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Lets Talk About it . . . The Cat Anal Gland Issue
Article featured in City Kitty's February 2011 Newsletter

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands present in both cats and dogs. They are situated just below and on either side of the anal opening. These glands produce a substance secreted through ducts just inside the rectum when pressure is put on the glands, most commonly by the passing of feces. This substance has a strong odor which is very unpleasant to humans but was probably useful to animals, especially in times gone by, for marking their territory.

In modern day domestic cats' anal glands can often cause health problems. Sometimes the anal gland secretions are not expressed naturally and build up, leading to thickening of the secretion and clogging of the duct. This can lead to behaviors such as "scooting" on the floor. This is an attempt to relieve pressure of impacted anal glands. This can cause damage to the anus and requires some type of intervention. Caring for the anal glands and promoting anal gland health is therefore very important to prevent problems.

A high fiber diet is essential. I usually observe cats on commercial dry food with the most problems. A grain free can food will help.

At City Kitty, we do check and express anal glands when necessary during the bathing process, but let us know if you have noticed a problem with your cat so we can take care of it for you. If your cat continues to have problems there are products such as AnalGlandz, a 100% herbal remedy to promote good health. This can be ordered online. We hope this helps you with good anal gland health....not a sexy topic, but quite necessary.