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Why does my cat's rear end smell so bad? Is it anal glands?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old

My cat's rear end smells awfully bad. I have tried to clean it for her, but I didn't seen anything there. Should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 25th, 2016

Cats have two small scent glands on either side of their rectum called anal glands - if these glands have been leaking a little or if she has expressed them recently, you may notice a very strong odor from her rear end. You can try cleaning the area around her rectum with some warm water and soap to help get rid of the smell. If this is a recurring problem, I recommend having her seen by a vet to check for infection or impaction of the glands.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This sounds like your kitty may have an anal sac problem. Anal sac secretions serve as your cat's "business card" and they get expressed every time your cat passes stool. Depending on what she is fed or what bacteria colonise the anal sacs you will get a different smell. You should have your veterinarian examine your kitty's anal sacs to make sure that there is no infection.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Daisy could have a bad smell coming from her rear end if she has a urinary tract infection. It could also be a problem with her anal sacs, which also secrete a terrible smell. They could be impacted, and may need to be expressed. Impacted anal sacs can become infected, abscess, and then rupture. Both of these problems require medical treatment. I would recommend taking her into your vet so they can determine the cause of the smell, and the appropriate treatment.

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