Cat question, sort of gross so be warned

May 31, 2003

He may have a blocked and inflammed anal gland. Time to get it checked by a vet. Some people express the glands at home and yes it is pretty gross and it stinks . I never know how to do it properly.

Kwan Hung

Hi everyone,My cat had this black thingy attached to his anus for a few days. I thought maybe it was a piece of his feces that had dried and gotten stuck. So I took it off and a small amount of horrible smelling pus came out. Now I know that cats have some sort of gland around their anus that can get blocked and also make a foul smelling liquid. What is it called, was this it perhaps and is this something that needs medical attention? He seems perfectly alright otherwise. Didn't like being handled that way but I don't even think that I caused him any pain because he happily accepted his little fish treat afterwards and didn't even lick at the spot (and will hopefully not be smearing anymore pus on my furniture!!).Thanks,ILANA xoxo

May 31, 2003

If it is a blocked and inflammed anal gland, he needs medical attention. But only a vet can tell for sure. No, you can't unblock it by removing the scab alone. The vet has to empty the glands and if there is inflammation or infection, he will need medications. Normal bowel movement can prevent it. If he tends to have constipation and hard stool, try adding some veggies to his diet. Good luck.

Kwan Hung

It's absolutely nauseating. Does it usually get a black scab like that and then leak pus? And if I took that thing off, is it now unblocked? Is this something that can be prevented? I didn't count on this stuff when I took my babies in!! :)ILANA xoxo