Why does a kitten smell from under its tail?

Normally, a cat should not have a strong and repulsive odor from under its tail. And given the fact that these animals diligently lick themselves several times a day, it immediately becomes clear that an unpleasant odor can only indicate the presence of a pathological problem, which may be associated with infectious or bacterial processes. In females, for example, this symptom can be an alarm bell for the development of an inflammatory process in the uterus, which is dangerous not only for the health of the pet, but also poses a mortal threat in the absence of adequate treatment.

Fetid and putrid odor from the mouth

Pleasant communication consists of a verbal component.

But in addition to words, on a subconscious level, a person evaluates his interlocutor by appearance, gestures and breath. More than a quarter of the world's population suffers from halitosis.

This is why most chewing gum advertisements are based on breath freshening. Indeed, menthol flavoring perfectly neutralizes putrid breath.

And clean breathing creates an attractive image of a person. An unpleasant odor can create problems in communication, cause discomfort and self-doubt; the extreme manifestation of this condition is depression.

It happens, of course, that a person exaggerates the problem and it seems to him that his breath is stale. With the so-called pseudohalitosis, a psychotherapist who will understand the causes of self-doubt helps a lot.

Signs of pathology

Signs of dysfunction of the paraanal glands in a furry pet should be detected by the owner in a timely manner. This will allow you to identify the causes of this condition as soon as possible and avoid unpleasant consequences for the cat’s health.

Owners should pay attention to the following symptoms that indicate inflammation of the paraanal gland in a cat:

Weakness and apathy.
An unpleasant odor from the animal's body that does not disappear after washing.
Decreased appetite.
Swelling and soreness of the anus.
Increased body temperature (in some cases).
“Riding on your butt” on the floor or other rough surface.
Meowing during defecation due to painful sensations.
Itching in the anus and skin in the back of the body.
Problems with defecation – the cat cannot go to the toilet.
Hair loss in the tail area.
Constant licking under the tail.

Causes

Bacterial infections are mainly caused by bacteria that are a normal part of the skin flora (eg staphylococcus). Because of this, the infection is not contagious to other animals. In cats with allergies, the amount of bacteria on the skin is increased, which can cause red bumps (papules) and an unpleasant odor. With bacterial skin infections, your pet may shed excessively and experience patchy hair loss. The infection can affect the deeper layers of the skin if left untreated. As a result, nodules filled with pus may form on the skin. If the cause caused by a bacterial infection is not identified and eliminated, this can lead to relapses.

Fungal infections cause itching, redness, and an unpleasant odor. Fungal infections most often affect the neck, groin, armpits and perineum. This infection is also most common in animals prone to allergies. In some cats this can be caused by long-term use of antibiotics or steroids, but this does not occur often.

When your cat has an unpleasant odor and you, not knowing what to do, are looking for advice on this topic on the Internet on forums, we recommend not to self-medicate or experiment on your beloved cat. The fact is that there are many reasons for an unpleasant odor from an animal, and the consequences of your experiment may disappoint you and your family.

When to contact a veterinarian

Be sure to seek advice from a specialist if the appearance of an unpleasant odor is accompanied by:

an increase or decrease in temperature indicators;
refusal of food;
refusal of water;
restless, anxious behavior;
a sharp deterioration in the quality of coat and skin;
intoxication of the body;
problems with bowel movements and bladder emptying.

If an unpleasant odor emanates from a cat, it means that it is either not being properly cared for or the animal is sick. If hygiene standards are observed, it is better for owners to show their pet to a veterinarian, who will conduct a comprehensive examination, identify the factors that provoked the appearance of a “bad” odor and prescribe competent treatment.

When a cat stinks, there are physiological and pathological reasons. In the first case, the situation is less dangerous, and the unpleasant odor is associated with the diet and characteristics of the pet’s body. If the pet suddenly begins to smell bad, while other unpleasant symptoms and changes in the cat’s behavior are recorded, then this indicates pathology. If your kitten starts to smell, it is recommended to take him to the vet.

