GotoAID Cats - Anal Gland Impaction

First Aid Index

People

Cats

Dogs


Search
GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only

Respiratory

Emergency

Bites/Stings

Cuts/Wounds

Breaks & Sprains

Poisons

Burns

Medical Problems

Anal Gland Impaction

Cats have two anal glands that are located on opposite sides of the anus. Usually the anal glands empty naturally when cats defecate. Unlike cats who may have problems with emptying their anal glands, cats very rarely have problems with anal gland impaction. If you think your cat may have a problem with its anal glands, seek immediate veterinary attention as there is likely an underlying medical problem.

Symptoms

Chewing at Backside	Lethargy
Scooting Rear End Along The Ground	Straining to Defecate
Biting at Tail	Reddening of Anal Region
Licking At Rear End	Discharge
Fever	Intense Pain
Loss of Appetite

Steps

Only attempt the following procedures if you can safely handle your cat without being bitten otherwise take your cat to the vet

Place a small cat on the table

You will have to restrain your cat by having a second person grasp the cat by the scruff with one hand and by the hind feet with the other and gently hold her down on a table

If the fur is long under the pet’s tail make sure to clip the fur to see the anal gland properly

Put on a pair of gloves and an old t-shirt as the contents of the sacs have a strong nasty odor

Lift the tail up and gently pull it over the cat’s back to expose rectal area

The anal sacs are location at 5 and 7 o’clock positions on the anus and they will feel like peas or marbles under the skin

Starting below the 5 and 7 o’clock positions milk upwards by using your thumb and forefinger squeezing in a C-shaped sweeping arc

Use a hemorrhoid cream like Preparation H on her making sure she doesn’t lick it off

Use a warm wet compress 10 min at a time 3 times a day on the area if it’s too sore to touch

If the area doesn’t clear up in a couple of days take her to the vet

Warnings

If the material is yellow, green or blood streaked your cat may have an infection

Tips

The material will be dark brown to clear

READ THIS

Suggestions

FEEDBACK

BOOKMARK US