Unveiling the Mystery of Cat Anal Glands: What Every Cat Owner Should Know

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed on September 3, 2024

Understanding Cat Anal Glands and Their Smelly Secrets

Does your cat sometimes leave a “fishy” smell on your lap?

• Possible Cause: It might be that your cat’s anal glands are overfull, leading to that disagreeable scent.
• Common Scents: The smell can range from overripe cheese to rancid fish—definitely not pleasant.

When your cat’s anal glands are full, they may accidentally release this odor on surfaces like your lap. It’s their way of “anointing” their territory, but it’s not exactly a gift anyone would want!

Cat Anal Glands: Different From Dogs

When it comes to cat anal glands, here’s a surprise—cats are both different from dogs and somewhat similar.

• Fewer Problems: Many people are surprised to learn that cats have anal sacs. This reduced awareness is likely because cats experience fewer anal gland problems than dogs.
• Refined Greetings: Unlike our canine companions who are obsessed with butt-sniffing, cats are more refined. Nose-touching and visual displays are their primary means of greeting, with “anal awareness” taking a backseat.

Cat Territory Marking and Anal Sac Secretions

Cats use their anal sac secretions to mark their territory. Each bowel movement is like a poster declaring, “Fluffy lives here.”

• Composition of Secretions: If you’re curious about what makes up these secretions, here’s the lowdown:
  • Acetic acid
  • Butyric acid
  • Isocaproic acid
  • Priopinic acid
  • Valeric acid

These components create the strong, distinctive scent that cats use to mark their territory.

Cat Anal Sacs: Location and Function

Cat anal sacs are located like two small grapes sandwiched between the two muscular rings of the anus, positioned at the “20-past-8” on a clock face.

• Function: These sacs are lined by glands that produce a strong-smelling, oily secretion. When your cat goes to the toilet, contractions of the anal ring squeeze the secretion through two tiny ducts and onto the stool.
• Less Common Issues: Unlike dogs, cats tend to have thinner and easier-to-express secretions, which helps their sacs empty more completely. However, this doesn’t mean cats are immune to problems.

Understanding Cat Anal Sac Disease

When something disrupts the balance, your cat’s anal glands may not empty as they should.

• Triggers:
  • An upset tummy can prevent the glands from being squeezed properly.
  • Thicker secretions can make it harder to expel, leading to a buildup within the glands.

Cats are generally stoic, and by the time they show symptoms, the problem might be advanced. Watch for these signs:

• Scooting: Rubbing their bottoms along the ground
• Biting: Biting at the fur around their anus (look for patches of barbered hair)
• Licking: Obsessive licking around their bottom
• Crying: Signs of discomfort when passing a bowel movement
• Swelling: Puffiness around the anal area
• Discharge: Foul-smelling discharge from the anal area
• Smell: An unpleasant smell that follows the cat around or lingers where the cat sat

Signs Your Cat May Need Anal Gland Expression

Recognizing when your cat may need anal gland expression is crucial for their comfort and health. Look for these signs:

• Scooting: Persistent rubbing of their bottom on the ground.
• Excessive Licking: Frequent licking of the anal area.
• Discomfort: Visible discomfort during bowel movements.
• Swelling: Noticeable puffiness around the anal area.
• Odor: A foul smell coming from the anal region.

These symptoms suggest that your cat’s anal glands may need to be expressed.

Treatment Options for Infected Cat Anal Glands

If your cat’s anal glands become infected, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. Treatment options include:

• Manual Expression: Performed by a veterinarian to empty the glands.
• Antibiotics: Prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
• Gland Flushing: Cleaning out the glands in severe cases.
• Surgical Removal: In extreme cases, the glands may need to be surgically removed.

Addressing the infection early helps prevent abscesses or ruptures in your cat’s anal glands.

Common Cat Anal Gland Problems

The most common problem with cat anal glands is impaction, caused by a blockage in the draining duct.

• Impaction: When the sacs are blocked, they continue to produce secretion, leading to pressure buildup within the gland and causing discomfort.
• Infection Risk: If left untreated, bacteria can fester in the impacted material, leading to infection. In severe cases, the glands may rupture, though anal sac cancer is extremely rare in cats.

Should You Express Your Cat’s Anal Sacs?

While it might be tempting to try emptying your cat’s anal sacs at home, it’s best to leave this task to the professionals.

• Veterinary Care: Cats generally dislike having their glands expressed, especially when they’re sore. Letting your veterinarian handle the procedure minimizes discomfort and ensures it’s done correctly.
• Differential Diagnosis: Not all symptoms like licking, scooting, or bad smells are caused by anal glands. The cat may have an abscess, allergy, or parasitic infection, so it’s crucial to confirm the diagnosis for proper treatment.

Expressing Healthy Anal Glands: To Do or Not to Do?

If your cat has had anal gland problems before, your vet might recommend expressing the glands every 3–6 months. However, there is some debate over whether this is necessary for healthy glands.

• The Argument Against: Manually emptying the glands could make them “lazy,” meaning they may not function as effectively afterward, making the cat reliant on manual intervention.
• The Argument For: Occasional emptying is infrequent enough that it shouldn’t cause problems. Additionally, it could help catch glands that are newly impacted, preventing the distress of infection.

This approach seems sensible, especially if your cat suffers from irritation around the back end.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Cat Anal Glands

Knowing when to seek veterinary care for your cat’s anal glands is vital for their well-being. Seek professional help if you observe:

• Persistent Symptoms: Continuous signs of scooting, licking, or discomfort.
• Recurrent Issues: Repeated anal gland problems even after treatment.
• Severe Swelling: Significant puffiness that doesn’t subside.
• Blood or Pus: Presence of blood, pus, or unusual discharge from the anal area.
• Lethargy or Pain: Your cat showing signs of pain, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

Timely veterinary care ensures your cat’s anal gland issues are properly managed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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