Main reasons

According to veterinarians, the reasons that provoke the appearance of a specific, unpleasant odor from a domestic cat are:

Fungus - affects the perineum and armpits, groin area. You can suspect the presence of a fungal infection by such accompanying signs as redness and peeling of the skin, itching.
Infections of bacterial origin - may be accompanied by severe itching, redness of the skin, hair loss, and the formation of pustular formations.

A bad odor can come from under the animal’s tail, from its ears or mouth. It is important for a caring owner to carefully examine his pet to find out the causes and location of the unpleasant odor.

Wool and skin

The most common source of pungent odor is the skin and fur of baleen tabbys. The reasons may be:

Puberty . This problem is most common among owners of young animals, which during puberty begin to produce increased amounts of hormones in order to attract a partner. As a result, the pet's fur begins to emit a pungent odor. And besides, the cat may well begin to “mark” the territory. Proper castration or proper care of the animal after breeding will help solve the problem. If a decision has been made to castrate a cat, it is recommended to do this before puberty is completed, so that the habit of leaving “fragrant” marks does not become a habit for the animal.
Parasites and infections. If your pet begins to shed too often, its fur looks matted and unkempt, and also emits an unpleasant odor, then perhaps we are talking about fungal, bacterial infections of the skin, the presence of ticks or helminths. In such a situation, the best solution would be to go to a veterinary clinic and undergo the treatment course prescribed by a specialist.
Read also: Red flags: why your cat won’t eat or drink for several days

Oral cavity

Acrid, unpleasant breath is also a widespread phenomenon among felines. This symptom may indicate:

dysfunction of the digestive system;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
pathologies of the genitourinary system.

In addition, a “bad odor” from the oral cavity can occur due to chronic diseases or dental ailments.

Inspection by the owner of the purr's mouth. It is important to initially examine your pet's mouth.

A healthy cat's gums look firm and pink in color, and her teeth appear flawlessly white.

If the examination does not yield results and the animal’s oral cavity looks healthy, but its breath is harsh and stale, then the reason may lie in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or in the cat’s improper diet.

What to do. If you notice any alarming symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible, because any pathology is easier and more likely to be treated in the early stages of its development. The only exception is kittens. When babies erupt molars, specific hoods often form in the gum area, under which food can get trapped. As food rots, it begins to emit an unpleasant aroma and can provoke the development of inflammatory processes. This condition also requires medical intervention.

Preventive measures. As for prevention, experts recommend that cat owners monitor oral hygiene, promptly remove tartar, and introduce fiber or cleaning food into the diet, which can be purchased at any pet store.

Also watch the video of an unpleasant smell from a cat’s mouth, the main reasons:

Ear smell

Quite often, an unpleasant odor comes from the ears of cats. The ears of these animals are covered with sensitive skin that secretes increased amounts of wax and lubricant. When the functioning of the mucous membranes and glands is disrupted, the level of secretions produced increases significantly, which can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The problem can be caused by:

Food allergy . A similar condition occurs when feeding an animal with baked goods, muffins, sweets and smoked meats, which disrupt the functioning of the skin and lead to hyperactivity of the ear mucous membranes.
Otitis and inflammatory otolaryngological diseases . Pathologies develop against the background of hypothermia, traumatic injury, and bacterial infections. The disease can be detected by the restless behavior of the pet, caused by pain, redness and hyperemia of the skin of the auditory organs.
Ear mite . As for infection with ear mites, owners can detect this disease by carrying out regular hygiene procedures and examinations of the pet. When infested with mites, a pronounced brown coating forms on the skin and mucous membranes of the cat's ears. If this symptom is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, then you need to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Other reasons. Less commonly, diseases such as dermatitis, eczema and the entry of water or foreign bodies into the auricle can provoke a “bad” odor. You can help the animal by removing foreign objects and treating the auditory organs with hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic solutions.

Smell from the nose

Sometimes a rotten, slightly sweetish, unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the nasal passages and secretions of the animal. The reason most often lies in the accumulation of pus that has stagnated in the sinuses. This is evidenced by abundant discharge of yellow, white or greenish color.

Diseases of fungal origin that arise against the background of a weakening of the general immune system and the body’s own defenses can also provoke a similar problem. Nasal discharge with a specific odor can also accompany bacterial, viral and infectious processes that occur in a chronic form.

