Cat anal gland problems affect the anal sacs—two small pockets beside the anus that normally release a little foul-smelling fluid when a cat defecates. In cats, anal sac disease is less common than in dogs, and impaction is its most common form. Scooting or licking can be a clue, but neither proves the sacs are the cause; a veterinarian needs to examine your cat to identify the problem and choose treatment.
What are anal glands, and what can go wrong?
“Anal glands” is the familiar term; veterinarians generally call them anal sacs. They sit on either side of the anus and produce a small amount of dark, foul-smelling liquid that is normally squeezed out during defecation. Merck Veterinary Manual’s feline guide, last updated September 2024, says disease is much less common in cats than in dogs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Anal sac problems include:
- Impaction: The contents do not empty normally. This is the most common form of anal sac disease in cats.
- Infection or inflammation: Retained contents and impaired drainage may be associated with infection and inflammation.
- Abscess: Infection can lead to a painful pocket of pus that may rupture through nearby skin.
- Neoplasia: A mass or tumor can affect an anal sac and requires veterinary assessment.
These conditions can cause similar signs, so symptoms alone cannot tell you which one your cat has. The available feline guidance does not establish a specific breed, weight, lifestyle, diet, or stool abnormality as a cause.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat signs might a cat show?
Possible signs include scooting, licking or biting near the anus, straining or appearing painful when defecating, and swelling beside the anus. A hard mass may be felt in the sac area. If an abscess ruptures, there may be an oozing sore or bloody or pus-like discharge. VCA Animal Hospitals’ guide to anal sac disease in cats describes painful swelling and discharge associated with a ruptured abscess.
#1 Best Overall
- REDUCES DANDER AND FLAKING BETWEEN BATHS: Each wipe lifts loose dander and skin flakes from the coat surface during grooming, helping manage allergen levels and visible flaking without requiring a full water bath.
- COLLOIDAL OAT FLOUR SOOTHES DRY SKIN: Colloidal oat flour is a dermatologist-recognized skin-soothing ingredient; included in these wipes to help calm dry, irritated feline skin and support a softer, more comfortable coat.
- ALOE HELPS CONDITION AND HYDRATE COAT: Aloe provides additional moisture to the coat and skin during wiping, supporting hydration on cats prone to dryness, flakiness, or seasonal skin sensitivity between bathing sessions.
- FRAGRANCE-FREE FOR FELINE SENSITIVITY: Unscented formula avoids artificial fragrances that cats may find irritating; suitable for households with scent-sensitive cats, multi-cat homes, and cats used near allergy-prone family members.
- PH BALANCED FOR FELINE SKIN: Formulated with a pH suited to cats rather than humans or dogs, helping avoid over-drying and maintaining the skin barrier during regular between-bath grooming and dander management routines.
Scooting and licking are not specific to anal sac disease; other problems can cause similar behavior. Treat them as reasons to look for other signs and contact your veterinarian, not as proof that the sacs need to be emptied.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent scooting or licking, painful or strained defecation, or swelling near the anus. Seek veterinary attention particularly promptly if your cat seems painful or has a draining sore. The sources do not set a universal number of hours for triage, so urgency should be guided by your cat’s condition and veterinary advice.
Rank #2
- CAT GROOMING WIPES: Designed specifically for cats to help clean paws, coat, and face by removing surface dirt, dander, and odors between baths at home or during travel.
- FRESHENING BETWEEN BATHS: Helps maintain a clean feel between full baths by gently wiping away debris after litter box use, playtime, or daily indoor activity.
- MADE FOR ROUTINE CAT CARE: Formulated for regular grooming routines so cat owners can freshen their cat without water, rinsing, or stressful bath setups.
- ALOE VERA ENRICHED: Includes aloe vera to support gentle cleaning while helping keep fur comfortable during frequent use on paws, coat, and face.
- QUICK CLEANUP FORMAT: Ready-to-use wipes allow fast cleanups at home or on the go, making everyday cat hygiene simple and convenient.
Do not squeeze or lance a swollen area yourself. Anal sac problems can be painful, and an examination is needed to distinguish impaction from infection, an abscess, or a mass.
How does a veterinarian diagnose anal sac disease?
A veterinarian usually assesses the sacs with a rectal examination, as described in Merck’s feline guidance. The findings help determine whether the sacs are impacted, infected, abscessed, or affected by a mass. If infection or a tumor is suspected, additional tests may be needed. Depending on the case, these can include examination of material under a microscope, ultrasonography, or biopsy, according to Merck’s veterinary overview of anal sac disease.
