So, your cat’s booty looks kinda puffy and you’re wondering, “Why does my cat have a swollen anus?” Don’t freak out, this is more common than you think. And yes, there are a bunch of home remedies that might help your cat feel better fast.

In this article, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know: why this happens, what to look out for, how you can treat it at home, and when it’s time to call the vet. We’re keeping it super chill, easy to understand, and straight to the point.

What Causes a Cat’s Swollen Anus?

Before we talk about remedies, we need to know what’s causing the swelling. Because not all swollen anuses are the same, right?

Here are the top reasons:

• Impacted anal glands – Cats have these little scent glands near their butt. Sometimes they get clogged and swell up.
• Worms – Like tapeworms or roundworms. Gross, but common.
• Diarrhea or constipation – Both can cause irritation or swelling.
• Allergic reactions – Some cats react to food, fleas, or other stuff.
• Infections or abscesses – Yep, bacterial infections can cause swelling and even pus. Ew.
• Rectal prolapse – Rare, but serious. It’s when the rectum sticks out. Definitely needs a vet.

If your cat’s acting weird, dragging their butt on the floor (a.k.a. scooting), licking their butt constantly, or if you see blood or discharge, yeah, something’s going on.

Is a Swollen Anus in Cats Serious?

It depends. If your cat just ate something weird or has mild diarrhea, the swelling might go away in a day or two. But if it looks really red, super swollen, or painful, don’t wait too long. Some stuff can turn into infections or bigger issues.

That said, if your cat seems okay otherwise (eating, playing, purring), then home remedies might actually help!

1. Use a Warm Compress

One of the easiest and most helpful things? A warm compress.

Just soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Wring it out and gently hold it against your cat’s anus for 5-10 minutes. Do this a couple times a day.

Why it works:

• Soothes irritation
• Reduces swelling
• Helps unclog anal glands if they’re blocked

It’s simple but lowkey powerful. Just don’t force your cat, if they hate it, stop and try something else.

2. Add More Fiber to Their Diet

Constipation is a major cause of anal swelling. If your cat’s not pooping right, their butt’s gonna pay the price.

Adding fiber helps smooth things out.

Here’s what you can try:

• A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
• A bit of unflavored Metamucil (ask your vet for the right amount)
• High-fiber cat food or treats

This helps with both constipation and anal gland issues. Fiber keeps things moving in the right direction. No more rock-hard poop!

3. Hydration is Key

Water helps everything, including swollen kitty butts.

A lot of cats don’t drink enough, especially if they only eat dry food. Try these tricks:

• Get a cat water fountain (they love running water)
• Mix water into their wet food
• Offer bone broth (no onions or garlic, just plain)

Staying hydrated can reduce inflammation and make pooping easier. Easy win.

4. Keep the Area Clean

This one’s obvious but important. If your cat has poop or discharge stuck around their butt, it can cause more irritation.

Use a soft, damp cloth or unscented baby wipe to gently clean the area once or twice a day. Be super gentle, don’t scrub. And don’t use anything with alcohol or fragrance.

Clean = less bacteria = less swelling.

5. Use a Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Some natural stuff can help with inflammation and swelling.

Here are a few:

• Aloe Vera Gel (pure, no alcohol or fragrance), just dab a tiny bit around the swollen area.
• Witch hazel (alcohol-free) – Can help shrink swollen tissue.
• Chamomile tea – Brew it, let it cool, and use a cotton ball to apply it.

Always do a small test first to make sure your cat isn’t allergic. Also, don’t let them lick it all off, some ingredients can upset their tummy.

6. Deworming If Worms Are the Problem

If you see little white rice-looking things around your cat’s anus or in their poop, it’s probably worms. Worms can make their butt itchy, swollen, and gross. You’ll need a deworming treatment, which you can get over the counter or from a vet.

For mild cases, there are natural dewormers like food-grade diatomaceous earth or ground pumpkin seeds, but they work slowly. Still, it’s a good backup.

7. Change Their Litter

If your cat’s anus is irritated after pooping, try switching to:

• Unscented litter
• Dust-free formulas
• Hypoallergenic or natural litters

Some cats react to strong smells, perfumes, or dust in regular litter. A simple change can make a big difference.

When to Call the Vet

Okay, real talk. Home remedies are great, but they’re not magic.

See a vet if:

• Swelling lasts more than 3-4 days
• There’s blood or pus
• Your cat is in obvious pain
• They stop eating, pooping, or acting normal
• The swelling keeps coming back

Also, if it’s a rectal prolapse (aka the pink thing sticking out), go to the vet ASAP. That’s an emergency.

How to Prevent It from Happening Again

Once your kitty’s butt is back to normal, you’ll wanna keep it that way.

Here’s how:

• Keep anal glands healthy with regular checkups
• Feed high-quality food with enough fiber
• Avoid junky treats or random human food
• Keep litter boxes clean and easy to access
• Deworm your cat regularly (especially if they go outside)

Also, give your cat some love and attention. Stress can mess with their tummy too. Happy cats = healthy butts.

Final Thoughts

A swollen anus isn’t fun, for your cat or for you. But most of the time, it’s not the end of the world. With some simple home remedies and a little TLC, your cat will be back to normal in no time.

Start with warm compresses, fiber, and hydration. Clean the area, check for worms, and keep an eye on how your cat acts. And if anything seems off, don’t wait, just hit up your vet. Hope this helped! And give your cat some extra cuddles, they deserve it.