Bushra Griffith
Cats are known for their fastidious self-grooming habits, but even the cleanest of felines can occasionally emit an unpleasant odour from their nether regions. This cheesy aroma is often attributed to a cat's anal glands, which produce a strong-smelling, oily secretion used for marking territory. While it's normal for these glands to release their contents during defecation, issues such as impacted or infected glands can lead to a build-up of fluid, resulting in an overpowering stench. Other potential causes of malodour include skin and bacterial infections, abscesses, allergies, and parasitic infections. If your cat's backside is emitting a pungent pong, it's best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and determine the appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the cheesy smell | Anal gland fluid |
| What are anal glands | Sacs located around the rectum that produce a strong-smelling, oily secretion |
| Why does it smell | The anal glands may not have emptied properly |
| What to do | If the smell is bothering you, bathe the area. If you notice your cat excessively licking the area, or see any wounds, swelling, or abnormalities, take them to a vet to get it examined |
| Anal gland issues | Cats with anal gland issues may scoot or drag their hind end on the ground to relieve pressure and discomfort |
| Other signs of anal gland issues | Obsessive licking at the rectal opening, crying when defecating, blood in the feces, or blood on the carpet after scooting |
| Treatment | Manual expression, antibiotics, gland flushing, or surgical removal |
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What You'll Learn
Anal gland fluid
The anal gland fluid is typically released during defecation, adding a distinctive odour to the cat's feces. This "scent signature" allows cats to identify each other's excrement. In addition to defecation, cats may also release their anal gland fluid when they are surprised, frightened, or extremely scared.
While anal gland disorders are not common in cats, they can occur due to various conditions such as impaction, abscesses, infection, or cancer. Anal gland impaction happens when the duct that drains the sac becomes plugged, preventing the normal release of fluid. This can lead to swelling, pain, and discomfort in the cat. If left untreated, it may result in an anal gland abscess, a painful, inflamed swelling caused by an infection in the gland. In severe cases, the infection can lead to an anal gland rupture, where the abscess bursts due to increased pressure.
It is important to monitor your cat for any signs of anal gland issues, such as excessive licking of the hindquarters, scooting their butt on the ground, or difficulty defecating. If you notice any of these symptoms or unusual behaviours, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for an examination. They may perform a rectal exam to determine if the glands are impacted or infected and provide appropriate treatment, such as expressing the anal glands, flushing, or administering antibiotics.
In some cases, recurrent anal sac disease or severe disorders may require surgical treatment. This involves the removal of the anal sacs, which can help alleviate the issue. However, it is important to note that there are risks associated with the surgery, including temporary or permanent loss of bowel control. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the procedure's risks and benefits with a veterinarian before proceeding.
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Anal sac disease
The first signs of anal sac disease include scooting or dragging the anal area along the ground, excessive licking or biting at the rectum or tail, and hair loss around the base of the tail or belly due to excessive grooming. Cats with anal sac disease may also exhibit reluctance to defecate and can become constipated. In more severe cases, the area beside the rectum may be swollen, indicating an abscess, and if the abscess ruptures, there may be bloody or sticky discharge.
Treatment for anal sac disease involves expressing the sacs to flush out any solidified material. Vets may also infuse the affected sac with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication. If the problem persists, surgery may be required to remove the anal sacs. However, this is a delicate procedure that carries risks, and some cats may experience a lack of bowel control post-surgery.
While the smell of anal gland fluid is normal and usually indicates a healthy cat, a strong odour that is particularly noticeable may be a cause for concern. If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms of anal sac disease, it is important to consult your veterinarian for an examination.
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Manual expression
The cheesy odour coming from your cat's rear end is likely due to its anal gland fluid. Cats can express their anal glands at will and the fluid has an unappealing scent to it. This fluid is used to mark their territory and is normally expelled during defecation. However, if the fluid builds up in the glands due to a blockage in the draining duct, it can cause pain and infection, and sometimes even lead to abscesses and rupture.
If you notice an excessively strong odour, it may be a sign that your cat's anal glands are impacted or infected. Other signs to look out for include your cat excessively licking the area, and scooting their butt on the ground. If you notice any wounds, swelling, or abnormalities by their anus, take them to a vet immediately for a rectal exam.
However, it is important to note that manually emptying the glands might make them "lazy," causing them to not function as effectively afterward and making the cat reliant on manual intervention. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat's anal gland issues.
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Antibiotics and gland flushing
A cat's anal glands produce a foul-smelling fluid that is used to mark their territory. This secretion is usually squeezed out during a bowel movement, but if the glands become impacted, the fluid can build up and cause a strong odour. This can be due to a low-fibre diet, soft stools, obesity, or poor hygiene.
If your cat's anal glands are impacted, your veterinarian can express the contents by gently applying pressure to each gland through the anus. This ensures the glands are emptied without causing injury or infection. For severe cases of impaction, your vet may need to flush the glands to remove debris, followed by antibiotics to treat or prevent infection.
In addition to antibiotics and gland flushing, your veterinarian may suggest dietary changes to promote healthy digestion and natural gland expression. This includes a high-fibre diet or specialised cat food. It is also important to keep the area around your cat's bottom clean and dry, and to provide pain relief medication if necessary.
While it is unusual for a cat to have issues with their anal glands, it is important to address any odour or abnormal behaviour, such as excessive licking or scooting their bottom on the ground, as it can indicate a problem that requires veterinary attention.
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Surgical removal
The foul odour emanating from your cat's rear end is likely due to anal sac disease, a common and very smelly problem in cats. This occurs when your cat's anal glands fail to expel fluid properly, causing a buildup that can lead to pain, infection, and even abscesses or rupture. The fluid in these glands is used for marking territory and is usually released during defecation, giving their faeces a distinctive odour.
If your cat is experiencing anal sac disease, you may notice them dragging their anal area along the ground, excessively licking or biting their hindquarters, or having difficulty defecating. In some cases, hair loss around the base of the tail or on the belly may also be observed due to excessive grooming.
While bathing the area can help alleviate the smell, if your cat shows signs of distress or you notice any wounds, swelling, or abnormalities, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for examination. The veterinarian may perform a rectal exam to determine if the glands are impacted or infected and recommend the best course of treatment.
In severe cases of anal sac disease that do not respond to recommended treatments such as dietary changes, supplements, or medications, surgical removal of the anal sacs may be considered. This procedure, performed under general anaesthesia, carries risks and should only be undertaken after a thorough discussion with your veterinarian about the potential benefits and complications.
One possible complication of anal sac removal surgery is the development of temporary or, in rare cases, permanent bowel control issues. This occurs due to minor damage to the nerves controlling the muscles surrounding the anus during the procedure or inflammation during the healing process. Older cats are also at risk of developing cancer in the glands of the anal sacs, which should be considered in the decision-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats have anal glands that produce a strong-smelling, oily secretion. This secretion is normally expelled during defecation, but if it builds up, it can cause a foul odour. The smell has been described as similar to overripe cheese or Limburger cheese.
It is not uncommon for cats to have a smelly backside due to their anal glands. However, if the smell is bothering you or your cat seems uncomfortable, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
You can bathe the area to help reduce the odour. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet for your cat may also help manage anal gland issues.
Excessive licking of the hindquarters could be a sign of anal gland issues. It is one way for cats to relieve pressure and discomfort from full anal sacs.
If you notice any wounds, swelling, or abnormalities around your cat's anus, take them to the vet for an examination. Other signs that may indicate a need for veterinary attention include scooting their rear end, inflammation around the rectal area, and blood in their feces or on the surface after scooting.
