How To Tell If Cat Needs Glands Expressed
If you have a cat, you’re probably used to seeing it peeing outside the litter box. While this isn’t a good thing and should be addressed by your vet immediately, there are some warning signs that let you know something is wrong with your feline before he or she starts spraying all over the house. Here’s how to tell if your cat needs its anal glands expressed:
Your cat is staining the furniture with its urine.
Another sign of cat urine is the odor. As mentioned above, it has a strong ammonia smell that’s hard to cover up.
If you notice your cat is staining furniture with its urine, it could be a sign that the glands need expressing. If this happens often or you’re not sure what to do about the stains, try one of these simple solutions:
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use a cloth or sponge to gently rub away any remaining residue. Apply as needed until all traces of stain have been removed.
- Soak up as much liquid as possible with paper towels before applying baking soda on top of fabric surfaces like couches or chairs (avoid delicate fabrics). Brush off excess powder once dry with a brush then vacuum thoroughly afterward for best results
Your cat is squatting to pee frequently.
If your cat is squatting frequently to pee, it may be a sign that she’s uncomfortable and in need of help.
The following are some of the things that can cause cats to squat more than usual:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) – Squatting is one of the symptoms of this condition, which can also cause pain when urinating. If you notice these signs, take your cat to the vet immediately.
- Diabetes mellitus – This disease causes excessive thirst and urination, as well as weight loss or gain. The vet will likely check blood and urine samples for signs of diabetes before prescribing medication or insulin shots if needed.
Your cat keeps licking its tummy.
If your cat is licking its tummy, it could mean that it’s uncomfortable. Cats will lick their tummies when they’re in pain or have an upset stomach. If your cat has a flea infestation, they’ll also likely be licking their tummy to relieve the itchiness of the insects biting them. Remember: if you spot this behavior out of the ordinary for your cat, always check with your vet first before assuming something’s wrong!
Your cat is walking on its toes gingerly.
- Your cat is walking on its toes gingerly. It may be walking with a limp or limping if you observe it closely. This is because the glands are painful to touch or reach, and your cat’s body has a natural instinct to avoid them being pressed by the weight of its own body.
- If you see this behavior, it’s possible that your cat needs glands expressed; but not all cats exhibit this behavior when they have an impacted gland issue. Cats who have large amounts of mucous in their glands may not even show any signs at all!
There is a bad odor coming from your cat’s rear end.
One of the most common reasons for a bad odor to emanate from your cat’s rear end is infection. The gland itself may be blocked, or there may be a foreign object in the glands. Infection can also cause swelling and inflammation of the skin around the tail base which can lead to pain, making it difficult for your cat to sit down without discomfort.
If your cat has recently been spayed or neutered and you’re still noticing a foul smell coming from their rear end, this is often due to an abscess where bacteria has grown up inside an infected organ (in this case, one of their anal glands). These types of infections can become serious very quickly if left untreated—and they’re not always easy to treat at home either! If you notice these symptoms in your pet, please call us right away so we can get them seen by our veterinarian as soon as possible!
Keep your cat happy and healthy by paying attention to signs that show their glands need expressed.
Since cats are very clean animals, it’s good to keep an eye on their anal glands. These glands are located in the lower back of a cat and produce a liquid that helps them mark territory. If your cat isn’t expressing these glands, it can lead to problems.
Cats need their glands expressed regularly, so it’s important to know the signs of a blocked gland and what you can do about it. If your cat isn’t showing any signs of health problems, but still seems uncomfortable or in pain, consider taking them to the vet for an examination.
