Is Your Cat Scooting? What to Do and How to Know if It’s Serious

Have you noticed your cat scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground? Felines can be mysterious and weird creatures, so it’s not always easy to know what’s just quirky behaviour and when you have cause to worry. If you’re not sure why your cat is scooting and what you should do about it, we’re here to help! Cat in a Flat explains what to do when Mr Whiskers scoots and how to know if it’s a sign of a serious medical condition.

What does scooting look like for cats?

What does scooting look like for cats? Scooting is when your kitty places their butt on the ground, extends the hind legs, and uses the front legs to drag along the ground. Sometimes, your furry friend might do this after using the litter box because there is residue stuck to the fur around their bottom. However, sometimes scooting may indicate other issues—especially if Mr Whiskers does it frequently. 

Why is my cat scooting?

Why is my cat scooting? Usually, your feline will do this because there is something irritating them. Your fur friend may simply be trying to scratch an itch or dislodge a piece of faecal matter. Or they could be trying to tell you something more serious is bothering them. As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to take note of what may be causing them to scoot. Here are some of the more common reasons for scooting in cats: 

Full or Impacted Anal Glands (Most Common)

Your kitty has an anal sack on each side of their anus. In some cases, the anal sack won’t empty properly, becomes infected, or a mass develops. Hence, your cat may start dragging their bottom. If Mr Whiskers is dealing with anal gland issues you will probably notice an unpleasant fishy odour too.  

Parasites

Parasites such as tapeworms, ticks, and fleas can cause itchiness and irritation for your kitty. As a result, your feline may scoot to try to relieve the discomfort. If you notice small, rice-like worms crawling on your fur friend’s faeces or protruding from their bottom, the likely cause are tapeworms. This is why annual vet check-ups, vaccines, and flea, tick, and worm medications are so important for your furry friend’s overall health! 

Residue

Residue such as something sticking to the fur around your cat’s anus can cause scooting. A piece of poo may also be hanging because it’s attached to a hair your kitty ingested. If this is the case, simply take a piece of toilet paper and pull the poop and hair out. However, if the poo looks like it’s attached to string or another foreign object, take Mr Whiskers to the vet immediately. Pulling at a piece of string can damage your fur friend’s intestines.

Allergies or Skin Irritation

Just like humans, cats can suffer from allergies too. Sometimes skin irritation or allergies can cause an itchy bottom. Since your fur friend can’t reach that area to scratch it, they’ll start scooting instead. It could be your feline is allergic to something in their environment, suffering from fleas, or even has a food allergy. If you suspect this is the case, consult your vet. They can help diagnosis and treat feline allergies. 

Post-Surgery or Medication Reactions

If your cat is scooting after a recent surgery or starting a new medication, then there could be a direct correlation. Sometimes scooting is your kitty’s way of dealing with pain and irritation after surgery or because they’re disorientated from the anaesthesia. Try as much as possible to prevent your cat from scooting and licking the area. Having your cat wear a cone, or a onesie can help to protect a tender surgical site. If your cat is scooting after starting a new medication, it could be the medicine is causing an allergic reaction. Make sure to consult your vet before continuing the treatment.

How to know when cat scooting is serious

• Persistent scooting. If your cat scoots multiple times a day or several times a week, this could indicate something more serious. 
• Visible swelling, redness, or discharge near the anus. 
• Signs of pain when using the litter box. A healthy litter box routine is essential for your kitty’s well-being. If you notice your cat is struggling to use the litter tray, taking a long time, or crying while doing it, it could mean they’re in pain. Especially if they scoot afterwards. 
• Bloody or mucous stools. As a responsible paw parent, it’s essential you keep an eye on your kitty’s litter box use. Blood or mucous in Mr Whiskers’ stool is a sign something serious is going on and it’s time for a trip to the vet. 
• Unexplained weight loss or appetite change. If scooting is coupled with changes in appetite or sudden weight loss, this could indicate some sort of food allergy or other health issues like feline diabetes. 
• Excessive grooming. Our fur friends spend a lot of time grooming. However, there is a difference between normal and excessive grooming. If you notice your cat spends a lot of time licking their anal region, it could be an indication of a health issue. 

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How to prevent scooting

If your kitty isn’t suffering from any serious health issues, you may need to find some proactive ways to prevent scooting. Here are a few simple tips to help stop the scoot! 

• Frequent grooming. If you have a long-haired cat, it’s important that you properly groom them in order to keep their fur healthy. This includes trimming the fur around your feline’s bottom, so faeces are less likely to get stuck there! 
• Regular parasite treatment. Make sure your fur friend receives regular de-worming as well as flea and tick treatment—especially if they spend time outdoors. Cats can get parasites from ingesting raw prey such as mice or birds, or by encountering other animals who have them. By keeping up with their treatment, you can help prevent scooting.
• High-quality diet. Feeding your feline a balanced diet of high-quality wet and dry food will keep them happy and healthy. However, make sure it has plenty of fibre too! This will firm up Mr Whiskers’ stool and ensure their anal glands function properly. 
• Keep them hydrated. Make sure your fur friend has access to plenty of clean water sources around the home and that they are staying hydrated. This will help prevent your cat from scooting due to irritated, dry skin. 

Paw Parent Tip: If you’re going out of town while dealing with a feline who scoots, be sure to let your trustworthy cat sitter know! They can note down any time they see Mr Whiskers scoot and provide a report so you can take steps to treat it once you’re back. 

Looking for more great cat care tips? Check out our blog post on homeopathic remedies for felines and great ways to improve your kitty’s life in less than five minutes.