If you see your cat scooting on carpet and rough surfaces or frequently licking her bottom, she may have inflamed anal glands, a condition that's as uncomfortable as it sounds.
Cats are known to mark their territory in a few unpleasant ways, but dragging their behinds across the floor is not common and may indicate a larger issue. If not treated right away, inflamed anal glands may lead to larger medical issues. Read on to learn how to catch the condition early and avoid further discomfort for your cat.
Function
A cat's anal sacs are "the organs found under the skin at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions around an animal's rectum," Pet Health Network describes. The anal glands are the teeny tiny glands within these sacs that secrete a pungent solution. Cats, being the territorial animals they are, use their anal glands to scent mark, a behavior that also includes spraying and rubbing to ward off predators and to let other animals know who the local boss is. Luckily, most indoor cats don't have much need to leave their scent behind with their behinds, choosing instead to rub their head on their favorite objects (the couch, the bed, you). You may see brief scent marking behavior with the introduction of a new pet or family member.
The other job of the anal sacs is to keep your cat's bowel movements on track by secreting fluid as she passes her stool. This secretion in turn empties out the anal sacs and lubricates the feces. When your kitty's poop isn't firm enough to express to squeeze and empty the anal sacs, this secretion builds up in the sac, causing the glands to become inflamed or impacted (plugged up).
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Identification
Anal sac problems occur less frequently in cats than in dogs. (Small dog breeds can have numerous problems, explains the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, because of their "narrow gland outflow.") Though it happens infrequently, a cat's anal glands can become clogged, leading to inflammation. At the inflammation stage is when you may see your cat scooting on carpet to relieve the itch. Petful notes that other indicators include:
- Excessively licking the affected area
- Vocalizing while using the litter box
- A strong or unpleasant odor
- A red or swollen anal area
- Bloody discharge
If your cat exhibits signs of anal gland problems, contact your veterinarian right away for guidance on treatment approaches. Leaving the problem untreated may result in an abscess or rupture and may potentially introduce bacteria into the body.
Treatment
Having swollen anal glands is very uncomfortable for your kitty, so speaking with your vet should be your first priority. "Mildly impacted sacs may simply be treated by expressing them, [or] emptying them of their fluid," says Critical Care DVM. If your kitty's sacs are severely inflamed and painful, she might need mild sedation to have them treated. Your vet may also prescribe a round of antibiotics or pain relievers to help her recover. In cases of extreme infection, the vet may have to surgically remove the anal sacs.
The internet is full of instructions for expressing anal glands at home, but you should really leave the task to your vet and vet techs. They know how to express cat anal glands in a way that's safe, gentle and effective, including how to safely and firmly hold your kitty so she can't bolt during the procedure and how to direct any smelly liquid that comes shooting out. Your cat will also waddle away from the situation resenting your vet for poking and prodding her, not you.
When your cat's experiencing anal sac inflammation, she'll need lots of love and patience. A cat scooting across carpet is not what pet parents want to see, but remember that she's only trying to relieve some of the discomfort. Make sure to never discipline her for this behavior, as it is a medical issue, and doing so could only exacerbate the issue more. Keeping an eye out for anal gland symptoms will help keep her comfortable and your carpet scoot-free.
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