Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Anal prolapse is the protrusion of the red mucous tissue lining of the rectum. Anal prolapse can occur briefly after your cat has a bowel movement but usually corrects itself after a few minutes.There is no known specific cause for this condition in cats, however veterinarians check for ailments that cause irritation and discomfort and work to resolve them. With proper diagnosis and treatment, Anal prolapse can be controlled or eliminated.
Located at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions on either side of the anus, anal sacs hold a mixture of oil and sweat. Your cat normally releases this strongly scented fluid through a small duct along the inner anal edge each time it defecates. Cats producing small stool may not put adequate pressure on the anal sacs and the sacs will be uncomfortably impacted. Untreated sacs may abscess, requiring surgical drainage. Several home remedies are available. (References 1 and 2)
Expressing a cat's anal glands reduces the possibility of infection. Express a cat's anal glands with tips from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
Anal glands in cats are similar to the scent glands in skunks. The glands secrete an oily, foul-smelling substance as a means of marking territory or warding off potential predators. Today's house cats have less opportunity to defend or mark, which can cause their anal glands to become swollen, impacted or infected. The glands should be expressed regularly to prevent painful buildup.
