Cat Anal Gland Info
Key Takeaways
All cats have two anal glands (anal sacs) located at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions on either side of the rectum. These glands produce a scent-marking fluid that should empty naturally during bowel movements when stools are firm and well-formed.
Common symptoms include scooting, excessive licking of the anal area, foul fishy odor, redness or swelling near the rectum, and changes in litter box behavior such as straining or defecating outside the box.
The most common cause is poor stool consistency — soft or loose stools do not create enough pressure to empty the glands naturally. Underlying allergies and abnormal gland positioning are also contributing factors.
Complications include impaction, infection (anal sacculitis), and abscess. Abscesses can rupture and require emergency veterinary care.
Anal gland problems are less common in cats than in dogs, but they are still a significant health concern that should not be ignored.
At-home prevention includes a fiber-rich diet, daily probiotic and digestive enzyme supplementation, regular monitoring of litter box habits, and prompt veterinary attention when symptoms appear.
Table of Contents
Where Are Cat Anal Glands Located?
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Anal Gland Problems
What Causes Cat Anal Gland Problems?
Cat Anal Sac Diseases and Complications
Cat anal gland problems are often overlooked — partly because they are less common in cats than in dogs, and partly because cats are skilled at hiding discomfort. But when anal gland issues do occur in cats, they can cause significant pain and progress quickly without the right support.
Knowing the signs of anal gland problems in cats, understanding what causes them, and learning how to support your cat's digestive and glandular health at home can make a meaningful difference in your cat's quality of life.
Cat anal glands — also called anal sacs — are a pair of small scent glands located just inside the rectum. Like dogs and other mammals, cats use anal gland secretions for scent marking and territory identification. When two cats sniff each other's rear ends, they are exchanging information about age, sex, and general health encoded in these secretions.
The inner walls of the anal sacs are lined with tiny sebaceous (sweat) glands that continuously produce an oily, foul-smelling fluid. Under normal circumstances, this fluid is expelled automatically during defecation as the passing stool applies pressure to the glands. When the glands fail to empty regularly — due to soft stools, anatomical factors, or underlying health issues — problems can develop quickly.
Unlike dogs, cats have a somewhat lower baseline risk for anal gland impaction, but the consequences when problems do occur can be just as serious. Cats that are overweight, have chronic digestive issues, or suffer from allergies are at higher risk for recurring anal gland complications.
Both male and female cats have two anal glands located on either side of the anal opening. Using the anal area like a clock face, the glands sit at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. They are internal structures — not visible from the outside under normal circumstances — but can be accessed by a veterinarian or trained professional for manual expression when needed.
Each gland connects to a small opening on the surface of the skin via a narrow duct. When the glands become impacted or infected, these ducts can become blocked, preventing the fluid from draining and causing swelling, pain, and potential rupture.
Cats are known for concealing signs of illness and discomfort, which makes it especially important to monitor behavioral changes that could point to anal gland issues. Any cat displaying the following behaviors should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Scooting — dragging the rear end along the floor or carpet — is one of the most recognizable signs of anal gland discomfort in cats. While less common in cats than in dogs, it is a clear signal that the anal area is causing irritation, itching, or pressure. Scooting is often one of the first visible signs of impaction or early infection.
All cats groom regularly, but repeated and focused licking of the rear end — especially when it interrupts other activities — is a sign that something is wrong. Anal gland inflammation, infection, or a developing abscess can all cause a cat to lick compulsively at the area in an attempt to relieve discomfort.
A healthy cat should not produce noticeable odors beyond normal litter box activity. A persistent fishy or foul smell emanating from your cat's rear end — especially outside of the litter box — is a red flag for anal gland problems. This odor is caused by the accumulation or uncontrolled leaking of anal gland secretions.
Visible swelling, redness, or a raised area near the anal opening can indicate impaction, infection, or an abscess. In cats, anal abscesses can develop quickly and may rupture without warning, causing significant pain and requiring emergency veterinary treatment.
Straining during defecation, vocalizing while using the litter box, or suddenly defecating outside the box can all be signs of anal gland discomfort. When impacted anal glands become swollen, they can partially obstruct the anal canal, making bowel movements painful or difficult.
Some cats with anal gland discomfort will chase, bite, or swat at their tail and rear end. This behavior, combined with any of the other symptoms above, should prompt a veterinary visit.
