Like dogs, cats also have anal glands. Cat’s anal glands, also called anal sacs, are degenerated glands. It grows at the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions near the cat's anus. They are like two small duck pears, with anal fluid accumulated inside. Each has an opening above the anal wall. Normal anal gland fluid is light yellow or light brown fluid. If left untreated for a long time, it may turn into a brown or even black paste. As for the taste, imagine something related to the anus. The taste is so sour and refreshing. The key point is that the "scent" is long-lasting, haha.

Diagram of anal glands

1. The role of anal glands

1. Identification

The secretion of anal glands is a kind of chemical message sent by animals. It has the function of identity authentication, so when cats occupy territory, they may leave their own anal gland fluid on some objects or animals.

2. Be stimulated

When cats are frightened, stressed, or emotionally stressed, they will also involuntarily release anal gland fluid. Therefore, when some owners lift their cat's tail, anal gland fluid will spurt out. Who knows who has been sprayed!

3. Lubricate the intestines

When cats defecate, the anal glands secrete fluid to help moisten the intestines and prevent constipation.

In short, the anal glands growing in the anus of cats are very useful. But when you touch the cat's anus and find a bulge, it means there is fluid accumulation and the anal glands need to be squeezed. However, the force should be moderate when squeezing the anal glands. It does not mean that the harder you squeeze, the cleaner it will be. If you squeeze too hard, it will cause Causes anal gland inflammation. Since cats’ anal glands are so useful, how can they get blocked? According to the wild habits of cats, they don’t need to squeeze their anal glands. However, due to the lack of exercise in indoor cats and cat food and other reasons, cats also need to artificially clean their anal glands regularly.

2. How to clean anal glands at home

When owners clean their cat's anal glands, they mainly rely on squeezing. First touch the position of the cat's anal glands. If you can clearly feel two small beans, it means that the anal glands need to be cleaned.

Hold the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions with your hands, and apply a little force diagonally upward in the middle. Anal gland fluid is easy to squeeze out, so don’t use excessive force! In addition, be sure to block the anal gland opening with toilet paper, otherwise it will be bad if the fluid is sprayed on the face, you know!

Learn to express anal glands by looking at pictures

Tips: If you find the following conditions, please do not express the anal glands of your cat without authorization. When the anal glands are inflamed, it is best for the owner not to deal with them without permission. Instead, it is best to take it to the hospital and let professionals help you deal with it. How to determine anal glandsIs it inflamed? It’s very simple. When you see a cat sitting on the ground and rubbing its butt, it means the anal glands are inflamed! It may look very funny. Of course, you can also take photos or videos of it as a souvenir. But after the entertainment is over, don’t forget to take them to the hospital quickly!

Finally, if the cat at home is very obedient, it can be squeezed by one person. If the cat is more "unruly", it is best for two people to work together to do something "degrading to the cat's character". One person is responsible for holding the cat in place while the other person squeezes it. If your cat is really cruel, it is recommended to wear an Elizabethan collar on it.