Cat Testicles

Enlarged, Red Testicles and Anus

by Barbara
(West Augusta, VA)

photo by Tom Purves

QUESTION

There is an outside barn cat about a year old that has developed redness and swelling of the testicles and anus. I am pretty sure there is diarrhea, too.

I can probably catch him, but the cat has never had any vaccinations.

Any guess about how serious this is?




Hi, Barbara,

The irritation that you see could be from a number of things. He could have diarrhea from worms and all the skin on his rear end could be inflammed from the diarrhea.

Of course, it could also be an allergy to something, most often fleas.

Outdoor barn cats are also more prone to viruses such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Both viruses depress the immune system and thus the affected cats are more prone to infection of any kind.

Cats in that situation also commonly fight with other cats and he could have a bite wound that has become infected, including an abscess in the testicles.

If you want to help him, you would be wise to set a humane trap and take him straight to the vet. He needs to be examined in general, but also specifically for worms, fleas, infections, as well as have a Feline Leukemia/FIV blood test.

Good Luck. I hope you can help him.

Sincerely,
Dr. Neely