Anal glands are commonly mentioned in the context of dogs. When dogs have anal gland difficulties, they will scoot or lick excessively to try to encourage them to express “naturally.” Anal glands are two sacs placed on either side of the rectum that release a fluid when an animal defecates or when they feel scared. This aroma alerts other animals to their presence and allows them to “mark” territory.
As cats age or become unable to groom properly (for example, if overweight), the fluid in the anal gland might thicken and become difficult to release without assistance (inspissated). Clogged anal glands are uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to abscess formation.
When it comes to medical issues, cats are infamous for being quite subtle. Anal gland disorders in cats might manifest as decreased activity, excessive grooming of the base of the tail or the abdomen, or the skin surrounding the anus becoming inflamed and irritating. Another sign might be pooping outside the litterbox. This is because defecating causes pain, and cats frequently link pain with place. As a result, when it aches to defecate in the litterbox, they blame the litterbox and go on to another location.
If your cat is pooping outside the litterbox, the first thing you should do is bring him in for a checkup. Many behavioral difficulties in cats are caused by an underlying medical condition, and if the medical condition can be resolved, the behavioral issue will be resolved as well. If the anal glands are normal, other conditions may be causing the issue, which we can deal with as well.
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