Should you wipe your cat s bum

How to Clean a Cats Butt: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Cats are generally experts at cleaning themselves, butts included. But sometimes, your feline pal needs a little extra help in the hygiene department. Cleaning a cats butt is mildly unpleasant and can also be a health risk, so ensure you follow all the right steps.

If someone tries to tell you that caring for a cat is not like caring for a kid, show them this article. No one really wants to clean anybodys butt but their own, but here we are.

Do I Need to Clean My Cats Butt?

Many prefer cats over dogs because they love how independent they are, especially with their vigilant hygiene routines. You wont have to do much cat butt cleaning; your cat will handle this by themselves.However, there are times when they can get extra dirty, and they may not want to clean themselves or are unable to do so. For example:

• Diarrhea causes a mess, and they dont want to lick it. Youll need to clean it up yourself to avoid them rubbing it all over your carpet! Note: scooting on the carpet can also be a sign of allergies, worms, or swollen anal glands.
• Fur matting can hold extra grime and dirt, which routine cleaning may not be able to remove.
• They cant reach their butt. Elderly, injured, obese, or disabled cats may find difficulty in putting themselves into the correct position to reach their behind.

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How to Clean a Cats Butt

1. Suit Up

Even if you are only cleaning dirt, not feces, off your cats butt, you still need to act like you are cleaning up poop. Cat feces can contain toxoplasmosis, which can pose a risk to your health. Even if your cat is asymptomatic, they can be a carrier.

Wear gloves while cleaning your cats butt, and ensure you wash your hands very thoroughly afterward.

2. Strike at the Right Moment

Plan your butt-cleaning approach carefully. If you catch your cat while they are riled up from playing or are pumping with adrenaline from outdoor adventures, they may respond quite negatively.

This may best be done during a time they are calm and relaxed, such as after eating or an afternoon nap.

3. Restrain Them Safely

We recommend restraining your cat before cleaning if it will involve anything more than a quick sweep or two over the butt. Extended cleaning periods may not be received well, as you can probably imagine!

A physical restraint may be needed to hold your cat still and keep claws tucked safely away. You can also use emotional tactics to mentally restrain the cat by offering them lots of pats and their favorite treats. Be careful not to get scratched or bitten in the process.

4. Wipe Away

Use a wet paper towel or damp, clean cloth to wipe their butt gently. You may need to lift the tail while you do so to see what you are doing.You can also use unscented baby wipes if you have nothing else available. Baby products are okay for cats skin as the pH of a babys skin is like a cats skin, so they wont dry out their sensitive skin.

Alternatively, have some cat wipes handy.Dried dirt or feces may not be so easy to remove by simply wiping. In these cases, utilize a brush to try to shift stubborn grime. You might need to let it soak in the bath to loosen up before cleaning.

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5. Dry the Area

Lastly, you should dry the area after washing it, especially if a bath is involved. Leaving it wet can attract more bacteria and cause further irritation to an area they may already feel uncomfortable.Use a towel to dry the areanot a hairdryer.

Why Is My Cats Butt So Dirty?

They Cant Clean It Themselves

Weve all seen the incredible positions cats contort themselves into to clean their behinds. While it may seem effortless to them, some cats simply cannot move in these ways. For example, cats that might not be able to clean their butts themselves are often:

• Elderly
• Injured
• Recovering from surgery
• Obese
• Disabled
• Arthritic

They Need Grooming

Fluffy cats can have a lot of extra fur to clean than their short-haired counterparts. They may simply not be able to get around all their fur, and their butt gets neglected. A regular professional groom can make an enormous difference for certain breeds and coats.

If the butt is the only problem area, your groomer may recommend a sanitary cut, that focuses on removing fur around the butt.

They Have Diarrhea

Healthy, solid poop will come easily from your cat and leave no trace for them to clean up. Alternatively, soft stools can be a messier ordeal by leaving residue on the butt and surrounding fur.Diarrhea can be a sign of a wide array of issues, and some of the most common include:

• Illness or disease
• Worms
• Toxins
• Ingestion of a foreign object
• Food intolerances

If your cat has ongoing or unexplained diarrhea, you should see a vet as soon as possible. Persistent diarrhea can cause dehydration.

The Litter Box Is Too Small

If your cat regularly poops in the litter box, they could emerge with a grubbier bum than they went in with. This can be due to limited space within the box, which causes the butt to touch the feces (new or old.)

If the litter box has a few poops in it, it can also cause a dirty butt. To prevent this, you can clean the litter box often and make sure it is an appropriate size for your cat.

Final Thoughts

Often, a cats dirty butt is an infrequent occurrence, and having to clean it yourself is not very pleasant but still a necessity. Knowing how to do so effectively and quickly is the key to a stress-free experience.If you find you need to clean your cats butt all the time, investigate the reasons why. Vet treatment or assistance from a professional groomer might help reduce the frequency.

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Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock

Cat Butts & How They Provide Crucial Info About Your Kittys Health

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Your cats butthole may not be the most glamorous aspect of feline anatomy, but it can provide valuable information about your kittys health. Lets discuss what a healthy cat butt should look like and most importantly, what can be a cause for concern.

