In many mammals, including cats, there exist specialized scent organs known as cats anal glands, often referred to as anal sacs, that release secretions via a small duct tube into the rectum. When these anal glands function properly, they contribute silently to your cat's natural body odor, and you might never even notice their presence in a healthy cat.

However, when a gland problem arises, signs such as a cat scoot or discomfort during defecation may indicate an underlying gland issue. Sometimes, a bacterial buildup within the gland can lead to infection or even sac disease, requiring manual expression or gland release techniques, and in severe cases, surgical removal to prevent a sac abscess.

In cats, the cats anal glands, small, pea-sized sacs often known as anal sacs, are situated on either side of the rectum. These specialized glands contain cells that secrete a potent, odorous fluid stored within the sac, during defecation, two tiny duct tubes release this fluid onto the stool, aiding in marking territory through natural gland release.

Additionally, when a cat is startled or frightened, it may involuntarily express these glands, a common gland problem that, if left unchecked, could lead to a gland disorder or even a sac abscess. Both male and female cats possess these hidden glands within the anal area, with only small, roughly 1 mm openings (typically at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions) occasionally visible.

When functioning properly, these glands gradually accumulate a thick, viscous fluid. During defecation, or even in a fear response, the rectal muscles apply pressure, forcing this secretion through narrow ducts and onto the stool or into the surrounding environment.

Feline communication is a sophisticated blend of sounds, body language, and scent cues, a system that humans are only beginning to decode. Scent marking, driven by secretions from various glands including cats anal glands, plays a key role in social interactions among cats and even influences how they relate to their human families.

While studies on the specific role of anal gland scents in communication remain limited, a cat’s emotional health is closely linked to its ability to express itself naturally. Although cats with gland problems can sometimes have their anal sacs surgically removed and still lead normal lives, it is generally best to work with your veterinarian to manage gland issues through conservative methods whenever possible.

Cats with healthy anal glands rarely need manual expression or gland release. However, if the gland material becomes thickened or infected, potentially leading to a gland problem like sac disease or bacterial buildup, a cat may require expression to alleviate discomfort.

Because these anal sacs are very small and safely restraining a cat for manual expression can be challenging, the procedure should always be performed by or under the supervision of a veterinary professional. Typically, anal gland expression is reserved for cases where cats show clear clinical signs of discomfort rather than as a routine maintenance practice.

Detecting signs of anal gland dysfunction in cats can be challenging since cats often mask their symptoms. However, if your cat displays any of these indicators, it may be time to have their anal glands evaluated by your vet:

These signs typically occur when the gland material thickens or when bacteria build within the anal sac, leading to a gland infection or sac disease. In severe cases, the anal glands may even rupture at the base tail, resulting in a visible wound. Such ruptured glands usually require professional treatment, including flushing and antibiotics, to treat the infection and prevent a sac abscess.

Manual expression, flushing, and sometimes antibiotics can rapidly ease discomfort in a cat experiencing anal gland issues. However, these treatments primarily address the symptoms, as most gland problems stem from underlying systemic conditions that must be resolved to maintain proper function of the cats anal glands.

Common factors contributing to these gland disorders include:

• Allergies.
• A low fiber or poor quality diet
• Obesity.
• Diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cancer or tumors affecting the anal gland or rectum.

Since identifying the exact cause of a gland problem can be challenging, it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to devise an effective preventative strategy that addresses both the gland issue and any broader health concerns.

Feeding your cat a high quality diet, maintaining effective parasite prevention, and preventing obesity are crucial for keeping cats anal glands healthy. Even with these measures, some cats may develop gland issues due to underlying illnesses or genetic predispositions.

It's important to watch for signs like constipation or diarrhoea, which can contribute to a gland disorder in the anal area. Working closely with your veterinarian can help treat these conditions promptly, preventing complications such as gland infection, sac disease, or even a sac abscess.

Avoid manually expressing or attempting gland express on your cat’s anal glands unless clear symptoms, such as a cat scoot or discomfort during defecation, are present and your veterinarian recommends it. Unnecessary intervention can lead to scar tissue formation and further complications.

If medical management fails to treat the gland problem, your veterinarian may suggest surgical removal. Given the complexity of anal gland surgery, which involves delicate structures like the duct tube and is generally reserved for cases where tumors are suspected or all other treatment options have been exhausted, this should be considered only as a last resort.

General anesthesia is required for surgery, which inherently carries some risk, whether the patient is a cat or a person. Surgical removal of the anal sacs, a delicate procedure often referred to as addressing cats anal glands, demands specialized care, many veterinarians may refer these cases to a board certified surgeon due to the complexity of managing gland problems.

Post surgery, some cats may experience a temporary loss of bowel control, manifesting as dropped fecal balls during movement or fecal incontinence when resting. This issue occurs because the nerves that control the muscles surrounding the anal area are situated close to the anal sacs, they can sustain minor damage or become inflamed during the procedure, potentially leading to complications like a gland disorder or even a sac abscess. In most cases, these issues resolve within a few days to weeks.

However, in rare instances, persistent nerve damage may result in chronic fecal incontinence, necessitating special accommodations such as nappies. Your veterinarian will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of surgical removal, ensuring you understand potential complications like gland infection or sac disease and helping you decide on the best approach for your cat's overall health.