We know, we know, fabCats – a cat’s backside isn’t exactly a topic of everyday conversation. Well, unless your feline decides to proudly present their dignified behind to everyone during an important online meeting. However, there’s one thing every fabCat guardian should be aware of when it comes to their cat’s booty: the anal glands. They aren’t often talked about because, in many cats, they function properly throughout their entire lives. But when they start causing issues, the situation can become serious and painful. What kind of problems can cat anal glands cause, and when should you visit the vet? Let’s find out, fabCats!

What Are Cat Anal Glands and How Do They Work?

Though small, anal glands play a significant role in a cat’s life. These two tiny sacs, located near the cat’s anus, produce a thick, strong-smelling fluid that felines use for marking territory. A healthy cat naturally empties them during bowel movements, so most guardians never even consider them. However, when anal glands cause discomfort, leading to itching, burning, and an inability to empty naturally, it’s essential to address the issue with a vet to relieve the cat’s distress.

A cat experiencing anal gland issues might “scoot” – dragging their rear across the floor – nibble or scratch at the affected area, struggle with defecation, or avoid the litter box altogether. If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them, fabCat!

What Causes Problems with Cat Anal Glands?

Fortunately, anal gland issues aren’t very common in cats. With a proper diet and no predisposition to digestive problems or chronic illnesses, many cats go their entire lives without needing help from their guardian or a vet. However, certain factors can interfere with normal anal gland function, including:

Chronic diarrhea and constipation – If the glands don’t empty naturally during bathroom visits, they can become impacted. A short-term bout of diarrhea from eating something inappropriate, stress, or illness usually isn’t a big issue, but it’s still a good idea to monitor your cat afterward to ensure everything returns to normal.

Obesity, digestive disorders, allergies, and inflammation – These can affect the entire digestive system, including the ability to pass stool properly.

Parasites – Infestations often cause litter box troubles, and many guardians first recognize a parasitic issue through changes in their cat’s bathroom habits. Once the underlying cause is treated, anal gland problems usually resolve as well.

Tumors – Unfortunately, we can’t leave this off the list. Growths near the anus can interfere with proper gland function and emptying.

Stress – While not a direct cause, prolonged stress negatively impacts a cat’s overall health and can indirectly contribute to gland issues.

Regardless of what you suspect the cause to be, fabCat, the first step in diagnosing the problem is always a visit to the vet. After examining your feline friend, the vet will determine whether immediate treatment is needed or if a deeper health assessment is required.

How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is in Trouble?

If you’re familiar with your cat’s body language, you’ll likely notice when something is off. Not every cat will “scoot,” but excessive licking and biting around the tail area are clear warning signs. Cats do this to relieve itching or discomfort. If your cat has long fur, you might also notice changes in the coat’s texture, such as increased matting or greasiness around the tail. More severe cases may involve redness, swelling, or unusual litter box behavior, such as difficulty defecating, vocalizing in pain, multiple failed attempts at using the litter box or even eliminating outside of it.

Prevention First: How to Take Care of Your Cat’s Anal Glands

Even if your cat has never had anal gland problems, it’s good to know that many everyday factors can affect their health. The most important one? Diet! A diet that isn’t tailored to a cat’s needs—based on low-quality food and lacking essential nutrients—can lead to frequent diarrhea or constipation, which, as we’ve learned, can result in gland problems. According to many sources, cats on a well-balanced BARF diet rarely experience gland issues because this diet meets their natural needs, and firmer stools help empty the glands naturally. Additionally, regular vet visits are crucial. Even during an annual check-up, you can ask your vet to examine the glands to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Has your cat ever had anal gland issues, fabCat? How did you notice something was wrong, and how did you manage the situation? Share your experiences in the comments!