Cat Anal Sac Infection: What to Do When Your Cat Has an Inflamed Anal Sac 🐾

     A Case of dog with Anal sac inflammation 

Good day, I would like to ask what kind of medication can I give to my cat, he seems to have anal sac disease, there is an area near his anus with a green discharge and I noticed just yesterday that he keeps licking the wound

Here is an image of the area

notice the anal sac inflammation 

He hasn't lost appetite and he frequently drinks water as well, I started cleaning the pus earlier a couple hours ago but he keeps licking it from time to time

 

The cat is 4 years old, I haven't given him any medication for this so I was wondering what medicine I can buy to get rid of this pus, thank you very much for the help

So here is the brief description with this case and how we monitored :

Cat Anal Sac Infection: What to Do When Your Cat Has an Inflamed Anal Sac 🐾

Recently, a 4-year-old cat named Whiskers was brought to my attention by his owner. She noticed a swollen area near his anus with greenish discharge, and he kept licking the site constantly. Despite the discomfort, Whiskers’ appetite was normal, and he was drinking water regularly.

After gently cleaning the area at home, the owner was unsure what medications to give. Anal sac inflammation (also called anal sacculitis or abscess) can be painful and may become infected if not treated properly.

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Early Signs of Anal Sac Problems in Cats

• Swelling or redness near the anus

• Green, yellow, or bloody discharge

• Frequent licking or scooting

• Mild discomfort, sometimes pain when sitting

💡 Vet Insight: While anal sac disease is more common in dogs, it can occur in cats. Early detection is important to prevent abscess formation and systemic infection.

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Step-By-Step Management

1. Clean the Area Carefully
Use sterile saline to gently clean the wound 2–3 times a day. Avoid harsh scrubbing. This helps remove pus and bacteria.

2. Prevent Licking
An Elizabethan collar (cone) can stop your cat from licking the inflamed area, which slows healing and prevents further infection.

3. Veterinary Medications (educational reference only)
A vet may prescribe:

Drug	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate	15 mg/kg	Oral	Every 12 hrs	7 days
Meloxicam	0.05 mg/kg	Oral	Once daily	5 days
Chlorhexidine ointment	Thin layer	Topical	2× daily	Until healed

⚠️ Important: Only a licensed veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The doses above are examples from clinical practice for educational purposes.

4. Monitor for Signs of Complications
Seek urgent vet care if you notice:

• Fever or lethargy

• Spreading redness or swelling

• Refusal to eat or drink

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Case Outcome

In Whiskers’ case, after veterinary evaluation, he was started on a kidney-friendly anti-inflammatory and antibiotic course, with regular cleaning and the use of a cone. Within a week, the swelling reduced significantly, the discharge cleared, and he stopped licking the area.

💡 Vet Tip: Regular check-ups for adult cats can help catch anal sac issues early, especially if your cat has recurring problems.

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Preventing Anal Sac Infections in Cats

• Maintain good hygiene around the anus

• Regular vet check-ups for older cats

• Ensure proper diet and hydration

• Monitor for early signs like licking, scooting, or swelling

Vet Insights:

• Anal sacs are small glands located on either side of a cat’s anus. They normally empty during defecation.

• Impaction, infection, or abscess formation can occur if the sacs don’t empty properly.

• Mild cases may respond to warm compresses and gentle expression by a veterinarian.

• Antibiotics may be needed if there is an infection, and severe abscesses may require surgical intervention.

• Avoid trying to express the sacs yourself if you’re not trained—it can worsen infection or injure your cat.

• Cats usually maintain appetite initially, but discomfort can escalate quickly, so early veterinary care is important.

What to Do:

1. Keep the area clean.

2. Monitor for fever, lethargy, or worsening swelling.

3. Schedule a vet visit promptly for proper examination and treatment.

References:

• Fossum, T.W. Small Animal Surgery, 5th Edition. Elsevier, 2019.

• Johnston, S.D., Root Kustritz, M.V., Olson, P.N.S. Canine and Feline Theriogenology, 2nd Edition, 2001.

• ASPCA: Anal Gland Problems in Cats