Why is my cat scooting and pooping after anal gland expression?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 6 months and 1 day old | 6 lbs
My cat had her anal glands expressed yesterday. now she is scooting her but and pooping in small segments all around the house. she also has a URI
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 30th, 2019
I'm sorry but I'm not 100% sure what your question is so I hope I appropriately address you issue. If not, you are welcome to post again. If the anal glands have been expressed it is irritating to the animal so they will often scoot for a couple days after expression. Since it is irritating, they will sometimes poop small amounts like that. The URI should have nothing to do with this issue. They are two separate problems. I do not know what her diet is but I would strongly recommend you use Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach. I have had great luck with this food and issues like this. She is very young to already have anal gland problems and this food may help. You should be able to easily find this food locally. ( https://www.purina.com/pro-plan/cats/sensitive-stomach-skin-cat-food ) Change the diet slowly over about a week's time so that you cause he any GI upset. Start with mostly her old food and a tiny amount of new food and then each day increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food. After 7 days she should be eating all the new food. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
9Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 15th, 2016
Often, the rectum can be a little sore for a day or two after having the anal glands expressed - this can cause some cats to avoid pooping because it hurts. You can try increasing her water intake by feeding her some canned food, low sodium beef or chicken broth, or tuna juice to help soften the stool and encourage her to go. If she does not poop within the next 24-48 hours, or if you see her straining in the litter box with nothing coming out, I would recommend taking her back to your vet for an exam - if she is severely constipated, she may need an enema under sedation to clear the blockage.
16Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 11th, 2018
Poor girl. She may be sore from the procedure. Inflammation of the anal gland is common to occur after a pet has been impacted for a while. I would give it a few more days and if she is still irritated or if she also has loose stool, then its best to take her back for a follow up. The vet should do a complete rectal exam at that point and consider antibiotics if she is also having loose stool. I hope that Cam feels better soon! Best wishes and take care.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 13th, 2017
Your kitty may be suffering from impacted or infected anal sacs. She could also have intestinal parasites or other intestinal problems. I strongly suggest you take her to your vet. Anal sac infections are very painful, yet easily resolved. The vet will examine her and check the anal sacs, whether they are filled, impacted and what the content is like. If they are just impacted, they will be emptied, and you may have to add some dietary supplement such as canned pumpkin. If they are infected, your kitty will need antibiotics. If the anal sacs appear healthy, your veterinarian will have to investigate further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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