My cat's anal glands are black. Are they impacted without symptoms?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 20 lbs
I've been wiping away black things from my cat's anus, he's about 35lbs male neutered, i an see his anal glands they are black in color along them in contrast to the rest of the area, they are not inflamed he doesn't scoot his butt, he doesn't get mean when i try to look or help him, they do not appear to be swollen, but the other day when i was wiping away some of the black it looked like blood, could his anal glands be impacted or abscessed even though he doesn't display any symptoms?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 1st, 2019
Not usually. If the anal glands are impacted, infected, inflamed you will likely see some symptoms like scooting, licking the anus and even diarrhea. I can't really tell anything from the photos. They just get grainy when I enlarge them. I honestly don't think I would be overly worried about this. I suggest you just monitor him and if the issue does not resolve, it gets worse or if he starts showing some symptoms, then you should get him to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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