How to Express a Cat's Anal Glands

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Latex gloves
• Pet nail trimmer
• Small scissors
• Paper towels
• Mild pet shampoo
• A friend

1. Enlist a friend's help to secure your cat, preferably on a counter, table or workbench that will give you easy access to your cat's hindquarters.

2. Locate the anal glands. Near your cat's anus, you will notice small openings approximately the size of a grain of rice at the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions.

3. Insert the tip of your forefinger slowly in the cat's anus and locate the gland.

4. Squeeze the glands gently between your thumb and forefinger until an oily substance is secreted.

5. Cleanse the area after you have expressed the glands. The secretion is oily and will require a gentle pet shampoo to remove.

Tips & Warnings

• Trim your cat's claws before beginning to minimize chances of being scratched.
• If the cat is long-haired, you may need to trim the fur around the anus to expose the glands.
• Make a habit of expressing the glands during bath time. The water will help minimize odor.
• Signs of scooting or dragging across the floor can indicate that your cat's anal glands are impacted. Consult your vet.