Dealing with a Smelly Cat Bottom: Solutions Inside!

Certainly! Here's a revised version of the text with enhanced clarity, precision, and a more engaging tone:

Indeed, that's the anal gland secretion from my cat (just thinking about it makes me feel a bit queasy after eating).

Let's delve into the anal glands, explore when and how they need to be cleaned, and understand the process in detail.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are small, saclike glands located within the anal sphincter muscles. They are situated around the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions on the anal opening. Gently pressing your finger into these areas, you can feel two peasized glands beneath the skin.

(Just looking at those openings gives me a chill; it feels like something could burst out at any moment.)

Functions of the anal glands:

1. Scent marking for individual identification.

2. Assist in defecation by lubricating feces.

3. Serve as a defense mechanism, releasing substances to ward off danger (it's believed they can repel predators with their odor).

When do you not need to clean them?

1. If your cat has normal bowel movements without frequent soft stools, diarrhea, or constipation.

2. When the anal area and glands are clean, without cysts.

3. If your cat doesn't excessively lick the area and shows no other signs of discomfort.

Under these circumstances, there's no need for a specific anal gland cleaning. This is because, in a healthy cat, the anal sphincter muscles naturally contract during defecation, squeezing the glands and preventing secretion buildup that could lead to blockages or other issues.

When do you need to clean them?

Why clean them? The liquid inside the anal sacs can become thickened due to weak anal sphincter contractions or noncontraction, leading to semisolid or solid matter. This can cause blockages, inflammation, and even ulcers. In some cases, puslike substances may leak out through fistulas.

What to watch out for:

1. If your cat is overweight, which may reduce the squeezing effect on the anal glands during defecation, leading to accumulation issues.

2. If the anal gland openings are dark, dirty, swollen, or even oozing pus.

3. If there's a strong odor.

4. If your cat licks the area frequently.

5. If your cat has chronic soft stools or constipation.

6. If your cat frequently rubs its bottom on the ground.

The presence of several of these symptoms indicates that the anal glands need cleaning.

Important: If your cat shows severe symptoms like redness, ulcers, or blood in the stool, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not attempt to clean the glands without professional assistance.

How to clean:

Method 1: Squeezing Technique

(Source: Internet)

After securing your cat, put on gloves and, using a tissue, gently press your index and thumb into the anal glands (around the 5 and 7 o'clock positions on the anal opening), pushing slightly inward and upward until the glands are emptied.

Pros: Effective for glands that have been blocked for a long time or have become inflamed, as it can empty them thoroughly.

Cons: The cat may struggle, and inexperienced handlers might not apply the correct pressure, potentially causing further injury.

Method 2: Stimulated Ejection Technique

Turn your cat over and gently rub the tendons on the sides of its hind legs. Stimulating the anal area causes the cat to slightly contract, and the glands will expel their contents. Remember to use a tissue to block the area to avoid any mess!

Pros: Suitable for beginners, with a lower difficulty level and less risk of injury.

Cons: The odor can be overwhelming if the glands expel onto the fur, and it may not be as effective for severely blocked glands.

Lastly, regarding the cleaning schedule, healthy cats can be cleaned every two months, while cats at higher risk of blockages may need it monthly.