If your cat is straining to poop, or you notice some blood in their poop, there are a few possible reasons why this is happening, one of which is rectal polyps; small growths from the lining of the rectum that can cause bleeding and discomfort.
Rectal polyps are usually benign, rarely painful, and are not diagnosed very often in cats. However, it’s not uncommon for owners to report blood in or in their cat’s stool, so it’s possible that rectal polyps may be more common than we realize.
Let’s learn a little more about rectal polyps in cats so you know what to watch for, and when you need to see a vet.
What are Rectal Polyps?
A polyp refers to a growth or protrusion of tissue from the mucous membrane, in this case, of the rectum. They are usually benign, but in rare cases, they can become cancerous. Rectal polyps are not commonly reported in cats, and those with cancer are even less common.
Polyps come in two forms:
- Pedunculated – like a small sack attached to a stem
- Sessile – a raised, flat outpocketing
What Are the Signs of Rectal Polyps in Cats?
Polyps bleed easily, and the most common sign of rectal polyps in cats is fresh blood in the stools, although they don’t usually appear painful. If polyps grow large enough, they can cause difficulty in defecation (tenesmus), or result in diarrhea due to inflammation. Occasionally, straining can cause the polyp to prolapse through the anus, where it appears as a moist, red, or bleeding lump.
How Are Rectal Polyps Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of rectal polyps is usually based on physical and visual examination. Your vet will use a finger to feel for any abnormalities inside the rectum, and may even use an endoscope to examine the lining of the colon.
If the polyp is removed, your veterinarian may also recommend sending tissue to confirm the diagnosis and make sure there are no signs of malignancy (cancer).
How Are Rectal Polyps in Cats Treated?
In many cases, polyps are simply monitored, as treatment may not be necessary.
However, if the polyp(s) grow in size, causing discomfort, or difficulty with bowel movements, surgery may be necessary. The most difficult aspect of removing rectal polyps is obtaining good access and visualization; withdrawal itself is usually straightforward, and recovery tends to be relatively quick and uneventful.
When Should My Cat See the Vet?
It is common for cats to experience occasional bouts of mild constipation and a small amount of fresh blood in the stools is not always a major cause for concern. However, this does not mean that we should ignore these signs. If you see any of the signs below, it’s time to book your cat in for a check-up:
- No stool for more than 48 hours
- Straining to pass stool for more than 24 hours
- Frequent constipation (more than 2 or 3 times a year)
- Frequent blood in/on the stool
- Large amounts of blood in/in the stool
- Intense licking of the anus/genital
- Swelling or lump around the anus
- Stomach swelling
- Decreased appetite
- Any other signs of illness/pain
What Can I Do for My Cat With Rectal Polyps?
If your cat has been diagnosed with rectal polyps, the most important step you can take to reduce the risks of causing problems or prolapse is to feed your cat a proper diet. Being carnivores, cats are not needed fiber in their diet from a nutritional standpoint, but it plays an important role in producing healthy stools in domestic cats.
Formed and hard stools are always ideal, especially if your cat has rectal polyps. Poop that is relatively soft or loose can get caught in these polyps, putting your cat at risk of further inflammation and infection. However, we need to avoid extra large poops, as this can cause stretching and bleeding of the polyps, as well as the rectal wall and anus.
Look for a diet that contains around 5% fiber for active cats, and closer to 15% for our more sedentary cats.
Making sure your cat has regular vet checkups is also important so they can monitor the size of the polyps.
What Other Conditions Have Similar Symptoms to Rectal Polyps in Cats?
As a relatively uncommon condition in cats, it is important to be aware of some other more common conditions that may have similar clinical signs to rectal polyps. These include:
All of the above conditions can cause tenesmus, blood in the stool, and swelling and itching around the anus, and all of the above conditions require veterinary help to resolve.
Final Thoughts
Rectal polyps are uncommon in cats and rarely cause much concern. However, they occasionally need to be removed, and can mimic some other conditions. Although the occasional trace of blood in the stool is not an emergency, if your cat regularly has difficulty going to the bathroom, spends a lot of time licking ‘there’, or if bloody stools become frequent that happens, don’t hesitate to book your cat in for a vet checkup.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
