Is My Cat Marking Me?

My male cat (3 years old, healthy) is a very affectionate cat. However, several times when he has been on my lap and been really affectionate, a horrible odor has come out of his behind and is left on my clothes. It is so foul that I have to change my clothes. I cannot even describe the smell - it has nothing to do with poop. One time there was actually a small spot of clear liquid on my pants.

When this happens, he always gets down and cleans himself thoroughly. Is he marking me somehow? He is fixed. It is really frustrating when I am ready to leave to go somewhere and have to change clothes. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Ann

It sounds more like he is having trouble with his anal glands. Spray would be marking, and it would smell strongly of male cat urine. That nasty worse than poo smell is more likely his anal glands. The vet can express them for you. Then kitty will be more comfortable, and you won't get the smell on you or anything else in your house!

Hi Ann!! I totally understand what your talking about. Oscar has also done this a few times. Thank goodness he doesn't do it every time he shows affection(because he's ALWAYS affectionate), just the odd time. The smell is horrible and like yourself, I have to change my clothing and clean whatever material he touched along the way. I too cannot describe the odor; it's wickedly strong. He is a very healthy cat(urinates well) so I know it's nothing medical. I quess it's just a love potion that, quite honestly, he could keep to himself. LOL!! Wish I could help you, but I'm also without a solution. Good luck!!

It is medical, it is a health issue and the cat either needs to go to a vet or a professional groomer. The anal glands get impacted, and they need to be expressed. If you have a cat prone to this, you can ask your vet to show you how to express these glands to empty them, but you have to have a strong stomach and the determination to not quit till they are emptied.

Originally Posted by hissy

It is medical, it is a health issue and the cat either needs to go to a vet or a professional groomer. The anal glands get impacted, and they need to be expressed. If you have a cat prone to this, you can ask your vet to show you how to express these glands to empty them, but you have to have a strong stomach and the determination to not quit till they are emptied.

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Hissy, I've had Oscar for over 3 years and I'd say he has done this only a few times. If it were medical, wouldn't he be doing this really often, like every other day? or is this just periodic? I really don't mind emptying his glands if need be. Thanks for the info. BTW, he hasn't done this in quite sometime.