Tag: health

Everything You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Anal Glands

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Taste of the Wild

How could that ghastly scent emanate from your lovely cat? And why does your dog shockingly splay and scoot their rear along your Berber carpet? Few people consider anal glands when they sign up for a pet, but, like it or not, they’re part of the package.

What Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small pouches located under the skin at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions around the anus. Normally, when pets defecate, the pressure on the anus causes the sacs to release an oily substance with an unmistakably fishy (or other unpleasant) stench.

The prevailing theory is that your pet’s wild ancestors used these scent glands to mark their territory with a signature aroma or as a defense against predators. Although both dogs and cats still have anal glands, domestic pets generally have little need for them today. Except, of course, to sniff out messages left by other pets on the block.

How Will I Know If My Pet Has a Problem?

Occasionally, the anal gland ducts can become blocked, which can lead to impaction and rupture. Or they can become inflamed and infected. Some pets may also develop certain types of cancer associated with the anal glands.

When one or both glands don’t empty naturally, your dog may drag their rear across the carpet in an effort to hasten the process. You may catch a potent whiff of the discharge when you inadvertently startle your pet, causing them to express a bit onto your couch. Because this condition can be painful, your pet may lick or bite at the area. And if an anal gland ruptures, you may notice an ulcerated area with bloody discharge near the anus.

Any time your pet pays too much attention to the nether parts or your sweet dog becomes a stinky dog, it’s time to see your veterinarian.

How Are Anal Gland Problems Treated?

At the clinic, the doctor will manually express the anal glands and check for other problems.

If the sacs are infected, a liquid antibiotic may be infused into them. In more severe cases, your pet may need oral or injectable antibiotics, or pain (or other) medications to help reduce the swelling. Your veterinarian may also recommend warm compresses to help relieve pain and encourage fluid drainage.

Sometimes (like if cancer is discovered), surgical removal of the glands and even radiation treatment may be recommended. Anal gland removal may also be possible for pets with chronic problems, but because of the many muscles and nerves in the area, and the potential for fecal incontinence, it may be worth consulting a surgical specialist.

Can Anal Gland Problems Be Prevented?

Some pets never seem to have problems with their anal glands, while others need to have them periodically expressed. If you’d like to save a little money at the clinic, your veterinarian will be happy to show you how it’s done. However, most people eschew the mess and stink and let others don the latex gloves.

Diet may also help with this pet health problem. Switching to a high-fiber diet, or adding fiber such as psyllium to the current diet, may help produce firmer stools to encourage the glands to empty naturally during defecation. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s right for your pet.

Is My Cat Overweight? Cat Obesity Signs and Management

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An extremely overweight gray and white cat walking outside in the sun.

A few extra pounds may not seem like a big deal, but carrying excess weight can have meaningful effects on the overall health and long-term well-being of your cat. Even gradual weight gain can influence how your cat moves, rests and regulates basic bodily functions, often before obvious changes are easy to spot. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your cat’s body condition and make sure all that fluff really is just fluff. 

What Is the Average Weight of a Cat?

There is no single number that defines a healthy cat’s weight. Your cat’s ideal weight depends on their breed, age, body frame, lean muscle mass and daily activity level. While many adult cats fall within a general range of 8 to 12 pounds, this is only a starting point and does not apply to every cat.

For example, two cats with the same body weight may fall into different weight categories based on muscle tone and fat distribution (e.g., a 20-pound Devon rex vs. a 20-pound Maine coon). This is why determining your cat’s ideal weight is best done with veterinary guidance, using both physical assessment and overall health history.

Are Overweight Cats Common?

Overweight and obese cats are increasingly common, and, unfortunately, that’s not good. An obese or overweight cat is at increased risk for a number of health conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, urinary tract diseases and liver disease. Excess weight also places added strain on their joints, which can make everyday movements like jumping, climbing and grooming more difficult.

Over time, reduced mobility may lead to lower activity levels, creating a cycle that makes further weight gain more likely. Obesity in cats has also been associated with a shorter life expectancy in cats, as chronic conditions linked to excess weight may develop earlier and progress more quickly. 

Because cats are naturally skilled at masking discomfort, weight-related issues may go unnoticed at first. Subtle changes in their behavior, such as less interest in play or hesitation when jumping, are often attributed to normal aging rather than the early effects of excess weight.

Is My Cat Overweight?

The best way to tell if your cat is overweight is to assess their body condition. Veterinarians use a standardized body condition score to classify whether a cat is underweight, at a healthy weight or overweight. This approach provides a consistent way to evaluate body fat and guide weight management decisions. Because body condition can change gradually, periodic at-home checks you can do yourself can also help identify early shifts.

A healthy weight is typically indicated when a cat’s ribs are easy to feel beneath a thin layer of fat, a slight waistline is visible when viewed from above and their abdomen gently tucks upward when viewed from the side.

First, gently run your hands along your cat’s sides. You should be able to feel their ribs easily beneath a thin layer of fat. If their ribs are difficult to feel or require firm pressure, excess weight may be present. Next, look at your cat from above. When viewed from this angle, a healthy cat typically shows a slight waist or indent behind their ribs. Now look at them from the side. A sagging belly or lack of abdominal tuck can indicate extra weight. Take your cat for a checkup if you’re concerned that they are showing signs of excess weight. 

Why Is My Cat Getting Fat?

The simple, scientific answer is that weight gain occurs when calorie intake consistently exceeds energy use. But why does this happen? Indoor cats are particularly prone to weight gain because they typically burn fewer calories than outdoor cats and may have fewer opportunities for spontaneous movement.

Common lifestyle contributors include free feeding, oversized portions, frequent treats (including human foods), reduced activity levels and changes following spaying or neutering. In homes with more than one cat, shared feeding spaces can also complicate portion control and lead to overeating.

Environmental factors play a role as well. Limited vertical space and predictable routines can reduce daily movement. Over time, even small calorie excesses can add up, leading to gradual weight gain that may go unnoticed if unchecked. That’s why it’s important to limit treats to less than 10 percent of your cat’s total daily calorie intake — no matter how much they complain about it. 

How to Help My Cat Lose Weight

If your veterinarian has advised that weight loss is needed for your cat, the goal should always be gradual progress rather than rapid restriction. Sudden reductions in food intake can be harmful and may increase the risk of hepatic lipidosis, which can be serious for cats. A steady, measured approach is safer and more sustainable.

Start by working with your vet to rule out underlying health issues, unexplained weight gain or age-related changes, particularly in older cats. Your vet can help determine a target weight, calculate appropriate calorie intake and recommend a feeding plan tailored to your cat’s needs.

Portion control plays an important role. Free feeding often leads to overeating, especially for indoor cats with limited opportunities for physical activity. Measuring the amount of food your cat has access to helps regulate calorie intake and reduces the risk of unintentional overfeeding. Any uneaten food in the bowl should be removed between meals to discourage grazing.

Feeding routines can also be adjusted to encourage movement and mental stimulation. Using a feeding toy, placing food on cat trees or feeding cats in separate rooms in a multi-cat household can help increase activity while preventing competition or food sharing.

Exercise supports both weight management and overall wellness. Interactive play, climbing, chasing toys or even exploring a cardboard box can help maintain lean muscle mass and support long-term weight loss. Short, regular play sessions throughout the day are often more effective than occasional longer sessions.

Monitoring is important to make sure your favorite feline is making weight-loss progress. Your veterinarian can make adjustments (if necessary) to your cat’s diet or exercise plan to help keep them on track toward a better quality of life and prevention of obesity-related diseases.