Urine smell

Sometimes even neat and clean owners are faced with such a problem as the sharp and pungent smell of cat urine, which persists even with regular, timely cleaning. This symptom may indicate various health problems with the cat, for example:

Incorrect diet and errors in feeding your pet . Errors in nutrition lead to oxidation of urine, giving it a persistent and pungent odor.
Stagnation of urine (urine) . More often, the acrid aroma of urine with “notes” of ammonia occurs due to compression of the ureters, or the presence of urolithiasis in the animal. The main reason is stagnation of urine, as a consequence of the inability to completely, timely empty the bladder.
Hormonal imbalances . Cat urine acquires a more pronounced and stronger aroma during puberty, as well as during the breeding season. This is considered one of the manifestations of the norm. If this happens at other times, then the best solution would be to contact a veterinarian and conduct a full examination.

Getting rid of “fragrances”. Proper treatment will eliminate the root causes of the problem, and you can get rid of its consequences by resorting to simple and effective methods:

Bleach – perfectly disinfects and eliminates unpleasant odors. In order to remove the smell of cat urine, simply thoroughly wash the floor in the room using water with a small amount of bleach diluted in it.
Vodka works great on fresh traces of cat urine and kills odors.
Vinegar and baking soda are an excellent remedy for removing even the stagnant smell of cat urine. To do this, you need to prepare a solution by taking the bite and water in proportions of 1: 3. Then pour a little soda on the source of the pungent odor, spray with vinegar solution and wipe with a clean rag. You can also add peroxide to the soda and let it sit until the morning, after which you can simply treat the surface with clean water.
Lemon acid. Lemon juice diluted in a glass of water is an excellent remedy for combating any pungent odors, including cat urine.
Read also: How long does labor last for a cat: time indicators of each stage

By the way, the last recipe is also appreciated because the smell of lemon repels all baleen-striped animals, so that the animal will never use the treated area as a toilet again.

Unpleasant smell from under the tail

The appearance of a foul odor from under your pet's tail is a serious sign indicating inflammation or blockage of the anal glands. This pathological condition can be provoked by improper feeding, heredity, or genetic predisposition.

The anal glands are cleaned only in a specialized clinic by a doctor. Next, the animal is prescribed a diet and symptomatic treatment. It is very important to eliminate the root causes of the problem in a timely manner so that inflammatory processes and blockage of the anal glands do not become chronic, recurrent in the animal.

Reasons for “bad” behavior

The main factor behind cats urinating frequently outside of the litter box is stress. It can be caused by other pets or the arrival of strangers. The cat must feel safe and at peace, only then can the problem be solved.

Reward your cat every time she uses the litter box to go to the toilet. Remember to clean and wash it with disinfectant on a regular basis. Each animal, if there are several of them, should have its own cat litter box. You might even consider storing an extra tray.

To remove odor, it is fundamentally recommended to castrate the cat and sterilize the cat.

What to do and how to deal with the problem?

It is possible to get rid of the unpleasant cat odor after identifying its origin. Sterilized cats require special attention, so the specialist must clarify whether sterilization was carried out. Before selecting treatment for a cat, they review its diet, since the problem is often associated with poor nutrition. It is possible to get rid of the disorder in a pet using the medications indicated in the table.

Group	Name
Medicinal shampoos	"Oksidex"
	"Baktoderm"
	Hexadene
Antibiotics	"Cephalexin"
	"Clindamycin"
	"Ampicillin"
Drops for ear diseases or parasites	"Leopard"

In advanced cases, when the pet smells strongly and veterinary remedies do not help, surgery is required. A radical measure is prescribed for cancer, serious problems with the kidneys and other internal organs. After the operation, it is necessary to pay increased attention to the cat; it is recommended to feed it tasty and proper food and take care of its hygiene.

Source

Symptoms

Watery diarrhea, which leads to the characteristic “wet tail” symptom. However, loose stools appear last: initially, there is a lack of appetite and lethargy.

The incubation period of the disease is about 5-7 days.

Diarrhea does not always mean colibacillosis. Sometimes loose stools in an animal occur due to stress, changes in diet, and other “harmless” factors. Any diarrhea is a cause for concern, so you should contact your veterinarian at the first sign of it.