Several factors can contribute to anal gland problems in cats, and in many cases it is a combination of issues rather than a single cause.
The most common underlying cause of anal gland problems in cats is poor gastrointestinal health resulting in soft or loose stools. Firm, well-formed stools apply consistent pressure to the anal glands as they pass through the anal canal, which allows the glands to empty naturally. When stools are soft, small, or irregular — due to diet, food sensitivities, or digestive issues — the glands receive insufficient pressure and remain full.
Chronic diarrhea or constipation can both worsen anal gland health. Diarrhea prevents proper gland expression through lack of stool bulk, while constipation can cause additional pressure and inflammation in the anal canal. A diet rich in fiber is one of the most effective tools for maintaining the stool consistency necessary for healthy anal gland function.
Allergies are a significant contributing factor to anal gland problems in cats. When a cat experiences an allergic reaction — whether to food, environmental allergens, or other irritants — the resulting inflammation can affect the perianal region (the skin surrounding the anal glands). This localized inflammation makes the glands more prone to impaction and infection. Cats with recurring anal gland issues that do not resolve with dietary changes alone should be evaluated for underlying allergies.
Some cats have anal glands positioned abnormally — typically too deep or at an angle that prevents natural drainage. This anatomical predisposition means the glands may never empty properly on their own, regardless of stool quality, and these cats may require periodic manual expression throughout their lives.
Overweight cats are at higher risk for anal gland problems. Excess body weight can affect the mechanics of defecation, reduce physical activity, and contribute to softer stools — all of which increase the likelihood of gland impaction. Weight management is an important component of long-term anal gland health in cats.
Anal sac disease is less common in cats than in dogs, but it is not rare — and when it does occur, it can progress rapidly. If anal gland problems are left untreated, the following complications can develop.
Impaction occurs when anal gland fluid thickens and becomes too dense to drain through the narrow ducts. The glands swell, causing pain and discomfort during defecation and sitting. Impaction is the most common form of anal sac disease in cats and is often the first stage that leads to more serious complications if not addressed.
When impacted anal glands are left full for too long, bacteria can proliferate in the stagnant fluid, causing infection — a condition called anal sacculitis. An infected anal gland will be painful, warm to the touch, and may produce a thick, discolored secretion. Infection requires veterinary treatment, which typically involves expression under sedation, flushing the gland, and antibiotic therapy.
An abscess forms when an untreated infection causes a pocket of pus to develop within or adjacent to the anal gland. Abscesses in cats are particularly concerning because they can develop quickly and rupture through the skin, creating an open wound near the rectum. A ruptured abscess is painful and prone to further infection. Emergency veterinary care is required, and treatment may include surgical drainage, flushing, and a course of antibiotics.
In severe or chronic cases where medical management has not been effective, a veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of one or both anal sacs — a procedure called anal sacculectomy. While this resolves the recurring problem permanently, it carries surgical risks and is generally reserved as a last resort after other interventions have failed.
Manual anal gland expression is the procedure used to relieve blockages by manually applying pressure to the glands to expel their contents. In cats, expression is less frequently needed than in dogs — but for cats that cannot empty their glands naturally, it is a critical part of their care routine.
Anal gland expression in cats should be performed by a veterinarian or trained groomer in most cases. Cats are generally more sensitive about handling than dogs, and attempting expression at home without proper training can cause injury, rupture an abscess, or cause unnecessary pain. If your veterinarian determines that your cat needs regular expression, ask for a demonstration and guidance before attempting it at home.
Cats that can naturally express their own glands during defecation — the majority of cats with healthy digestive function — should never need manual expression. For cats with chronic impaction or anatomical issues, the frequency varies. Some may need expression monthly; others less often. Your veterinarian can help establish the right schedule for your cat based on their individual history.
During expression, gentle pressure is applied externally or internally to each gland until the fluid is expelled. The process is quick but can be uncomfortable for the cat, especially if the glands are already inflamed. Following expression, the area should be cleaned with a gentle wipe. If the secretion is unusually thick, discolored, or has a bloody appearance, alert your veterinarian — these are signs of infection or abscess.
The most effective at-home strategy for preventing anal gland problems in cats is a combination of dietary support, daily monitoring, and consistent veterinary care.
