I have a cat who I affectionately refer to as my Old Lady. She's about 16, weighs a grand total of 6 lbs (which is an improvement since she was below that for a while), has stomach problems, and a hyperthyroid. Saturday I noticed her squatting to use the bathroom a lot but not being productive. She was also doing it outside the litter box, which normally she is too much of a lady to do. I figured she was constipated. Noticed she was producing some poop in the litter box, was still eating, but decided to keep an eye on her. As the days progressed, she seemed to be in more and more discomfort. Called the vet on Monday. Advised to wait, but bring her in on Tuesday if it didn't get better. Tuesday to the vet she went.
They checked her colon but didn't feel anything. Took an X-ray: nope. The vet decided to to a rectal exam. She knew instantly what the problem was.
"Her anal glands are full. I'll express them."
Oh my god the smell. My tiny cat produced about 3 tablespoons worth chocolate colored sludge from her butt sacs. I don't know if I'll be able to look at Nutella for the next month without some sort of gag reflex kicking in. No wonder she was straining. It's a wonder anything could pass with her anal glands that swollen!
On the bright side, kitty is doing much better.