4+ yrs ago took in a stray cat. He's always been emotionally fragile & afraid of everything. When he feels cornered (tall person walking into room w/ only 1 doorway out, etc) he releases a foul smelling, oily substance. We have to bathe him, whatever he sprayed, and anything he rubbed on before we noticed. He doesn't mind baths (we stand in tub w/ him and sing!). But he also releases this substance when there doesn't seem to be anything upsetting so I'm wondering if perhaps there is pressure build up that needs to be released? He seems very embarassed and tries to lick clean the items it gets on. I did read about owners, groomers & vets doing this, but I've had cats for 50+ yrs and never needed to do it before. Going to have to be an owner administered procedure because this cat gets so upset over a cat carrier to be transported to the vet that he's covered in urine when we arrive, and again when I get home. He generally enjoys his life and sleeps on his back in the middle of the room eats and uses the litter box well. We have a quiet household that he rules.
Any advice about addressing this extra laundry and carpet/upholstry cleaning issue? I did purchase a carpet shampooer but every couple of months he releases this stuff and his timing doesn't always fit with mine! Thanks for your help
cat anal sacks/glands
Re: cat anal sacks/glands
Part of responsible pet ownership involves regular veterinary health exams (yearly and at any time there are symptoms or health issues that come up). No pet likes to go to the vet, but it is necessary.
It may be anal gland issue or it may not be, only a veterinary exam will determine this. If the anal glands frequently become impacted, sometimes, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is rare in cats, but depending on the situation will determine what is the most appropriate treatment. Sometimes, anal gland masses or tumors can also develop, so you need to be darned sure your vet rules this out through a careful examination and evaluation of the anal gland secretions.
Manual expression of the anal sacs by owners is risky. This has to be done gently and pressure applied correctly to avoid rupture or physical harm or potential of harm that could cause bacterial infection to spread.
You also need to discuss kitty's diet with your vet in the event it is actually the diet that is causing the anal gland impactions. If he strains in the litterbox for example, or if his stools are unusually hard or he cannot entirely eliminate normally, then the diet may need to be adjusted to one more easily digestible/absorbed. Your vet can recommend an appropriate diet based on kitty's age, health, and pending any other health issues.
Don't attempt to express the anal glands on your own, you need your vet to determine the extent of the problem. If he determines they are infected or impacted, he will treat and advise you accordingly. See your vet TODAY please so kitty gets a full exam.
It may be anal gland issue or it may not be, only a veterinary exam will determine this. If the anal glands frequently become impacted, sometimes, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is rare in cats, but depending on the situation will determine what is the most appropriate treatment. Sometimes, anal gland masses or tumors can also develop, so you need to be darned sure your vet rules this out through a careful examination and evaluation of the anal gland secretions.
Manual expression of the anal sacs by owners is risky. This has to be done gently and pressure applied correctly to avoid rupture or physical harm or potential of harm that could cause bacterial infection to spread.
You also need to discuss kitty's diet with your vet in the event it is actually the diet that is causing the anal gland impactions. If he strains in the litterbox for example, or if his stools are unusually hard or he cannot entirely eliminate normally, then the diet may need to be adjusted to one more easily digestible/absorbed. Your vet can recommend an appropriate diet based on kitty's age, health, and pending any other health issues.
Don't attempt to express the anal glands on your own, you need your vet to determine the extent of the problem. If he determines they are infected or impacted, he will treat and advise you accordingly. See your vet TODAY please so kitty gets a full exam.
..........Traci
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sterling05
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:16 pm
Re: cat anal sacks/glands
thanks, I'll call for appt w/ our favorite vet today. The cat's been seen quite a bit by our vet because he came to us with dental problems, has needed oral surgery couple of times, etc. But vet trips are such a shampooing ordeal that I didn't want to enlist in monthly visits to address a less frequent shampooing problem. But, if it's possibly a medical issue then we're doing another road trip! Glad for this site because I did find instructions on Internet for home expression of the glands w/o any cautions.
So, does this seem a reasonable approach? Have the vet evaluate the situation and then if health issues are ruled out, they can show me how to handle it at home if it's something I'm able to do? Their vet techs took the time to show me how to clip this cat's nails because he has some double ones I needed different clippers for. We've gone there for decades and they're always very kind.
So, does this seem a reasonable approach? Have the vet evaluate the situation and then if health issues are ruled out, they can show me how to handle it at home if it's something I'm able to do? Their vet techs took the time to show me how to clip this cat's nails because he has some double ones I needed different clippers for. We've gone there for decades and they're always very kind.
Re: cat anal sacks/glands
It depends on how comfortable you are with the procedure, and how the cat is during the procedure. (remember, this is really uncomfortable for the cat, and can be painful) It would take two people, one to gently restrain, the other to express the glands. Yes, your vet can show you, but I would advise you at least have a couple "practice sessions" from your vet before attempting on your own. He'll show you the correct location and correct technique so that you don't do more harm than good.
