Just like dogs, cats also possess anal glands, sometimes referred to as anal sacs. These are small pouches situated on each side of your cat’s anus, acting as reservoirs for a strong-smelling, brownish fluid. These glands play a role in feline communication, as a small amount of their secretion is typically released during bowel movements, providing a unique scent marker for each cat.
While not a frequent issue in cats, anal gland disorders can occur, most commonly in the form of anal gland impaction. This happens when the glands become blocked, preventing the normal release of secretions, leading to swelling and discomfort. If left unaddressed, an impacted anus gland in cats can become severely painful and even rupture.
Although most anus gland issues in cats are treatable, they can sometimes escalate into a medical emergency. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if your cat shows signs of an impacted or infected gland, indicated by swelling, pain, reluctance to eat, or inability to settle comfortably.
Types of Anus Gland Disorders in Cats
Several conditions can affect the Anus Glands In Cats, each with its own characteristics:
- Anal Gland Impaction: This is the most common disorder, characterized by a blockage of the anal glands. It arises from the accumulation of secretions within the gland that cannot be expelled naturally. The fluid thickens and hardens, leading to a painful buildup.
- Anal Gland Abscess: An abscess develops when an infection takes hold within the anal gland. This results in a painful, inflamed swelling that can appear on one or both sides of the anus. The infection is usually bacterial and causes pus to accumulate in the gland.
- Anal Gland Rupture: If an anal gland abscess is not treated, the increasing pressure from the infected fluid can cause the gland to burst or rupture. This is a painful event and results in an open, draining wound near the anus.
- Anal Gland Cancer: Though rare, cancer can affect the anus glands in cats. Anal gland adenocarcinoma is the most common type. This involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the gland, leading to tumor formation.
Close-up of a cat's rear end, highlighting the anal area, with a subtle indication of anal gland location.
Recognizing Symptoms of Anus Gland Disorders in Cats
Identifying anus gland disorders early is important for prompt treatment. Be alert for these common symptoms in your cat:
- Redness and Swelling: Noticeable redness or swelling around the anus and rear end is a key indicator of inflammation or impaction.
- Excessive Licking or Biting: Cats may persistently lick, chew, or bite at their anus or tail area in an attempt to relieve discomfort.
- Rear End Dragging or Scooting: Scooting, or dragging their rear end along the floor, is a classic sign of anal gland irritation.
- Foul Odor: A strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the rear end can be a sign of impacted or infected anus glands.
- Draining Wound: The presence of a draining wound or oozing near the anus suggests a ruptured abscess.
- Hair Loss: Excessive grooming in the tail or belly area, sometimes leading to hair loss, can occur as cats try to alleviate anal discomfort.
- Discomfort or Pain: Your cat may show signs of discomfort or pain when sitting, during bowel movements, or when the rear end is touched.
- Constipation: In some cases, anal gland issues can contribute to constipation due to pain or obstruction.
- Visible Swellings: You might be able to feel hard swellings on either side of the anus, indicating impacted glands or abscesses.
What Causes Anus Gland Problems in Cats?
Several factors can contribute to anus gland disorders in cats:
- Impaction Causes: Anal gland impaction typically happens when the duct that allows the gland to drain becomes blocked. Bacterial infections are a frequent underlying cause of this blockage. Bacteria, normally present in feces, can sometimes proliferate excessively or migrate back up into the anal sac ducts.
- Infection and Abscess Formation: While bacteria are usually expelled with normal gland secretions, if inflammation or irritation of the duct occurs, the sac cannot empty properly. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly, leading to infection and the formation of an abscess—a pus-filled pocket causing significant pain and swelling.
- Rupture Progression: Untreated abscesses continue to swell until they eventually rupture, leaving behind a draining wound.
- Rare Cancer Link: Anal gland cancer in cats is uncommon and is thought to have a genetic component. Certain breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese, are reported to have a higher predisposition. The most frequently diagnosed type is anal sac adenocarcinoma.
- Obesity and Lack of Exercise: Regular emptying of the anal sacs is stimulated by physical activity and the passage of firm stools. Obese cats are more prone to anal gland issues as they tend to be less active, leading to less frequent natural emptying. Additionally, excess weight can compress the gland ducts, making emptying more difficult.
- Dietary Fiber Deficiency: Insufficient fiber in a cat’s diet can result in soft stools. Soft stools may not exert enough pressure to effectively empty the anal glands during defecation.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some cats may genetically have narrower anal gland ducts, making them more susceptible to impactions even with a healthy weight and diet.
Veterinarian palpating a cat's anal glands during a physical examination, demonstrating the diagnostic procedure.
Veterinary Diagnosis of Anus Gland Disorders
Diagnosing anus gland disorders in cats begins with a comprehensive physical examination by your veterinarian. This involves:
- Physical Exam and Palpation: Your vet will gently palpate (feel) the anal glands externally to assess their size, consistency, and pain level.
- Medical History: Providing your veterinarian with information about any previous anal gland issues, changes in appetite, lethargy, or vomiting is helpful for diagnosis.
