Anal gland disease in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Recommended products

Prevention

When to worry

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Anal gland disease in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Anal gland disease in cats can affect any age, breed, or sex. If caught early, it can be quick and easy to treat. Both male and female cats have two small pouches inside the anus called the anal sacs or glands. Their normal function is to release a few drops of liquid into the stools to give them a distinctive smell. This is most likely a way to mark their territory.

Position of the anal glands in cats
Position of the anal glands in cats

If the glands don’t empty when your cat passes stools, they fill up with secretion. This can cause irritation. If this happens, they will need emptying.

What is anal gland disease in cats? >What is anal gland disease in cats? [Overview

Symptoms of anal gland disease in cats >Symptoms of anal gland disease in cats [Symptoms

Are some cats at greater risk of anal gland disease than others? >Are some cats at greater risk of anal gland disease than others? [Risk

How is anal gland disease diagnosed in cats? >How is anal gland disease diagnosed in cats? [Diagnosis

What’s the treatment for anal gland disease in cats? >What’s the treatment for anal gland disease in cats? [Vet treatment

How to look after a cat with anal gland disease at home >How to look after a cat with anal gland disease at home [Home treatment

Recommended products >Recommended products [Recommended products

Tips on how to prevent anal gland disease in cats >Tips on how to prevent anal gland disease in cats [Prevention

When to worry about anal gland disease in cats >When to worry about anal gland disease in cats [When to worry

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