Improve your cat’s health and keep them comfy with this easy guide

Your cat’s anal glands (or sacs) normally empty on their own when your cat defecates, but if your cat has an underlying health condition that makes this difficult, you’ll need to help them express their glands. If your veterinarian has recommended you express your cat’s anal glands to relieve pressure and improve your cat’s health, you may want some help. Good news! We’ll make this easy—and we promise this isn’t as yucky as it might sound at first. In this article, we’ll walk you through this process so you can help your cat stay comfortable and happy.

Things You Should Know

  • Put some towels down, wear disposable gloves, and ask a friend or family member to hold your cat still.
  • Find your cat’s anal glands. These two glands are located to the left and right of the cat’s anus.
  • Gently press on your cat’s anal glands. Guide them up towards your cat’s anus until the fluid comes out.
1

Gather your materials.

  1. Get a some disposable nitrile gloves, gauze pads, a bowl of water, some towels, and a trash bag. If your cat is hairy, get some clippers. Also, get someone to help hold the cat still while you work.[1]
    • Consult a veterinarian if you haven’t already. If your cat has an abscess or infection, doing this at home may make the problem worse. You should only express a cat’s anal glands if your vet has deemed it necessary.[2]
    • Cats normally empty their anal glands on their own, so you shouldn’t need to do this unless there’s some medical condition impacting fluid buildup in the anal sacs.[3]
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6

Pinch the glands to express them.

  1. Pinch the anal glands gently. Using your gloved hands, pinch the two anal glands under the anus, using your forefinger and thumb. Gently push upwards and towards the sphincter, increasing your pressure until the glands express themselves and release excess secretions.[7]
    • Some very unpleasant fluid is going to come out. Keep tons of towels or paper towels on hand.
    • You will likely notice a distinct odor once the glands release their secretions. This is a sign you succeeded in your task.
    • If there is blood or pus in the discharge, your cat’s anal glands are probably infected. Contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
8

See a vet if the problem occurs again.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    My cat's anus looks empty as if the hole isn't closing properly. Is this normal?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If the cat needs to poop or has just pooped, sometimes the anal ring is a bit more relaxed and has an appearance similar to what you are describing. This should correct itself given time.
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Warnings

  • Talk to a veterinarian before trying to express your cat’s anal glands yourself.[10]
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  • If the anal glands are ruptured and bloody, try to stop the cat licking them excessively, and contact a vet immediately. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics, but severe or recurring cases may result in a recommendation of surgery.[11]
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  • Obesity is a major risk factor for anal sac diseases, so put your cat on a diet if they’re struggling to lose weight.[12]
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About This Article

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Co-authored by:
Veterinarian
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 396,422 times.
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Co-authors: 14
Updated: March 13, 2023
Views: 396,422
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