Why Are Cat Butts Important to Cats Health?

A cats rear end can be a goldmine of information if you know what to look for. A cats anus is not only used for normal digestive functions, but it also allows the cat to communicate with their fellow felines and mark their territory.

In fact, the anal glands, located on either side of the anus, play a vital role in communication. These glands produce a unique odor that is released when the cat rubs against objects. This odor is unique to each feline, which is particularly useful for stray cats, as it enables them to mark their territory and communicate with other felines.

Furthermore, a cats butt can be indicative of underlying problems. For example, the anal glands can become infected or inflamed, which will lead to discomfort and pain. By carefully observing your cats anus, you should be able to see if there is fecal residue, abnormal and smelly discharge, blood, or even intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms.

What Are the Different Types of Cat Butt Issues?

A few things can go wrong with cat butts, especially with the anal glands.

1. Impaction

In a healthy cat, the anal glands normally empty during bowel movements. However, if the anal sac canal becomes inflamed, fluids cannot be drained properly. In this situation, the anal glands may become impacted (i.e., plugged), and the fluid that accumulates inside becomes thicker and darker.

Several signs may indicate that your cat's anal glands are impacted:

• Your cat is constantly licking their anal area.
• Your cat has difficulty sitting properly.
• Your cat is reluctant to go to the litter box.
• Your cat meows during defecation.
• There are bald spots or knots of hair around the anus.

2. Infection

If left untreated, anal gland impaction can progress to an infection in your cat. Indeed, when the normal drainage of the anal glands is disrupted, the bacteria present in the area take the opportunity to multiply, which can lead to the formation of an abscess due to the accumulation of pus.

The signs of an anal gland infection are much the same as those of an impaction. There may also be redness and swelling around your cats anus. In any case, it is necessary to consult your veterinarian as quickly as possible, so they can treat the infection by expressing the infected gland. If necessary, the veterinarian may need to puncture the abscess to facilitate drainage.

3. Presence of a Smelly Fluid

Cats use their anal glands to communicate with their feline companions, but they also function as a response to fear or stress. So, if you notice a foul-smelling beige or brown fluid around your cats anus, they probably just expressed their anal glands.

However, smelly fluid leaks can also occur if the anal glands rupture. Other potential causes of smelly fluid include diarrhea and pus resulting from infections.

4. Anal Bleeding

Anal bleeding in cats can be worrying. It can result from ruptured anal glands or diarrhea and from other things like parasites or internal trauma. If your cat is experiencing severe anal bleeding and it is accompanied by severe vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and pale gums, you must seek veterinary attention urgently.

5. Parasites

Small rice-like segments near the anus could be a sign of tapeworms. These tiny bits of white or yellowish tapeworms may also be visible in your cats fur, in their litter box, or on their bedding. Fortunately, most parasitic infestations can be easily treated with appropriate deworming medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

6. Weight Issue

Overweight cats may have difficulty grooming themselves properly, which is why their rear ends arent spotless. A well-kept and clean normal cat anus is a positive sign.

7. Arthritis

Just like overweight cats, cats with arthritis may have their mobility affected, meaning they will have difficulty grooming their butt meticulously.

8. Rectal Prolapse

The rectum is the part of the intestinal tract that connects the large intestine to the anus. Rectal prolapse occurs when part or all of the rectal tissue protrudes beyond your cats anus. This is a serious and painful condition that must be treated as quickly as possible.

Rectal prolapse can be caused by intestinal parasites, constipation, or diarrhea, most commonly. If your cat shows signs of swelling, redness, and inflammation around the anus, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Care Tips for a Healthy Cat Butt

Taking a good look at your cats rear should be part of their grooming routine. It doesnt have to be complicated: You can get into the habit of observing your cats anus during brushing sessions and by monitoring their pooping habits.

If your cat has very long hair, you or a groomer can gently trim the fur around the anus to make it easier for you to observe any potential issues. This will also make it simpler to clean if there is dried poop and other debris in the area. If your cat frequently has a dirty anus or otherwise doesnt seem to be cleaning themselves, contact your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Cat Drag Their Bottom on the Floor?

If your cat is dragging their butt on the floor, or scooting, it might mean they have an issue with their anal glands, so its best to see your vet for the right diagnosis and treatment. Scooting can also happen when your cats rear end is itchy. There are various reasons, such as parasites, allergies, or simply fecal matter being stuck in the fur around their anus.

How Can I Prevent Tapeworms in My Cat?

Regular deworming, flea control, and keeping your cat indoors can help prevent tapeworm infestations.

What Should I Do If I Notice Redness or Swelling Around My Cats Anus?

Seek prompt veterinary attention, as it could be a sign of rectal prolapse, infection, or other anal gland issues that require medical care.

Conclusion

Checking your cats butt may sound like funny advice, but your cats anus can actually reveal vital information about their health. Indeed, a cats behind can be a good indicator of underlying health issues, mostly related to their anal glands, but it can also indicate parasite infestations, digestive issues, or even a weight problem. Therefore, next time that you take your cat to the vet, ask them to take a good look at your cats butt, so you can have better peace of mind knowing that your cats behind is as healthy as it can be.

Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock