Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide after lung cancer and breast cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The causes of CRC are complex and treatment efficacy varies according to disease stage. Animal models thus play a critical role in research into CRC prevention and treatment. This review critically assesses the pathogenesis and characteristics of CRC from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. We also discuss recent method and mechanisms of modeling in existing animal models of CRC. Current CRC animal models are largely based on modern medical modeling techniques and the evaluation criteria are also mainly based on Western medicine diagnostic indicators. These models are thus limited by the lack of combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine approaches in terms of disease diagnosis and treatment, making it difficult to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the development of CRC. In addition, reliable large-animal models are rarely reported. A better understanding of the mechanisms of CRC integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine may provide useful insights to improve the predictability of animal models.