Anal Gland Question

rosegold

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This morning I noticed a faint but certain whiff of anal gland smell when Chilli was lying near me. I lifted her tail and looked and the glands seemed more noticeable than usual, almost whitish. There’s no redness but I wondered if they were full and having trouble draining. However, she has a very fluffy butt so I admittedly rarely see them unless I purposely look, so maybe they don’t look out of the ordinary... I wiped them gently with a damp paper towel, and pressed gently, which she complained about but tolerated. No bursts of liquid or any change that I could see. I watched her closely today and haven’t seen ANY licking, scooting, signs of pain, difficulty pooping or changes in poop. The smell isn’t bad at all and I can only smell it if she sticks her butt in my face (like she often does in the mornings). Paranoid cat mom that I am, though, I wonder if it is something I should be worried about, based on visual difference alone? One of our dogs has had trouble with impacted anal glands, but with him there was always a lot of obvious redness and swelling and it bothered him a lot. Chilli doesn’t seem bothered at all except when I’m restraining her and holding her tail... which she’s always bothered by anyway.

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FeebysOwner

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Hi. Feeby has had a couple of bouts with anal glands becoming 'clogged'. But, I didn't see any white, just darker, slightly larger 'spots' at the 4:00 and 8:00 positions of a face-clock - to try and describe the glands' location. And, yes when her butt was directly in my face (almost nightly) - PEW!! Feeby also has/had normal stools.

To help try to prevent any more anal gland issues - as the vet thinks it is related to her age-related crummy cleaning abilities - I do 'booty duty' on Feeby, at least every other day. I am currently using hypo-allergenic cat wipes on her behind. But, I am transitioning to lint-free make up wipes moistened with the cooled liquid from brewing a chamomile tea bag (grocery store type, no additives). It is all natural and has soothing and anti-microbial properties, so probably better than any store bought pet wipe.

I personally have not tried to express them myself (egad!!), but there is information on how to do this if you want to try. Here is one of many articles on the internet about how to do it.

How to Express Anal Glands in a Cat - PetPlace

Or, just to be on the safe side you can take Chilli to the vet (or a vet tech) and let them take a look to ensure you know exactly what is going on - and then you can get a lesson from them on how to express them. Most vets/vet techs probably do it on a daily basis. I am hoping what I am doing will allow me to avoid needing a lesson!!
 

Mamanyt1953

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But, I am transitioning to lint-free make up wipes moistened with the cooled liquid from brewing a chamomile tea bag (grocery store type, no additives). It is all natural and has soothing and anti-microbial properties, so probably better than any store bought pet wipe.
Of all the times I have recommended chamomile tea, it NEVER occurred to me to use it for this! YAY! Another weapon from the chamomile armory!

I agree with FeebysOwner FeebysOwner . Go ahead and have that checked, and if there is an issue in the very early stages, you'll have it taken care of before it gets nasty.
 

LTS3

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Some cats may need a little help with their anal glads. You have to press pretty firmly on either side of the glands and sort of "milk" the glands to get the stinky goo out. The vet can show you how to do this.
 

sabrinah

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My cat's anal glands got impacted and infected, and a year or two before that they burst. Fun times. When in doubt, always get it checked by the vet. Sometimes the glands can be expressed from the outside, but if it's thickened it may require a finger up the bum. I prefer to let the vet do that.
 
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