Rectal and Anal Prolapse in Cats Anal or rectal prolapse is a
condition in which one or more layers of the cat's rectum are
displaced through the anus, the opening which allows digestive
waste to leave the body. It can be caused by a variety of
factors, including disorders of the digestive, urinary, or
genital systems. Although cats of any gender, age, or breed may
be affected by this disorder, the Manx cat appears to be more
prone to the conditions. If you would like to learn how these
disorders affect dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD
health library. Symptoms and Types Rectal prolapse occurs when
all layers of the anal/rectal tissue, along with the rectal
lining, protrude through the external anal opening. The
protrusion of the rectal lining through the external anal
opening, meanwhile, is solely referred to as anal prolapse. Cats
with rectal prolapse will demonstrate persistent straining while
passing stool (or defecating). In an incomplete prolapse, a
small portion of the lining of the rectum will