Little Known Ways to Recognize When Your Cat Requires Anal Gland Expression
If you’re a cat owner, chances are you at least know what anal glands are – tiny scent glands located near their anus. They can become full and cause discomfort in cats if they’re not regularly expressed. Unfortunately, many owners don’t recognize signs that an expression is needed until it’s too late. Fortunately, there are some lesser-known ways to recognize when your cat requires an anal gland expression, allowing you to take action as soon as possible and provide them with the necessary relief. Read on to discover all the subtle signs you should be looking out for.
How to Identify Symptoms of Anal Gland Expression Needed in Cats
Cats possess two anal sacs, or glands, located on either side of their rectum. These special sacks contain fluid, which cats usually release on to objects as they rub against it. This is how cats mark their territory.
Unfortunately, the anal sacs can become blocked, meaning that they fill up and function improperly. This is when problems start to arise and cats require medical attention. Symptoms of Anal Gland Expression Needed in Cats usually include a strong and unpleasant odor coming from the cat’s rear end, excessive scooting and licking around the area, an overall agitation, and a distended or bloated abdomen. Kitty may also experience pain or discomfort in the region.
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important for pet owners to contact their veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. Keeping the anal glands in good condition will help avoid infection or any more uncomfortable issue for their beloved pet. The vet can express the anal glands by means of manual compression, which will provide instant relief and allow the fluid to flow normally again.
Infrequent Scooting and Other Less Obvious Signs Your Cat Might Require Anal Gland Expression
Anal gland expression is an important component of cat health care. Although it is often overlooked, should your feline fail to have their anal glands emptied at least once per year, it can lead to a variety of potentially serious medical issues. One of the most common signs that a cat needs to have their anal glands expressed is scooting, which occurs when they drag their bottom across the floor. However, this sign can be easy to overlook, especially if it occurs only infrequently.
Other less obvious signs that your cat might require anal gland expression include any lumps or sores that appear near the anus; these are often indicators of impacted or infected anal glands. You may also notice that your cat is licking or biting their bottom more than usual, as well as swelling around the area of the anus. Your cat may become uncomfortable while defecating and take longer than usual to empty their bowels, which could be a sign of impacted anal glands. Additionally, look out for any fragrance emanating from beneath your cat’s tail. If you smell anything unusual, it could indicate that your cat’s anal glands are in need of attention.
If you are concerned about your cat’s bottom line, speak to your veterinarian. They can carry out a thorough examination of your cat and provide advice on the best course of action for treating any problems with their anal glands. By catching any potential issues early, you can greatly reduce the risk of further complications.
Potential Complications From Unaddressed Anal Gland Issues in Cats
Anal gland issues in cats can be uncomfortable for your cat and, if left unaddressed, can lead to various complications. Cats’ anal glands naturally excrete a foul-smelling liquid each time they have a bowel movement, but sometimes these glands can become inflamed or clogged. If the anal glands remain impacted, the cat may start to scoot on the floor — this is most commonly seen when the cat is having difficulty emptying their anal glands.
Besides this discomfort and possible scooting, there are some serious complications that can arise from unaddressed anal gland issues in cats. Chronic inflammation of the anal sacs as a result of recurrent infections can cause scarring, which eventually leads to blockage and impaction. An infection or buildup of fluid or pus within the anal sacs can also occur, and if left untreated it can spread to other parts of a cat’s body, such as the abdominal area and reproductive organs, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions like sepsis and peritonitis. Additionally, an abscess can form around the anus, which requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
Anal gland issues should always be assessed by a veterinarian to ensure they do not lead to further health concerns. If your cat is exhibiting any signs of anal gland discomfort or impacts, it is important to contact your vet for advice.
Conclusion
Caring for your felines health and wellbeing is important. One service cats need that is not always generally known is anal gland expression. Recognizing symptoms such as scooting, tail twitching, excessive licking, inflammation or abscess in the bottom area of your cat are all signs your cat may require this procedure. Therefore, if you detect any of the mentioned symptoms it is best to seek professional advice from your veterinarians to ensure good health for your pet.