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Senior cat bleeding from rectum: Is it serious? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | 17 years and 1 month old

I have a senior cat that is 17 years of age, last year she started bleeding from her bottom, at first it was only a tiny spec so we didn't think anything of it, but now it seems to be getting worse, should I take her up to the vets asap? And do you know what might have possibly caused this? She has been an indoor cat for about 5 1/2 years.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

It sounds like Smokey has colitis, or an inflammation of the colon. In older cats that have this problem I worry about irritable bowel disease, hyperthyroidism and intestinal lymphoma (cancer). Since this has been getting progressively worse over the past year I would recommend taking her in to be checked out by the vet. They may recommend doing a fecal exam to rule out intestinal parasites, blood work, and possibly X-rays and an ultrasound. Good luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Rachel

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Yes, I recommend that Smokey be seen by a vet soon. Bleeding from the rectum can be caused by a mass in the colon, intestinal parasites, inflammation of the colon due to inflammatory bowel disease or cancer, or infection. Your local vet can start with a complete exam including rectal exam and fecal test in order to begin ruling out possibilities.

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    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there. With any patient of advanced age like your Smokey, I urge them to come in to have things checked out that normally I would let go a day or two-this being one of those sorts of things. Your kitty sounds like she may have either a ruptured anal gland, irritable bowel, or chronic colitis. Your veterinarian may have to do a rectal exam and additional tests (like x rays or an ultrasound) to be sure. Then you can come up with a treatment plan that works best for both of you! Hope this helps and that Smokey feels better soon.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would recomend taking Smokey to the vet. Abnormal bleeding could be from infection, parasites or cancer. The vet will first perform and exam and based on that and the history may recomend bloodwork or imaging to determine what is going on with Smokey.

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