What the heck is coming from my cats butt ?

Question
This morning, my cat jumped up on my lap and padded around to make a comfortable spot. This very neat and fastidious long haired female had an usually dirty butt -  which I could suddenly see - No big deal as I am sure she would get around to it after a quick nap. But she seemed to have a bit of light brown maybe mustard colored discharge. As I tried to check her out, she got annoyed and ran off. A few hours later, I checked again and found the same sight. I wiped it with a tissue and while it has an odor, it is like feces or even strong like anal gland juice. Of course, once I pointed it out, she got busy cleaning herself, princess that she is. She doesn't appear to be in any pain or discomfort...any ideas what this is ??
Thanks
Patrick

Answer
It sounds, like what you're describing, that she has some anal gland issues.  Here's what you need to do.

#1 - if your cat is an outdoor cat, or even an indoor/outdoor cat, keep her inside until this gets cleared up.  Just in case of any looming infection.

#2 - when you cuddle your kitty, do you see or feel any lump near the actual anal opening?  If you do, this is usually off to either side (they have anal glands on either side).  If not, what is likely is that she has just been a little lax in her usual cleaning routing.  Normal behavior for anyone.  If you DO notice a bump, your first thing is to NOT PANIC!  Here is what you should do...

a)  an old face cloth or hand towel (that is soft to the touch) in an old margerine or yogurt container of warm (not hot) water.  Holding your kitty, you will want to apply this warm compress to the swollen area.  Your kitty will freak like heck and want to leave (it's uncomfortable for her to have a big wet towel on her tush and it's not a pleasurable sight for us!) This will warm the area and will help to express any fluids.  You'll want to keep doing this until you can get your kitty to the vet.  If you notice that there is a hole (as in the bump has ruptured and has expressed itself externally), then you will want to clean the area in the manner that's described above, and you will want to get her to the vet to get some antibiotics.  
The mustard color that you describe as a secretion could be a sign of an infection in the gland itself... not a huge thing to worry about, if you can get to your vet within the next couple of days.  

If you can isolate your little princess in one room (with her food, water and litter box of course) to contain any rupture secretions in one area, that is always a good idea.  My Melody had this same thing, and she had the same symptoms as your little one.  Your kitty will be fine - I'd recommend a quick check at the vet for sure on Monday, just to make sure that there are no further complications.  You may need to have the glands expressed (which the vet can do for you at your appointment.)

Good luck - and let me know how your little one is doing!