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My cat's swollen anal area is now bleeding. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs

Today we noticed a small swollen spot next to our cat's anus. Now the swollen spot is gone, but he has blood in the area. Is this something for which we should seek emergency care, or can we wait and call the vet in the morning? He is a recently neutered cat who is also finishing up his last day of treatment for ear mites.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rodney. Poor boy. It may be he had an impacted anal sac and it burst causing the blood. As long as the bleeding has stopped, it can wait until the morning. If the bleeding won't stop, he's pretty distressed, or appears lethargic and in pain, take him into an ER vet. I hope this helps!

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