s not uncommon for cats to suffer from mild constipation from time to time, but a small amount of bright blood in the stool isn’t necessarily a cause for major concern. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore these signs. Schedule a checkup for your cat if you notice any of the following signs:
- No bowel movements for more than 48 hours
- Excrete stool by straining for more than 24 hours
- Frequent constipation (more than 2-3 times a year)
- Frequent blood in or on the stool
- large amounts of blood in or on the stool
- Intense licking of the anus/genitals
- Swelling or lump around the anus
- swollen abdomen
- decreased appetite
- Other illness/pain symptoms
What can you do for a cat with rectal polyps?
If your cat is diagnosed with a rectal polyp, the most important step you can take to minimize the risk of the rectal polyp causing problems or prolapse is to feed your cat a proper diet. Cats, which are carnivores, are not need From a nutritional point of view, dietary fiber is included in a cat’s diet and plays an important role in producing healthy stools for domestic cats.
Formed, hard stools are always ideal, especially if your cat has rectal polyps. Very soft or loose poop can become entangled in these polyps, putting your cat at risk for further irritation and infection. However, poop that is too large should be avoided as it can cause polyp stretching and bleeding, as well as the rectal wall and anus.
Look for a diet with around 5% fiber for active cats and closer to 15% for sedentary cats.
It is also important that your cat has regular veterinary visits so that the size of the polyps can be monitored.
Are there any other diseases that have symptoms similar to rectal polyps in cats?
Because it is a relatively rare disease in cats, it is important to be aware of some other more common diseases that can have clinical symptoms similar to rectal polyps. They include:
All of the above symptoms can cause tenesmus, bloody stools, irritation and inflammation around the anus, and veterinary help is required to resolve the above symptoms.
final thoughts
Rectal polyps are less common in cats, so they are unlikely to cause much concern. However, in some cases it may be necessary to remove it, and it may also mimic some other condition. Occasionally, blood in the stool is not an emergency, but your cat may have difficulty going to the bathroom regularly, spend a lot of time licking “up there,” or may notice bloody poop. If this is starting to happen more often, don’t go to the bathroom. Don’t hesitate to schedule a vet checkup for your cat.
Featured image credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
