My cat is licking her anus with discharge. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Luna. Poor girl! That is quite swollen and the area look really wet, so I suspect there is discharge. I'm wondering if she could have a malignant growth that has ulcerated causing this or if it could be a problem with her anal sacs. Her anal sacs may have been impacted and have now ruptured. Without seeing her in person, I ca't say what is going on for sure. I think it's best you take her into a vet immediately to get this diagnosed and treated. I hope this helps!

No, I wouldn't have Lucy seen by an emergency vet. It's normal for cats to clean around their anus, and they can ingest feces when they do it. If it was only a small amount of feces, she was likely just cleaning. It could be that she has some diarrhea that is causing feces to be around her anus. If Lucy does have diarrhea, I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feeding a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet.

Poor Willow! There is a chance that she could have full, impacted or infected anal glands, or intestinal worms if she is licking her hind end. If she is lethargic and not eating or drinking normally, she see a vet immediately. Otherwise, it may be okay to wait until tomorrow. I hope that she feels better soon!

Poor Boots. Yes I would take her into a vet immediately. It's clear the area is bothering her if she is licking it a lot, plus the anus is swollen and leaking fluid. This needs to be checked out by a vet asap so it can get treated. I hope this helps!

Yes, I recommend to have Lexa examined. Cats do not normally have any type of vaginal discharge and I am concerned there is an infection. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear about Luna - it sounds like she has had a rough go of things lately. Diarrhea is a very non-specific signs so I'm afraid the possibilities are numerous. Intestinal worms, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivity, allergic reaction, colitis from stress, diet charge or indiscretion (stealing people food, etc), toxin, or others are all on the list. For tonight, just gently clean her up with a baby wipe or tissue. You can apply a little lanolin or olive oil to soothe the rump. A little ice pack (wrapped in a paper towel or thin kitchen towel) pressed to the anus can help with the pain and inflammation as well. Best of luck to you and Luna!

The contents of the anal glands can be lots of different colors. Abnormal material is red (blood) or yellow/green (pus). If Luna isn't painful when defecating, licking her bottom a lot, or scooting her hind end on the ground, it sound like this is normal discharge. Anal glands are scent glands that normally empty with a bowel movement, so that's likely why you're seeing this tiny amount of discharge both shortly before and after she poops. The anal glands can become [infected or impacted](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs/), which can be quite painful. Keep an eye out for any changes in her behavior, appetite, energy level, and licking or scooting of the hind end, as these signs could indicate problems.