Cat Leaking Fluid? It Could Be A Health Concern

If you notice your male cat leaking a clear, odourless fluid, it is likely due to their anal glands. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including emotional or physical stress, oversecretion of anal glands, allergies or food sensitivities, medications, infection, anal injuries, or normal secretion. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it is important to monitor your cat for any additional symptoms or changes in behaviour. If you are concerned about your cat's health, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and guidance.

Emotional or physical stress

Cats can experience stress due to various factors, and it is important for owners to recognize the signs to provide the best care. Stress can lead to behavioural problems and negatively impact a cat's physical health. Some common causes of stress in cats include:

• Multi-cat households, especially if introductions are rushed or there is not enough space or resources
• Inappropriate handling, such as being stroked or picked up when they do not want to be
• Changes to their environment, such as building work, a new baby, or unfamiliar cats in the garden
• Threat to their territory, including introducing a new pet or changes to the smell of their home

Recognizing stress in cats can be challenging as they tend to hide their emotions and withdraw instead of 'acting out'. Some signs of acute stress in cats include:

• Crouching on all fours, shaking, and rapid breathing
• Tail close to the body, head lower than the body, and motionless
• Fully dilated pupils and flattened ears
• Vocalizations such as plaintive meowing, yowling, or growling
• Hissing, shaking, drooling, and involuntary urination or defecation

Chronic stress can be more difficult to identify as it develops over time, and the signs may be more subtle. Some indicators of chronic stress in cats include:

• Inhibition of feeding, grooming, urination, or defecation, or overeating
• Increased resting or 'feigned' sleep
• Increased dependency or social withdrawal
• Defensive aggression towards people or other cats
• Extreme vigilance and heightened startle response
• Lack of play activity and changes in general behaviour patterns
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, and urine spraying indoors
• Over-grooming, pica (wool-eating), and increased facial rubbing or scratching on surfaces

To help relieve or prevent stress in cats, it is essential to provide care that respects their individual needs. Creating a predictable environment with familiar routines can be reassuring for cats. Additionally, ensuring sufficient resources, such as food bowls, water bowls, litter trays, beds, hiding places, and scratching posts, can help reduce stress.

Anal gland disease

Anal sac (or gland) disease in cats is a common issue that can affect any age, breed, or sex. It occurs when a cat's anal glands fail to expel fluid properly, causing a buildup of fluid that can lead to pain, infection, abscesses, and rupture. This fluid is normally released during defecation and is used for marking territory.

Symptoms of Anal Gland Disease

Cats with anal gland disease may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Scooting or rubbing their bottom on the ground
• Biting or licking around the tail, back legs, and anus
• Hair loss around the tail or tummy
• Straining or discomfort when passing faeces
• Swelling or redness of the anal tissues
• Bloody or sticky discharge from the anus

Treatment of Anal Gland Disease

If you suspect your cat is suffering from anal gland disease, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Treatment options may include:

• Manual expression of the glands by a veterinary professional, which may require anaesthesia
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Pain relief medication
• Surgical treatment for abscesses or rupture

Prevention of Anal Gland Disease

To help prevent anal gland disease in your cat, consider the following:

• Provide a good-quality, complete cat food that is high in fibre
• Use anal gland supplements
• Maintain a healthy body condition for your cat through adequate exercise
• Regularly empty your cat's anal glands, especially if they show symptoms of anal gland disease

Complications of Anal Gland Disease

In rare cases, anal gland disease can lead to more serious complications, such as:

• Anal gland tumours
• Intestinal parasites such as tapeworms
• Lack of bowel control after surgical treatment

Urinary tract obstruction

Urethral obstruction (UO) is a life-threatening blockage of the lower portion of the urinary tract that occurs almost exclusively in male cats. The male urethra is longer and narrower than the female urethra, making it more prone to blockage. This blockage can prevent cats from urinating and can lead to life-threatening consequences such as dangerous electrolyte abnormalities, kidney failure, and bladder rupture. Urethral plugs, urinary stones, strictures, tumours, and swelling are common causes of UO.

UO is a medical emergency, and cats suspected of having this condition should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Early signs of UO include increased vocalization, frequent trips to the litter box, licking more at their hind ends, and straining unproductively in the litter box. These signs may be misinterpreted as less urgent conditions such as urinary tract infections, cystitis, or constipation. However, if left untreated for 24 hours or more, cats can rapidly deteriorate and exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and inability to stand.

Veterinarians will examine the cat, feeling for a large, firm, and possibly painful bladder. They may also attempt to gently squeeze the bladder to determine if it can be emptied. X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the obstruction. To relieve the obstruction, the veterinarian will sedate or anaesthetise the cat and pass a catheter into the urethra to infuse fluids and flush out the obstruction.

After the obstruction is relieved, the veterinarian will infuse a sterile saline solution into the bladder to wash out any blood and debris. They will then decide whether to remove the catheter or leave it in place for a few days, depending on the severity of the blockage. Further treatments will depend on the underlying cause, severity, and any complications that may have arisen. Intravenous fluids and medications such as local anaesthetics, pain-killing drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be administered.

UO is a relatively common condition, affecting 28-58% of all cats with lower urinary tract disease. Early recognition of the signs is crucial, as delay in treatment can be fatal. Preventative measures, such as prescription urinary diets and increased water consumption, can significantly lower the risk of recurrence. However, cats that have experienced UO are at risk for recurrence, and long-term monitoring is necessary.

Normal secretion

In addition to marking territory, anal gland secretions in cats have several other functions. Firstly, they aid in lubrication, helping to coat the stool and facilitate the passage of feces through the cat's rectum. This is especially helpful if a cat's stool is dry or hard. Secondly, these secretions play a role in social interaction. Cats may rub their anal area against people or other cats as a form of bonding and communication, transferring some of their scent.

While normal secretion from the anal sacs is typically a clear, odorless fluid, it's important to monitor your cat's behaviour and overall health. If you notice any changes or additional symptoms, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian. They can conduct a thorough examination to rule out any underlying health issues and provide guidance on managing your cat's specific situation.

It's worth noting that anal gland issues are common in cats, and if the glands fail to expel fluid properly, it can lead to pain, infection, and even abscesses. Therefore, it's crucial to pay attention to your cat's behaviour and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

Medication side effects

The anal glands, situated near the anus, play a role in defecation and scent recognition. When these glands become blocked or impacted, it can result in discomfort and leakage of fluid. In some cases, the anal glands may produce more fluid than usual, leading to clear leakage. This oversecretion can be triggered by various factors, including excitement, fear, or emotional stress.

If your cat is experiencing clear fluid leakage from the anus, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination to identify any underlying health issues and provide guidance on managing the condition. The veterinarian may also perform a digital rectal exam using a gloved and lubricated finger to check for any issues with the anal glands.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your cat:

• Monitor your cat's behaviour and look for any additional symptoms that may indicate an underlying health problem.
• Keep your cat calm and comfortable, as emotional or physical stress can contribute to anal gland secretion.
• Ensure your cat has access to plenty of clean water and a healthy diet, as proper nutrition can help maintain normal stool consistency, reducing the risk of anal gland issues.
• Consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's medication regimen, as sudden alterations can have unintended side effects.

Frequently asked questions