The sebaceous glands are linked to the hair follicle. They secrete an essentially fatty substance and are involved in the formation of the cutaneous film. There are two types of sweat glands: apocrine glands, which open into the hair follicle, and eccrine glands, which open directly onto the skin. In carnivores, the eccrine glands are limited to the foot pads. They seem to play an important role in increasing traction. Apocrine glands are distributed over the entire body surface and produce an alkaline liquid that is rich in proteins. But their flow is minimal and varies only slightly based on body temperature.
In some areas, including the face, the glands produce special substances, or pheromones, that are very important in the cat's marking of its familiar surroundings and in its social relations. Cats that appear to be relieving an itch by rubbing their cheeks against a vertical object are actually marking their presence.
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