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Cats/Cat's anal glands

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Expert: Karen Craft - 2/7/2007


Question
Karen,
I have had cats all my life and have loved them all. I am perplexed over the behavior of one of my current felines. She is an 8 year old domestic female spayed cat. She has a problem with her anal glands that when she is in a "loving" mood and is being petted, she will squirt a brown foul smelling liquid. Whatever it hits then must be washed. She doesn't act like her anal glands need to be expressed because this only happens maybe once every two months or less. Her behavior in all other areas is completely normal. She's a good eater, sleeper, and player. What can I do? I never know when it's going to hit and makes me shy away from petting her while in bed or on the sofa in fear she will squirt on the upholstery. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Robert,

Isn't that the worst smelling stuff around? I just got squirted myself by one of my cats two days ago so I can really sympathize. Cat anal glands are something you really don't hear too much about.
Has your cat's food changed recently? Sometimes this will cause a backup of the fluids. Some cats need a high fiber food, (usually dry), so their glands will express properly. Watch her and see if she scoots around on her rear. This is a big clue that her glands are full and bothering her.

You might want to take her to a vet and have her checked out to make sure there isn't anything wrong with her glands. Also have the vet show you how to express them on her and do that as a regular part of her grooming.

And there is one very easy thing to do that I do. Usually touching the hindquarters of the cat causing this expressing of the fluid. So I don't touch them. I know that sounds like a bad punchline to an old joke but it works. Good luck and let me know if these tips help you.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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