Prevention measures

In order to maintain the health of the pet and not face such a problem as an unpleasant, pungent odor from the cat, owners should follow a number of recommendations:

Maintain cleanliness. Regular cleaning of the litter box, washing and replacing covers on the cat's bedding will prevent even the faintest cat odor from spreading throughout the room.
Bathe your cat as the need arises, taking into account age, lifestyle, and coat type.
Take care of the cleanliness of the coat, comb it regularly, inspect the ears, nose, mouth, promptly clearing them of dirt.

Selection of food and proper feeding. No less important than maintaining hygiene standards is proper feeding of the cat. When using ready-made feeds, it is necessary to give preference to high-quality, good products. The use of low-quality industrial feed for a long time often causes an unpleasant odor from the cat’s fur, feces, and also from the oral cavity.

It is completely necessary to exclude foods such as salt, sugar, spices, smoked meats, sweets, and flour products from your pet’s diet.

Feeding such forbidden delicacies often provokes food allergies, damage to the sebaceous and skin glands, leading to the appearance of a foul odor.

Treatment

Treatment of bacterial dermatitis

Antibiotics (for example, ampicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, enrofloxacin) are used to treat bacterial skin diseases. There are other methods:

Local treatment. Shampoos and conditioners containing benzoyl peroxide (eg, Oxidex) or chlorhexidine (eg, Hexadene) may be prescribed. In the area where the bacterial infection is localized, you can use Bactoderm.
The minimum treatment period for superficial pyoderma is 3 to 4 weeks, and for deep pyoderma - 8 weeks.

Treatment of Malassezia dermatitis

In severe cases, combination therapy is prescribed. It is important to know that griseofulvin is not effective in treating fungal infections. Ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole may be prescribed to treat Malassezia dermatitis.
Local treatment is effective in mild cases, but in severe cases, selenium sulfide is usually used (effective in 65 percent of cases).
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo is approved in many countries for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in humans and is also used to treat Malassezia dermatitis in dogs.
2-4 percent chlorhexidine is effective against fungus.
The use of miconazole or derazol is also successful.
Rinsing fungal-affected skin areas with vinegar and water is a cheap and effective treatment.

You should bathe your cat using medicated shampoos. Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent antibacterial agent (for example, Oxidex). You can also use other shampoos containing miconazole or ketoconazole (for example, Nizoral).

For effective treatment, shampoo must be applied to the pet’s skin and not rinsed off for 10-15 minutes.

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection. It is necessary to adhere to all doctor's instructions and take medications regularly.

If your pet has relapsed, you will need to contact your veterinarian for more appropriate treatment.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

If the owner himself could not cope with the problem, then the intervention of a veterinarian is necessary.
If you can’t get rid of your pet’s smell on your own by eliminating the provoking factor, or your pet stinks for a long time, then you should see a veterinarian. You should urgently see a specialist if your cat emits an ammonia or acetone “aroma.” You need to be especially careful with cats, since at an early age the diseases appear more acutely and progress more quickly. Be sure to contact a veterinary clinic if your cat not only stinks, but also exhibits other symptoms:

changed stool - color, consistency, smell;
frequent vomiting and nausea;
loss of appetite;
lethargy and apathy;
poor pet appearance;
hair loss;
restlessness and pain when emptying the bladder.

Return to contents

What reasons influence the problem?

Bad odors are observed in an ordinary cat and a sterilized one, and their root cause is not always a pathological condition. If there is a smell of urine coming from under your pet’s tail, this indicates the following factors:

Incorrect location for emptying the bladder. If a kitten or an adult has a tray that is not the right size, then it is emptied by and the urine remains on the floor, which, with a high probability, the animal will soon step into with its paws.
Insufficient tray hygiene. When such a cat item is rarely cleaned, soon the cats also stink.
Low quality toilet filler. It is worth keeping an eye on your cat when visiting the toilet, as some litters do not absorb urine well and it ends up on your pet’s paws. It is easy to get rid of the smell by replacing the litter in the tray with a better degree of absorption.
Poor placement of the tray. If the owners notice that the cat has urinated in the wrong place, then perhaps this is how he marked the territory or the location of the toilet is simply not suitable for him. The foul odor is caused by the animal stepping on its own urine.