Do, please, tell your vet how often this occurs, because he may need to evaluate cautiously, meaning, checking for masses etc. Again, also discuss kitty's diet in the event it could be part of the problem.
Do, please, tell your vet how often this occurs, because he may need to evaluate cautiously, meaning, checking for masses etc. Again, also discuss kitty's diet in the event it could be part of the problem.
..........Traci
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sterling05
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:16 pm
Re: cat anal sacks/glands
Oh dear, this isn't going to be an easy fix. But we'll figure it out. The cat is real docile & laid back, but almost 20 pounds so though he only pushes away, he has power. So I'll ask the vet for suggestions for a helper; maybe the mobil groomer or a vet tech who'd like some side money.
The vet put him on Hill's sensitive stomach dry food and senior canned Hill's food. The cat eats slowly because of bottom teeth removed but he eats his alotted amount. His stools always hold their shape, but are moist enough that frequently they stick to his leg fur then drop off a room or two away from the litter box. But you do bring up a good point that perhaps with missing teeth that his digestion isn't normal.
As I write this, I realize it sounds like he's a problem, but he's really a sweet, cuddly guy to have around. Glad he chose our house.
He was neutered when he arrived so we don't know anything about that history either. And, he has a gigantic skeleton; he's over a yard o'cat. I had just wrongly assumed it was his fragile emotions that caused this problem. Could be physical.
Thanks for the excellent advice. Now we have a treatment pathway. Though it's gonna be a smelly one at least I'll have control of the timing.
The vet put him on Hill's sensitive stomach dry food and senior canned Hill's food. The cat eats slowly because of bottom teeth removed but he eats his alotted amount. His stools always hold their shape, but are moist enough that frequently they stick to his leg fur then drop off a room or two away from the litter box. But you do bring up a good point that perhaps with missing teeth that his digestion isn't normal.
As I write this, I realize it sounds like he's a problem, but he's really a sweet, cuddly guy to have around. Glad he chose our house.
He was neutered when he arrived so we don't know anything about that history either. And, he has a gigantic skeleton; he's over a yard o'cat. I had just wrongly assumed it was his fragile emotions that caused this problem. Could be physical.
Thanks for the excellent advice. Now we have a treatment pathway. Though it's gonna be a smelly one at least I'll have control of the timing.
Re: cat anal sacks/glands
Did kitty see the vet yesterday or were you only able to schedule the appointment? Was the food just recommended yesterday or has kitty been on this food for some time?
Is the vet addressing kitty's weight? If not, maybe you should see a more comitted vet. Obesity in pets is a serious matter and should never be taken lightly. Obesity can lead to heart disease, liver disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc. If a serious illness occured, and a significant amount of weight loss occured due to the illness, this could put major organ function at risk (i.e., liver, and could cause diabetes). Activity and exercise are also significantly decreased because the cat is uncomfortable, and the pounds continue to be put on. If the vet determines kitty is significantly overweight, please get full bloodwork done for him prior to any weight loss reduction treatment plan, so you can determine his overall health. Weight loss in cats must be done slowly and cautiously to prevent sudden or too drastic a weight loss.
I would not recommend a groomer to express anal glands for you. Groomers are not qualified for medical procedures and if there was a problem, you'd have absolutely no recourse against the groomer. If there is a tech at your vet's clinic, that would be fine, but make sure she is qualified or directed by the vet.
It could be that the anal glands do not actually need to be expressed, your vet will have to make that determination based on exam and closer evaluation. The diet may have something to do with this, so do discuss the diet, and kitty's weight.
Is the vet addressing kitty's weight? If not, maybe you should see a more comitted vet. Obesity in pets is a serious matter and should never be taken lightly. Obesity can lead to heart disease, liver disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc. If a serious illness occured, and a significant amount of weight loss occured due to the illness, this could put major organ function at risk (i.e., liver, and could cause diabetes). Activity and exercise are also significantly decreased because the cat is uncomfortable, and the pounds continue to be put on. If the vet determines kitty is significantly overweight, please get full bloodwork done for him prior to any weight loss reduction treatment plan, so you can determine his overall health. Weight loss in cats must be done slowly and cautiously to prevent sudden or too drastic a weight loss.
I would not recommend a groomer to express anal glands for you. Groomers are not qualified for medical procedures and if there was a problem, you'd have absolutely no recourse against the groomer. If there is a tech at your vet's clinic, that would be fine, but make sure she is qualified or directed by the vet.
It could be that the anal glands do not actually need to be expressed, your vet will have to make that determination based on exam and closer evaluation. The diet may have something to do with this, so do discuss the diet, and kitty's weight.
..........Traci