As a cat owner, you need to make sure your beloved friend is healthy, and sometimes that means dealing with bodily functions that aren’t so pleasant. Cats have two anal sacs that help them mark their territory. The sacs are located on either side of the anus and emit a smelly, dark substance. Most of the time, the liquid is expelled when they pass feces.
Generally, most healthy cats don’t need these sacs removed or expressed, but they can sometimes lead to health problems. Common issues associated with anal glands include infections, clogging, and abscesses.
Keeping your cat healthy requires identifying the signs that your pet needs its anal glands expressed. Here are six signs you should know.
The 6 Signs Your Cat Needs Their Glands Expressed
1. Chasing Its Tail.
Some animals find chasing their tail fun and entertaining, and if this is a typical behavior your cat shows, it’s probably not a huge problem. But, if your furry friend has never done this before and just picked the habit up, keep looking for other signs of anal gland concerns.
Also, watch for an increase in tail chasing. While this behavior alone might not indicate anal gland compaction is the problem, it’s still a concerning behavior that needs to be monitored.
2. Scooting on the Floor.
Anal gland issues are more common in dogs than cats, so it’s not surprising that dogs usually “scoot” like this. While dogs are more likely to do this, it’s also a good indicator there’s something wrong with your cat’s anal glands. The cat is likely trying to relieve uncomfortable or itchy feelings by rubbing its bottom on the ground. Exhibiting this behavior now and again isn’t a huge deal, so take note of the frequency.
3. Licking the Area Frequently.
Cats groom often and usually keep themselves relatively clean by licking their fur. So, it’s normal to see your cat cleaning around their private areas. However, take notice if it is doing so much more than ever before. It may start licking or even biting around the base of the tail, too. Check under the tail for abscesses or other sores if you notice this behavior.
4. Your Cat Seems To Be In Pain.
It’s challenging to tell if your cat is in pain because they naturally hide or minimizes their feelings. Masking pain is likely a leftover survival mechanism, but it makes your job as a pet owner harder.
You don’t want your feline to suffer, so look for straining when the cat poops or struggling to sit normally. It might try to keep its bottom and tail from touching anything or avoid putting pressure there.
5. Swelling Around The Anal Area.
You know your kitty better than anyone, so you’ll be the one to pick up on any strange behaviors or health problems that weren’t there before. If they’ve started licking their butt and tail or showing signs of pain, inspect the outer area for swelling. You can gently touch the sides, and if you feel a rigid mass, there is likely a problem. Even if it’s not anal gland-related, you’ll want to get the cat checked out by a vet. There may also be an open wound if the gland has ruptured.
6. Meowing To Get Your Attention.
This is a behavior that not all cats will show as they all have different personalities. But, meowing more than usual could mean the cat has a health issue. Pay attention to its vocalizations and if the sounds seem strained. This behavior alone doesn’t indicate the problem is related to impacted anal glands but could be an indication something out of the ordinary is going on.
Conclusion
Have you noticed any of the signs mentioned above? If so, the best way to know if your cat needs its anal glands expressed is to take it to the vetetrinay clinic. The vet can thoroughly evaluate your cat and usually express the anal glands at the appointment. The veterinarian can also protect your pet from worsening symptoms like an infection.
Featured Image: Salomé Guruli, Unsplash
