Anal gland fluid leaking during cuddles

L
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Hi everyone,

We've been having a bit of a problem with 2 of our 4 cats (moggies) for nearly 6 months now. They're sisters and are showing a reaction we've never seen in the 20 years we've owned cats. They're about 18 months old and spray anal gland fluid whenever we cuddle them... it's becoming unbearable because the smell is absolutely foul. It happens on the sofa, on us... so the whole family has basically stopped stroking them. It's no life for a cat! Does anyone have a solution? Our vet suggested changing their dry food, but we're very sceptical (as was she, as she got the idea from a colleague) about whether it'll actually help, especially since our other two females don't have this reaction at all.

There's no infection in the glands. Is it possible to consider having them surgically removed?

Thanks for your help.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES FOR OUR LEONBERGER PUPPIES As we are closing our kennels, we are looking for 5* homes for our adorable Leonberger puppies born on 10/04/2022. We have 9 males and 5 females available. They are microchipped, vaccinated, and Kennel Club registered with excellent bloodlines (parents are French Champions). They have wonderful temperaments and have been home-reared in a family environment. They are clear of dysplasia; dam's ID: 2CLL6244581524. For more photos of these lovely pups, please contact me at the email address below: jeanlucvirol140@gmail.com Genuine enquiries only please.
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    Yume
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    Hi, in my case, it’s happened twice and hasn’t recurred since (the last time was 6 months ago). She’s due her jabs in September, so I’ll try and remember to mention it to the vet. I’ve put a link below to an article about anal glands. Being overweight can be a factor (which is the case with my girl), but she doesn’t show any of the behaviours that would suggest a problem, so I don’t have an explanation as to why it happened.

    https://www.chatsdumonde.com/le-chat-50/anatomie-morphologie-du-chat-50006/les-glandes-anales-du-chat-role-problemes-entretien-18724.php

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    Zigou
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    Hi there!

    I'm having the same issue with my little one — it's happened twice in the space of six months.

    At first I had no idea what it was, but thanks to your messages I now understand it's the anal glands. It tends to happen during cuddle time when she's kneading and suckling, and the smell is absolutely horrific… I have to give her a bath, which she absolutely hates!

    I don't suppose anyone has any solutions or even an explanation for why it happens?

    Thanks :)

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    L
    Little0 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, we were hoping it would clear up, but it hasn't. The vet's check-up was fine, so there’s no apparent physical issue; however, it’s still very troublesome for us, so we are indeed going to get a second opinion.
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    Yume
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    Hi everyone, I posted a little while ago because my kitty had also expressed her anal glands during a cuddle when she was really relaxed. It’s happened twice, even though it’s usually something that happens when they’re stressed or have a medical issue. Since it hasn't happened again, I haven't been to see the vet. I know that vets sometimes remove an anal gland if it’s badly infected, but I don’t know if they’d operate if it’s not a health issue, or what the risks would be. I think it’s definitely one to check with the vet.

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