Increasing dietary fiber is the single most impactful nutritional change you can make for a cat prone to anal gland issues. Fiber bulks and firms the stool, which creates the consistent pressure needed to empty the anal glands naturally during each bowel movement. Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Powder for Cats is a vet-formulated daily supplement providing a targeted fiber blend, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support healthy stool consistency and anal gland function. For cats with more persistent gland issues, Glandex Feline Anal Gland Supplement delivers a higher-potency formula designed for cats with chronic or recurring problems.
Your cat's litter box activity is one of the most valuable health monitoring tools available to you. Note the frequency, consistency, and size of bowel movements. Any persistent changes — including loose stools, straining, reduced frequency, or defecating outside the box — should be discussed with your veterinarian. Catching early changes in bowel habits allows for faster intervention before gland issues develop into infection or abscess.
Keeping the perianal area clean helps prevent irritation and reduces the risk of infection. After expressing or following any episodes of loose stool or leaking, gently clean the area with a soft, unscented wipe. Glandex Anal Gland Wipes are safe for use around the rear end and help remove odor and debris between expressions.
Keeping your cat at a healthy weight reduces the risk of anal gland impaction and supports overall digestive health. Work with your veterinarian to determine your cat's ideal body condition score and adjust diet and activity accordingly. Even modest weight loss in overweight cats can meaningfully improve stool quality and reduce the frequency of anal gland issues.
If your cat has recurring anal gland problems despite dietary support and good stool quality, underlying allergies may be contributing to perianal inflammation. Discuss allergy testing, elimination diets, or anti-inflammatory support with your veterinarian. Addressing the root cause of allergic inflammation can significantly reduce anal gland complications over time.
If you have noticed any of the signs described in this guide, do not wait to contact your veterinarian. Early intervention prevents simple impaction from escalating into infection or abscess — which are significantly more painful and more expensive to treat.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following: visible swelling, redness, or a raised lump near the anal opening; oozing discharge — brown, yellow, or bloody — from the anal area; severe straining during defecation or an inability to pass a bowel movement; signs of intense pain such as hissing, biting, or aggression when the rear end is touched; lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever alongside anal area symptoms; or any open wound or rupture near the rectum.
Anal gland abscesses in cats can rupture rapidly and become life-threatening without prompt treatment. When in doubt, err on the side of a veterinary visit. Most anal gland problems caught in the early impaction stage can be resolved quickly and without complications.
Browse the full Glandex anal gland health collection for cat-specific supplements, powders, and wipes.
Yes. All cats — both male and female — have two anal glands located on either side of the rectum at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. These glands produce a scent-marking fluid that is normally expelled during defecation when stools are firm and well-formed. Unlike dogs, cats rarely need manual expression, but problems can still occur.
Common signs include scooting or dragging the rear along the floor, excessive licking of the anal area that repeatedly interrupts other activity, a persistent foul or fishy odor, redness or visible swelling near the rectum, straining in the litter box, and defecating outside the box. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.
The most common cause is poor stool consistency — soft or loose stools do not create enough pressure on the glands during defecation to empty them naturally. Underlying allergies, abnormal gland anatomy or positioning, obesity, and chronic digestive issues can all contribute. In many cases, a combination of factors is responsible.
Manual expression involves gently applying external or internal pressure to each anal gland to expel the accumulated secretions. This should be performed by a veterinarian or trained groomer in most cases. Cats are more sensitive to handling than dogs, and improper expression can cause injury or rupture an abscess. Always consult your veterinarian before attempting home expression.
Anal gland problems are less common in cats than in dogs, but they do occur and can become serious if left untreated. Cats that are overweight, have chronic digestive issues, suffer from food or environmental allergies, or have anatomically positioned glands are at higher risk. Regular monitoring and a fiber-rich diet can prevent most problems.
Yes. A diet that promotes firm, well-formed stools is one of the most effective ways to support natural anal gland function. Increasing dietary fiber bulks the stool and creates the pressure needed to empty the glands during defecation. Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Powder for Cats provides a vet-formulated fiber and probiotic blend to support healthy stool consistency and reduce the likelihood of impaction.
An abscess occurs when an untreated anal gland infection causes a pocket of pus to form within or adjacent to the gland. Abscesses are painful and can rupture through the skin, creating an open wound that requires emergency veterinary treatment. Signs of an abscess include a visible, painful lump near the rectum, discharge or bleeding from the anal area, and signs of severe pain or distress. Prompt veterinary care is essential.
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