Rank #3
- 3-IN-1 GROOMING FOR COMPLETE CLEANUP: Textured, white tea and basil-scented wipes deliver a full-body clean in one step. Cleans, hydrates, and deodorizes paws, body, and bum. Ideal for daily touch-ups, post-walk cleanups, and muddy adventures
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS FOR GENTLE CARE: Formulated with soothing aloe, hydrating shea butter, calming chamomile, refreshing cucumber, and deodorizing baking soda. Gentle enough for daily use on dogs and cats of all ages and breeds
- DURABLE WIPES FOR EVERYDAY MESSES: Thick, pre-moistened wipes ready for any cleanup. Made with USDA Certified 98% Biobased material. Designed to help resist tearing during grooming and cleaning
- MINDFULLY FORMULATED: Hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested. Safe for both dogs and cats
- EARTH RATED: Our mission is to make everyday moments for people and their pets simpler and better. We do this by designing innovative products that are thoughtfully unexpected. We are also proudly B Corp Certified
What treatments may be used?
Treatment depends on what the examination finds and whether the problem resolves or keeps returning. A veterinarian may choose among these approaches:
| Finding or situation | Possible veterinary treatment |
|---|---|
| Impacted contents | The veterinarian may manually express the sacs. If the contents are too hard or dry, a softening agent may be infused. |
| Infection | Antibiotics may be prescribed when infection is present. |
| Dietary support | A veterinarian may recommend supplemental fiber to increase stool bulk and help the sacs empty during defecation. It is not a universal fix or a substitute for assessment. |
| Persistent, recurring, or tumor-related disease | Surgical removal may be considered when other treatment does not work, the problem recurs, or a tumor is present. |
Surgery can cause fecal incontinence; Merck describes this as a common complication that is usually temporary. The available guidance does not provide comparative success rates for these treatments, so the veterinarian’s findings and your cat’s history guide the choice. Merck’s feline guide covers expression, softening hard contents, antibiotics, fiber, and surgery.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 3-IN-1 GROOMING FOR COMPLETE CLEANUP – Textured, unscented-scented wipes deliver a full-body clean in one step. Remove dirt, hydrate, and deodorize paws, body, and bum. Ideal for daily touch-ups, post-walk cleanups, and muddy adventures
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS FOR GENTLE CARE: Formulated with soothing aloe, hydrating shea butter, calming chamomile, refreshing cucumber, and deodorizing baking soda. Gentle enough for daily use on dogs and cats of all ages and breeds
- DURABLE WIPES FOR EVERYDAY MESSES: Thick, pre-moistened wipes ready for any cleanup. Made with USDA Certified 98% Biobased material. Designed to help resist tearing during grooming and cleaning
- MINDFULLY FORMULATED: Hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested. Safe for both dogs and cats
- EARTH RATED: Our mission is to make everyday moments for people and their pets simpler and better. We do this by designing innovative products that are thoughtfully unexpected. We are also proudly B Corp Certified
Rank #4
- BEST VALUE - 200/400 COUNT PACKS: Pay as little as 7.5 cents per wipe on your first Subscribe & Save order vs 15 cents per wipe for the 100-count pack. Perfect for daily paw cleaning and freshening between baths. Save up to 25% on your first Subscribe & Save order.
- VET-APPROVED & LICK-SAFE FOR DAILY USE - Wipe without worry - our formula is vet-approved and safe if your dog or cat licks their fur after use. Perfect for DAILY cleanups after every walk, before bed, or anytime they need a refresh. Safe for paws, face, and butt.
- SAFE FOR DOGS & CATS – FROM NOSE TO TAIL - Use as pet paw wipes, dog face wipes, or even cat butt wipes - safe for full-body use on all breeds, sizes, and life stages. Whether after walks, litter box mishaps, or grooming routines, one wipe does it all whether you wipes cats or dogs.
- HYPOALLERGENIC & GENTLE ON SENSITIVE PET SKIN - Made with all-natural soothing Aloe, Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Cucumber. These unscented puppy wipes and cat cleaning wipes are free from harsh chemicals, alcohol, parabens, and artificial fragrances - gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- CLEANS MUD, ODORS & DANDER FAST - Our textured 8x8 wipes remove dirt instantly. Perfect for DAILY paw cleaning after walks, face freshening, and body wipes between baths. Use 2-5 wipes daily to remove outdoor dirt and allergens from your pet and home.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
