Itchy Bottom?

[Amanda]

I was just wondering....does it "mean" anything when a cat drags their bottom along the ground (while sitting up like they are getting rid of an itch or something) ? Does anyone else's kitties do this? When I first brought Cleo home she did this once and at that time, it was worms which have been taken care of....no more signs (on her or in her stools)...is it possibly just a learned behavior from when she was dealing with this issue or might it mean something else? She has a hilarious personality so it could very well be just quirky behavior...but I thought I'd see what others experiences have been...thanks!

[slick]

My Speckles will do this if she's just had a rather "loose" poop. "Scooting" as it's called can be due to many things more commonly worms, but you say that there is no sign now. I've never heard of this being a learned behaviour. Could it just be some skin irritation?? Does she do it every time she goes or just occasionally??

[Amanda]

Scooting - EXACTLY ! I couldn't think what to call it....anyway, I was thinking maybe worms but am seeing no outward signs...can cats have worms and humans not be able to see them...maybe I should bring a stool sample to the vet just in case. Anyway, she seems to do it after grooming and not necessarily after using the litter box but sometimes perhaps. I think I've maybe noticed her doing it once a day ...so not a lot but enough that I noticed it...

[slick]

Good idea to have the vet check it out. When my cats had worms I was not able to see them at all. After grooming, eh?? (sorry, I'm Canadian, eh??) Sounds like she may be a bit irritated. Usually if cats groom their "privates" alot it could be a sign of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) but you would know it if she spends alot of time in the litter box. I would start with the stool sample and take it from there. Hopefully you will get some more responses from other PT'ers as well.

[moosmom]

It's probably best that you take her to the vet to rule out any parasites, or an anal gland problem. Another thing to rule out is your cat possibly eating string or thread. My cat did that little dance thing and I found a thread coming out of her butt. An emergency trip to the vet and $65 later, she was fine.

[jenluckenbach]

I would have a stool sample taken and her anal gland checked. probably the 2 most common reasons for scooting.

[Amanda]

Oh Lordy....what might the anal gland thing mean? I'll still have her checked out...was just wondering

[Amanda]

update in case anyone was wondering if I got this checked out....glands were checked/expressed and a stool sample was taken and everything checks out fine....

....got our soft paws replaced too and we are sporting a very sexy look with our new red nails ;)

[slick]

Glad to hear everything checked out OK. Would love to see a picture of the red nails :D