Ask Dr. Paola - Anal Glands, Drooling & Hard Poops (March 10, 2025)

Welcome to our "Ask Dr. Paola" series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat's health and well-being.

Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. ‎

Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! My Cat Has a Ruptured Anal Gland!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Yesterday, my cat Peach was seen at the vet and had a ruptured anal gland. How can this be prevented, what caused it, and what questions should I ask about the blood work results from the tests they ran? Thanks!" - Ruth

Hi Ruth,

I’m sorry Peach had to go through that. Ruptured anal glands can be quite painful, but with the right care, she’ll be feeling better soon. You can think of anal sacs like tiny balloons located just inside the anus, positioned at about 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock if you imagine a clock face. These small, sac-like structures sit beneath the skin and produce a thick, often strong-smelling fluid that cats use for scent marking. Normally, this fluid is naturally expressed during defecation when firm stool passes through, applying pressure to the glands. However, if the fluid becomes too thick, the ducts become blocked, or there is inflammation, the glands can overfill, leading to impaction, infection, and, in severe cases, rupture.

This rupture happens because pressure builds up like an overfilled water balloon. Once the fluid thickens or the ducts become blocked, bacteria will get involved, forming an infection that develops into an abscess that bursts. Some cats are more prone to this due to stool consistency, anatomy, or underlying health issues.

Preventing this means keeping those “balloons” from overfilling in the first place. A diet that promotes firm, well-formed stools helps naturally express the glands, much like squeezing a ketchup packet just enough to release a little at a time instead of all at once. If Peach has soft stools or frequent anal sac issues, adjusting her fiber intake with the addition of natural sources like canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, or even a veterinary recommended supplement might help.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also important since excess fat can interfere with normal gland hygiene and function. Chunky cats simply cannot reach to keep the area clean by themselves, while the excess weight can reduce circulation in the area, and their slower digestion due to sedentarism does not help either. For some cats, periodic veterinary checks to manually express the glands may be necessary, but only if this is recommended by the vet. Manually expressing the glands when it is not necessary can further contribute to the loss of tone and result in improper emptying.

For her bloodwork, you might ask about her white blood cell count, which can indicate infection or inflammation, and whether any liver or kidney values were assessed, especially if she’s on antibiotics or pain medication. It is also important to determine if allergies or food sensitivities might be contributing; discussing dietary changes could be useful. Keep an eye on stool consistency, diet, and any signs of discomfort (like scooting, excessive licking, or swelling near the anus) to help prevent future problems. I hope Peach heals quickly!

Dr. Paola

Help! My Sphynx Keeps Drooling!

"Hi Dr. Paola,

Every time our Sphynx cats are cuddling with us, they drool a lot. They purr and are very affectionate. They have yearly dental checkups and cleanings. Our vets say their teeth are fine. Sometimes there is a lot of drooling and sometimes not much. Why do they do this?" - Suzie

Hi Suzie,

It sounds like your Sphynx cats are showing their love in a particularly drooly way! Some cats, especially when deeply relaxed and content, will drool as part of their natural response to pleasure. This is similar to how some people might tear up when feeling very emotional—it's an involuntary reaction linked to strong positive emotions. Since your cats are purring, cuddling, and otherwise healthy with regular dental checkups, their drooling is most likely a sign of pure happiness rather than a medical concern.

The variability in the amount of drool could depend on how relaxed they are in the moment, their body position, or even slight changes in their hydration levels. Some breeds, including the Sphynx, can be more prone to this behavior due to individual anatomy or sensitivity. As long as there are no other concerning signs like pawing at the mouth, bad breath, or difficulty eating, their drooling is likely just their way of expressing contentment. You might want to keep a soft cloth nearby for cuddle sessions and consider it their version of affectionate “happy tears!”

It is refreshing to hear about happy and cuddled cats!

Dr. Paola

Help! My Cat Had Hard Poops!

“Anthony bear is a large 18-lb cat who, for his size, according to the vet, is not that much overweight, but he has red blood on the outside of his stools quite often from licking his fur and the stools being harder, larger, full of hair, etc. I was looking for the best alternative without having to give him a stool softener that he doesn't like and doesn't really want to take every day of his life. I'm sure there has to be a better option, even something holistic I can just add to the food that he won't notice." –  Dawn

Hi Dawn,

If you think about Anthony Bear’s digestive system like a set of household pipes, when water flows freely, everything moves as it should. But if debris builds up, and there’s not enough water flushing through, things slow down, and eventually, blockages can form. His harder, larger stools packed with fur are putting extra strain on his system, and just like too much pressure in a pipe can cause small cracks or leaks, the repeated straining is likely causing tiny tears in the delicate tissues around his rectum. That’s why you’re seeing bright red blood on the outside of his stools; it’s a sign of irritation from passing dry, bulky waste through an already sensitive area.

If this cycle continues, the risk isn’t just discomfort. Chronic constipation can lead to megacolon, where the colon becomes so stretched out and weakened that it can no longer push stool through effectively. At that point, waste becomes impacted, requiring medical intervention. The best way to prevent this is by keeping things moving naturally. Small dietary changes can go a long way in preventing serious issues, and keeping Anthony Bear’s digestive “plumbing” running smoothly now can save him from much bigger problems down the line.

A moisture-rich diet like high-quality fresh or wet food could be of great benefit as it acts like adding water to the pipes, helping prevent clogs before they start. I highly recommend you add a cat water fountain to your home to entice him to drink. You can also add pure, organic canned pumpkin puree or psyllium husk to his meals to provide gentle, natural fiber that keeps things soft and flowing smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acid from fish, salmon, or krill oil are sources of EPA and DHA. These fatty acids help to support gut motility and reduce inflammation. It is a must to keep up with regular brushing, which will reduce the amount of hair he swallows, helping to prevent stool from becoming excessively dry and bulky.

If constipation continues despite these changes, or if he starts skipping bowel movements for more than 48 hours, seems uncomfortable, or his stool becomes progressively harder, a veterinary check-up is crucial. Chronic constipation can lead to worsening problems over time, and once the "pipes" are too stretched out, repair becomes much more difficult. By making small, natural adjustments now, you can help Anthony Bear maintain a healthy digestive flow and avoid serious complications down the line. I hope this helps!

I hope this helps,

Dr. Paola