How to Express Anal Glands in Cats

How to Express Anal Glands in Cats: Vet Advice and Why It’s Usually Not Recommended 🐱⚠️

By Dr Duncan Houston

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🔎 Quick Answer

Anal gland expression in cats is rarely needed and not recommended at home. Cats have much smaller, more sensitive anatomy, and attempting to express their glands yourself can be painful and may cause injury, inflammation, or infection. If you suspect a problem, it is best to have a veterinarian assess and treat it.

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Let’s start with the most important point:

👉 You should not be expressing your cat’s anal glands at home

Unlike dogs, cats:

• very rarely need routine anal gland expression

• have much smaller and more delicate anatomy

• are far less tolerant of handling in that area

Trying to do this yourself can easily cause pain, stress, and complications.

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🧠 Do Cats Even Have Anal Gland Problems?

Yes, but it’s much less common than in dogs.

Cats have two small anal sacs just inside the anus, similar to dogs, but they usually empty naturally without any issues.

When problems do occur, they may include:

• impaction

• infection

• abscess formation

But again, this is not common, and most cats never need their glands expressed.

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⚠️ Why You Should NOT Do This at Home

This is where cats are very different from dogs.

🚫 Smaller anatomy

Cats have a smaller anus and tighter surrounding tissues, which makes accessing the glands much harder.

🚫 Much more sensitive

The area is extremely sensitive, and pressure can be painful.

🚫 Higher risk of injury

Incorrect technique can:

• cause trauma

• rupture the gland

• lead to infection

🚫 Stress and safety risk

Most cats will not tolerate this calmly.

👉 You are much more likely to:

• get scratched

• get bitten

• create a very stressed cat

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🚨 Signs of Anal Gland Problems in Cats

If your cat does have an issue, you may notice:

• scooting (less common than in dogs)

• excessive licking of the rear

• swelling near the anus

• a foul smell

• pain when sitting

• difficulty defecating

• visible discharge

In more serious cases:

• abscess formation

• rupture with blood or pus

👉 These cases need veterinary care

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🩺 How Vets Handle Anal Glands in Cats

When a cat has a genuine anal gland issue, vets will:

• perform proper examination

• express glands safely (often internally if needed)

• provide pain relief

• prescribe antibiotics if infected

• treat abscesses or complications

Some cats require sedation for safe and comfortable treatment.

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🧤 If You Have No Other Option (Not Recommended)

Very rarely, owners ask how to attempt this at home.

I’ll be clear again:
👉 I do not recommend doing this in cats

But if you absolutely have no access to a vet and are attempting it:

• wear gloves

• use lubricant

• be extremely gentle

• cover the anus with tissue

• stop immediately if your cat reacts

👉 Do NOT force anything
👉 Do NOT attempt internal expression

If nothing comes out, stop.

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⚠️ When to Stop and Call a Vet Immediately

Do not attempt anything further if you notice:

• swelling or a lump

• severe pain

• blood or pus

• your cat vocalising or reacting strongly

• worsening signs

These situations require professional care.

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🏠 Prevention Tips

Most cats do not need any anal gland maintenance.

Helpful general care includes:

• maintaining a healthy diet

• ensuring good hydration

• preventing obesity

• monitoring stool quality

• keeping the rear area clean

If your cat has recurrent issues, your vet may investigate underlying causes.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Anal gland expression is one of those things that seems simple on the surface.

In cats, it isn’t.

👉 It is rarely needed
👉 It is difficult to do safely
👉 It is often painful if done incorrectly

If your cat is showing signs of a problem, the best thing you can do is:
👉 get a proper veterinary assessment

Because with cats, trying to “just fix it at home” can quickly make things worse.

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❓ FAQ

Do cats need their anal glands expressed regularly?

No. Most cats never need this done.

Why is it more difficult in cats than dogs?

Cats have smaller anatomy and are more sensitive, making the procedure harder and more painful.

Can I hurt my cat trying to do this?

Yes. There is a real risk of causing pain, injury, or infection.

What is the most common sign of a problem?

Swelling, pain, or discharge near the anus, not just scooting.

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If your cat is showing signs of discomfort or you’re unsure whether their anal glands are the issue, the ASK A VET™ app can help you decide whether it needs urgent care or a simple check.