Return to contents

Physiology is the basis of unpleasant odor

A strong and pungent odor from a pet can be a result of sexual activity or an unbalanced diet. A neutered cat is less likely to smell as unpleasant as an unsterilized cat. During sexual activity, the pet produces urine that smells worse than during normal periods, while it actively marks the house. An unpleasant “aroma” permeates not only the marked areas, but also the animal itself. To solve this problem, they resort to castration or sterilization, after which the pet will stop stinking.

Veterinarians attribute problems in diet to the physiological reasons why kittens become smelly. The smell is caused by an increased concentration of uric acid, due to the large amount of fish in the diet. If even a small drop of urine gets on the fur, the cat stinks very much.

Pathological factors

An unpleasant odor that appears from a cat that has begun to smell like feces or rot deserves special attention from the owners. If a similar “aroma” appears, it may signal some health problems in the animal. When a bad smell appears in the fur area or the cat’s paw smells unpleasant, there are the following pathological reasons:

Sometimes an unpleasant odor from a pet is caused by a skin disease.

Dehydration of the body. The level of urea in urine depends on how much water the cat drinks. If there is not enough of it, then its concentration increases, which is why the urine stinks of ammonia. Pets with this diagnosis do not live long if they do not receive veterinary care in a timely manner.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or dental type. In this case, the cat smells of fish or other unpleasant odors in the mouth area.
Diseases of the urinary system. Stones in the system, inflammatory processes and other pathologies can cause your pet to smell bad. A sterilized cat or neutered cat especially often faces this problem, since after sterilization the risks of stagnant processes increase.
Hypothyroidism or symptoms of diabetes. After pets with similar diagnoses excrete urine, it has a pungent odor.
Oncological diseases of different localization.
Signs of otitis. If a cat smells in the ear area, this indicates an inflammatory process in the ears caused by bacteria.
Dermatological diseases. Often for this reason, an old cat stinks, whose metabolic processes are disrupted and skin diseases are often recorded.

Return to contents

Should a healthy cat smell?

Nature took care of the hunting cat and provided for the absence of smell. “Washing” the cat is of great importance. Animal saliva contains lysozyme. This is an enzyme that, when contacted by microorganisms, immediately destroys their membranes.

The smell of flesh is the smell of microorganisms. It is they who, by multiplying, reveal their presence. The higher the population, the stronger the odor emanating from the microbe's breeding site. By destroying the microflora on itself, the cat normalizes it and prevents reproduction.

The cat washes itself often because the enzyme is very unstable. When it comes into contact with air, it quickly breaks down and must be applied again and again. If a cat feels good, it will not be lazy. Constant washing is a guarantee that there will be no odor.

Hygiene rules for cats

A healthy cat takes care of itself. She spends a third of the day on this. However, the owner is also obliged to take part in this.

Cat hygiene consists of caring for:

skin and hair. This includes bathing, combing while simultaneously examining and palpating the skin. To do this, you can use special shampoos and foams, combs and comb mittens. (For long-haired ones, you need a set of different combs). The animal should be bathed 2 times a month; hairless breeds that sweat profusely in summer should be bathed daily. If the animal is unwell, bathing is not used. You need to comb it 2 times a week (daily during the molting period);

ears . They should be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or zoo lotion. Using smooth movements and turning the swab clockwise, you can easily clean your cat's ears. If the accumulation of dirt is large, dry and old, then you can drop a few drops of lotion, sunflower oil or water into the cavity. The animal will shake out the excess, and what remains will soak the crusts. Next, you can use a cotton swab. The hygiene procedure is carried out once a week;

oral cavity. The removal of stones and plaque should be carried out by a specialist in the clinic. For prevention, the cat should be given solid food and allowed to chew on soft bones and cartilage.

Signs of inflammation and abscess

Signs of inflammation develop gradually. They are accompanied by an increasing painful symptom. Due to pain and itching, the cat constantly licks the area of inflammation (tail and anus). The pet stops playing, spends time in solitude, practically does not move and constantly lies down. However, this is not the only symptom.

