Q. I have a 9-year-old, 18-pound Maine Coon, and ever since we brought her home, several years ago, we noticed she leaks a reddish-brown, smelly liquid when she sleeps or relaxes. She doesn't even seem to notice when it happens. She is in good spirits and health otherwise. We have taken her to the vet on several occasions and all we found out is that she doesn't have crystals, infection or grit. Our veterinarian suggested an $800 ultrasound, and we still might not find the answer to her problem. All our furniture and beddings have been stained, and we are at our wits' end, but love her very much. What can we do?

A. I think that the first thing to determine is where the fluid is coming from. Your vet obviously thought that she was leaking urine with some blood in it, but the tests were negative for the routine diseases associated with the bladder. If this has been going on for years and your Maine Coon seems to be in good health, other than ruining your furniture, which is understandably upsetting, there is obviously no imminent danger to your cat.

There are not that many fluids in an animal that can end up easily on the outside. Cysts that rupture or abscesses can leak, but these are pretty obvious. Observe carefully and find the exact location of the leakage.

My guess, and this is truly a guess (as I would have to actually see your cat to make any sort of diagnosis), is that your cat's problem could be an anal gland issue. In my experience, I have found Maine Coons to often have problematic anal glands that need to either be treated or eventually removed. Because this can be a waxing and waning problem, wait until the next time it happens and then have the anal glands checked. Unfortunately, you will probably have to inspect the material to see if it matches what is ending up on your furniture. If that is the case, you may opt for removal of the glands.