- Anal Gland Expression: If possible and not excessively painful, your vet will attempt to manually express the anal glands to empty their contents. This helps in assessing the type and consistency of the secretion and provides immediate relief. Sedation may be necessary for cats experiencing significant pain or anxiety, or those who are uncooperative during examination.
- Microscopic Examination and Culture: If a draining wound is present, your veterinarian might collect samples of the discharge for microscopic examination (impression smears) to identify bacteria and for culture to determine the specific bacteria present and the most effective antibiotic.
- Biopsy for Suspected Cancer: If a mass is detected in the anal gland area, further investigation is needed. Your vet may take a sample of cells (cytology) or a tissue biopsy for microscopic examination to rule out cancer, particularly if anal sac adenocarcinoma is suspected.
Treatment Approaches for Anus Gland Disorders in Cats
The primary goal of treatment for anus gland disorders in cats is to restore normal gland function and alleviate discomfort. Treatment methods vary depending on the specific disorder:
- Manual Expression: For simple anal gland impaction, manual expression is often the first step. The veterinarian gently squeezes the glands to expel the built-up secretions. In some cases, if the contents are very thick or dry, a special solution may be infused into the sac to soften the material before expression. Sedation may be required if the area is highly inflamed or painful. Regular, scheduled anal gland expression may be recommended to prevent future impactions.
- Antibiotics and Pain Management: If an infection is present (anal gland abscess), antibiotics will be prescribed to combat the bacterial infection. Pain relief is also crucial, and medications like Onsior® (robenacoxib) or gabapentin may be administered to manage pain and inflammation.
- Wound Care for Ruptured Abscesses: A ruptured anal gland abscess requires careful wound management in addition to antibiotics. This may involve cleaning the wound, applying topical treatments, and preventing the cat from licking the area.
- Surgical Removal (Rare): Surgery to remove the anal glands (anal sacculectomy) is rarely needed. It may be considered in cases of chronic, recurrent infections that are unresponsive to other treatments or in cases of anal gland cancer.
A cat wearing a recovery cone to prevent licking or chewing at a wound, often necessary after anal gland treatment.
Recovery and Ongoing Management
Most cats recover well and quickly after treatment for anus gland disorders, particularly after manual expression of impacted glands. Ruptured abscesses may require a longer recovery period with wound care and follow-up veterinary visits.
- Recovery Cone Use: A recovery cone (Elizabethan collar) is often recommended to prevent cats from licking or chewing at the affected area, especially if there is a wound or topical medication is being used.
- Topical Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe topical creams or ointments for wound care. Always follow your vet’s instructions and use a recovery cone to prevent ingestion of topical medications. Never apply any products to open wounds without veterinary guidance.
- Regular Monitoring: For cats prone to anal gland impactions, regular veterinary check-ups and scheduled anal gland expressions may be necessary for long-term management and prevention.
Preventing Anus Gland Disorders in Cats
Preventing anus gland disorders focuses on diet and maintaining a healthy weight:
- Balanced Diet: Feeding your cat a high-quality, balanced diet is crucial. Dietary fiber plays a key role in stool consistency, which in turn aids in natural anal gland expression.
- High-Fiber Diets: For cats with recurring anal gland issues or soft stools, high-fiber diets like Hill’s® Biome or Royal Canin® Fiber Response can be beneficial. These diets help bulk up the stool, promoting more effective gland emptying.
- Weight Management and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring your cat gets regular exercise are important. Encourage activity with laser pointers or cat toys to promote natural anal gland function and prevent obesity-related issues.
- Fiber Supplements: Certain supplements containing fiber and probiotics, such as Glandex® for Cats, can support anal gland health. These can be easily added to your cat’s food.
- Routine Anal Gland Expression: If your cat has a history of anal gland disorders, adhering to a regular schedule for anal gland expression, as recommended by your veterinarian, can be a proactive preventative measure.
FAQs About Anus Gland Disorders in Cats
How can you tell if a cat needs their glands expressed?
Signs that your cat may need their anus glands expressed include excessive licking or chewing at their rear end, scooting, hair plucking around the tail or rear, and visible swelling near the anus. A strong, foul odor can also indicate a need for expression.
Can you home-treat an anal gland abscess rupture?
No, a ruptured anal gland abscess typically requires veterinary care. Antibiotics are usually necessary to treat the infection and promote healing. Home treatment is not advised and could worsen the condition.
What are impacted anus glands in cats?
Impacted anus glands are glands that are blocked and unable to empty their secretions naturally. This buildup leads to swelling, discomfort, and can progress to infection or abscess formation if not addressed by manual expression.
References
Corbee R, et al. A Cross-Sectional Study on Canine and Feline Anal Sac Disease. Animals. 021;12(1):95
Shoieb A, Hanshaw D. Anal Sac Gland Carcinoma in 64 Cats in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Pathology. 2007;46(1):677–83.
WRITTEN BY
Melissa Boldan, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa Boldan graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal…