Other signs characteristic of inflammation of the paraanal glands:

weakness,
apathy,
unpleasant specific odor from the pet’s body (does not disappear after washing),
poor appetite (in later stages – refusal to eat),
painful bowel movement,
discharge from the anal glands.

With an abscess, this condition is accompanied by purulent or bloody discharge. In especially severe cases, body temperature rises. When stroking the affected area, the pet shows aggression and anxiety. Defecation is accompanied by severe pain, so the cat meows loudly on the tray.

Detailed description of the symptom

If an active and seemingly healthy cat has a stinking tail, then you should take a closer look at its diet. It may contain components that affect the smell of secretions from the paraanal glands. But first you need to exclude the following possible options:

Injury. After a fight or play with other animals, a cat may get injured in the tail area from claws or teeth. Minor scratches or bite marks heal within a few days, but there are times when an infection gets into the wound and an inflammatory process begins. It is characterized by swelling and redness of the affected area. The wound becomes covered with a crust, under which there are purulent masses. The affected area is very itchy, causing great discomfort to the animal. If you do not start treating the wound in a timely manner, then a fetid smell of rot will appear, which can be heard without even picking up the pet. At the initial stage, you should not ignore the cat’s increased attention to the area under the tail. And if, nevertheless, there are some wounds there, then it is recommended to treat them 2-3 times a day with an antiseptic solution. If even after this pus appears, then it is worth showing the animal to the veterinarian so that he can select effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Foreign body. This may come as a surprise to many, but animals can also injure themselves in the anus. This is especially true for pets who have free access to the street. But even completely domestic cats can turn over a cactus or other prickly plants on themselves. Even a small splinter can provoke an inflammatory process, which will cause an unpleasant odor from under the tail, strange behavior of the cat in the form of increased attention to the anus (constant licking, biting, rubbing against hard surfaces, etc.). In most cases, a foreign body can be removed without the help of a veterinarian, armed with tweezers and a magnifying glass (if it is, for example, a cactus needle). After removing the splinter, it is recommended to carefully treat the affected area with Miramistin or chlorhexidine.
Inflammation of the paraanal glands. This is already a relatively serious problem that can cause a lot of trouble not only for the animal, but also for the owners. If a cat collects and stagnates secretions in the excretory ducts, then sooner or later this will lead to inflammation. The owner can notice something is wrong by the behavior of his pet - scratching, licking or biting in the anus. It may even move your butt on the floor, since severe itching is considered the main symptom of inflammation of the paraanal glands. Well, the most characteristic sign is a fetid odor under the tail, which has never existed before. In advanced cases, purulent discharge from the anus may also be present. In such cases, it is necessary to clean the excretory ducts from stagnant secretions and sanitize the paraanal glands with an antiseptic solution. Some owners prefer to carry out this procedure at home on their own. This can be done if the veterinarian has previously shown you step by step how the procedure is carried out. After cleaning and sanitation, antibiotics may be prescribed if there is pus, or local ointments may be prescribed for inflamed skin in the anal area. Panthenol copes well with skin inflammation.
Inflammatory processes in the uterus. Most often, adults over the age of 10 suffer from this. At risk are cats that have never been bred. In most cases, the inflammatory process begins 5-10 days after estrus. Characteristic signs are a foul odor from under the tail, bleeding from the uterus, weakness, refusal to eat and drink. Here it is no longer possible to delay a visit to the veterinarian, since there is a risk of death. At the clinic, the cat will undergo an ultrasound of the uterus and, based on tests and visual examination, an effective treatment will be selected. The most effective solution to the problem is considered to be sterilization, which is carried out under anesthesia. In rare cases, it is possible to stop the inflammatory process with medication.

Causes of inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats

Typically, the anal glands in cats clean themselves during defecation or “spraying” secretions when marking the territory. At the same time, a small amount of this secretion, which looks like a light liquid, enters into the animal’s sphincter and is then released.

If there are any problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the peri-anal ducts become clogged, become inflamed and bulge outward. The color of their secretion becomes brown, the consistency becomes thick, and the smell becomes extremely unpleasant.

