I never expected that a crisp January morning in 2026 would find me crouched over my bathroom counter, wearing surgical gloves, whispering reassuring nonsense to my cat, Luna. But here we were. Her anal glands were impacted, and my veterinarian had gently suggested I could learn to express them at home. Gulp.

It started with the scoot. You know the one: butt on the carpet, front paws pulling forward like a tiny furry snowplow. Then came the excessive licking, the redness around her rear, and a smell that could clear a room. My vet ruled out infections and tumors first — that part is non-negotiable — and then handed me a handout. 'You can do this,' she said. I was not so sure.

Why Anal Glands Matter (and Why They Get Stuck)

A cat’s anal glands, also called anal sacs, are two small structures sitting on either side of the anus, roughly at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions. Tiny ducts under the skin open right next to the anus. Their job? To leave a powerful territorial scent message. When a cat poops, firm, healthy feces 'milk' the glands, releasing a yellowish, oily secretion onto the stool. Cats may also spontaneously express when they are excited or frightened. Nature’s little calling card, I guess.

But sometimes that natural process fails. Obesity, chronically soft stools from a poor diet, or gastrointestinal disorders can all stop the glands from emptying properly. The result is impaction — a painful backup that can lead to infection. Weight loss, a high-fiber diet, or supplements may help, but sometimes manual expression is necessary. And that is where I came in.

The Signs I Could No Longer Ignore

Luna gave me plenty of warnings. If your cat shows any of these, pay attention:

I called my vet before I did anything. That is critical. Anal gland infections and tumors need different treatment, and you do not want to squeeze an abscess. Trust me, I learned the hard way with a previous cat — never again.

My At-Home Expression Kit

My vet gave me the green light, so I gathered supplies. You will need:

• A sturdy surface — a bathroom countertop lined with newspapers or towels.

• Surgical gloves — because the secretion is extremely smelly.

• Moist wipes or damp paper towels — for cleanup.

• Kitty treats — for cooperation and reward.

• A helper — seriously, do not attempt this solo if you can avoid it.

My partner held Luna from the front, facing away from me, with a reassuring touch. We both stayed calm and talked softly. Treats helped distract her. The whole vibe was less 'medical procedure' and more 'spa day gone wrong.'

The Procedure, Step by Step

1. Hold the cat’s tail up.

2. Locate the anal glands at roughly 5 and 7 o’clock. When full, they feel like soft but firm peas or jelly beans.

3. Using the index fingers of both hands, or the thumb and index finger of one hand, place your fingers on the outside bottom of the sacs.

4. Gently press inward and upward at the same time until the gland releases its contents and feels empty. Repeat on the other side.

5. Clean the area with moist wipes or a damp paper towel.

6. Give a final treat, release the cat, remove gloves, wrap everything in the newspaper, and discard.

7. High-five your helper. Celebrate. You survived.

If nothing comes out, or if Luna yelps in pain, stop. Make an appointment with your vet. Ask them to coach you in person so you can try again next time. They can also check for impaction, infection, abscess, or tumors.

When It Is More Than Impaction

My vet explained the spectrum. Normal secretion is yellowish and oily. If it sits too long, it thickens to a mush, then becomes hard and grainy. Infection turns the glands swollen, painful, and red. Antibiotics may help early, but an abscess must be drained by a vet. Warm compresses can ease pain and swelling. Tumors are possible, though not common. Recurrent impactions or inflammation may lead to surgical removal of the anal sac.

The Takeaway

Expressing a cat’s anal glands is not glamorous. It is messy, smelly, and a little humbling. But if your vet recommends it, and your cat is cooperative, learning to do it at home can save money and spare your cat repeated stressful trips. If you decide to leave it to the professionals, there is no shame in that either. I still keep my vet on speed dial.

And Luna? She got extra treats, a warm blanket, and the rest of the day off. I got a shower and a long nap. We both earned it. 🐾