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Why is my cat straining to poop and has a red ring around her anus?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Female | spayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 7 lbs

I have a f cat that might be straining. I've given her pumpkin purée to help but today when she went to poop, she seemed to be straining. Her poop is always a light green, formed and litter sticks to it. She poops every 24-36 hours and is on canned food only. Sometimes she does poop in little bits but they are not dry. Today when she pooped I noticed a red ring around her poop while still in her anus. The still had no blood and nothing protruded. Is that red lining normal? Is she sick?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 4th, 2017

The red ring may be a potential rectal prolapse from all the straining. Add water to the meals to increase fluid intake. Too much pumpkin may worsen constipation. Add no more than 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds body weight of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) to the meals. Ideally, Olivia should be examined by your veterinarian. Abdominal x-rays should be done to determine if she is obstipated (obstructed with stool). If so, she may need sedation and manual emptying and or enemas. Do not administer an enema at home.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The red lining is the lining to her colon and that sounds normal based on your description. She may have been a bit dehydrated today, causing her poo to be hardened and difficult to pass. Adding pumpkin to her food does help bulk her stools for easy passage. However most cats don't drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration issues. You are doing a great job by feeding her canned food. You can also try adding in a water fountain as well to encourage her to drink more water. Keep a close eye on her and as long as she is producing a stool and the straining doesn't become consistent, then she will likely be ok.

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