Interesting! Scientists have found that long-haired pets who live in apartments suffer from blockage of the paraanal glands more often than other cats. However, among all domestic cats, this pathology, according to research by felinologists, occurs only in 1.5–2% of animals.

Inflammation of the anal glands most often occurs for the following reasons:

Dysbacteriosis due to long-term use of antibiotics.
Elderly age.
Injuries.
Worm infestation.
Obesity.
Eating small bones.
Feeding with natural products or cheap liquid feed.
Lack of physical activity.
Injury to the anus.
Pregnancy.
The gland canals are too narrow from birth.
Frequent constipation or, conversely, diarrhea due to problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical signs

What are the symptoms of this pathology? At first, until an abscess the size of an orange develops under the cat's tail, there are few visible signs. But some time passes, after which terrible itching begins. The cat constantly licks its “lower regions” and then begins to “roll” on the floor, using its butt as a sled. Contrary to popular belief, this behavior does not indicate a helminthic infestation, but rather a problem with the secretion of the paraanal glands!

The pain reaction gradually increases, the cat meows often and hoarsely, sometimes biting itself in the “causal” places. As a rule, during this period he completely refuses food. Often at the same time, a sudden “healing” occurs: the accumulated volume of secretion and pus creates such pressure that all this disgusting-smelling mass simply bursts out of the anus. However, this does not increase happiness for the cat himself, since this pathology, once it has manifested itself, tends to recur. A couple of weeks pass, and the unfortunate animal is again vigorously rolling on the carpets.

The anal glands are located under the tail near the cat's anus. They secrete a thick liquid (secretion) with a pungent, unpleasant odor, which serves as a lubricant during defecation, a kind of mark when dividing territory, and helps the cat attract a partner when the time is right for mating. Usually the glands are cleaned during licking, but sometimes the cat is not able to clean the glands on its own, in which case they become clogged and become inflamed.

Treatment: main stages and methods

Treatment of inflammation or abscess of the paraanal glands should only be carried out by an experienced veterinarian in Moscow. We strongly do not recommend trying to help your pet at home. This will only worsen an already difficult situation.

The first step in treating inflammation is diagnosing the animal's condition. The veterinarian examines the affected area, interviews the owner (about the severity of symptoms, the degree of their manifestation, etc.), after which he assesses the cat’s condition and prescribes treatment.

Cleaning

If you consult a doctor in a timely manner (at the first stage of the inflammatory process), then treatment will be limited to cleaning the paraanal glands. This procedure does not require special conditions, so it can be performed in the clinic or at home, but only by a professional veterinarian.

Before cleansing the glands of accumulated secretion and secretion, it is necessary to palpate them. This will allow you to determine the consistency of the contents and select a cleaning method. If the secretion is liquid, then the external method is used, if it is dense, the method of rectal sanitation is used.

After cleaning is completed, the affected area is thoroughly treated using an antiseptic solution. To prevent further inflammation (preventive measure), an anti-inflammatory suppository is inserted inside.

Washing

Unlike external cleaning, washing the paraanal glands cannot be done at home. It is carried out only in a veterinary clinic, since it is prescribed in difficult situations (for example, when a fistula forms).

Before washing the abscess, the glands are cleared of accumulated secretions, then an injection is given with local anesthesia. Next, the specialist injects an antiseptic solution into the anus using a catheter (an alternative is a syringe without a needle).

Washing is carried out not once, but several times. This is necessary so that the liquid flowing back (antiseptic solution) becomes completely transparent. This condition indicates that there is no secretion or purulent discharge left.

After washing, the pet is given an anti-inflammatory suppository, and the damaged area is carefully treated with antiseptic ointment. If the cat's condition is of concern, the specialist will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Removal

Unfortunately, washing does not always give a positive result. In particularly severe situations (for example, with a developed abscess), the veterinarian resorts to an extreme method of treatment - surgical removal of the paraanal glands.

The surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The surgeon makes two incisions in the area where the glands are located, and then removes them along with the ducts. Then he puts stitches and treats with an antiseptic solution.

After surgery, your cat will need home care. In order for it to fully recover, it is necessary to regularly treat the area with regenerating agents (solutions, ointments), give vitamins and antibiotics for 7-10 days.