Cat Illnesses - Anal Gland Disease

Anal gland disease occurs when the cat's anal gland ducts become clogged due to infection or impaction. Impaction means the secretion thickens and cannot be discharged as normal. Anal gland abscesses can also occur.

Feline anal gland disease is one of the cat problems that has fairly obvious symptoms. The cat will drag its anus along the ground, may lick it excessively, quickly jerk around to lick it, be constipated and attack when an attempt is made to lift its tail. If the cat's anal glands are infected there will be a foul smelling discharge.

It is possible to treat non-infected anal gland disease at home by manually emptying the glands. Place an index finger inside the cat's anus and squeeze either side with a thumb. For smaller cats squeeze either side of the anus. The cat should feel better immediately. If the cat's anal glands are infected a vet may prescribe antibiotics.