The cat rubs its butt on the floor - what could be the reasons?

The cat rides on its butt: reason No. 1 - worms

Most often, the reason that your pet rides on its butt is worms, which periodically crawl out of the anus and irritate it. Technically, the reason for your pet's behavior is itching. So the cat is trying to rub against the carpet to relieve this itch. In this case, let your veterinarian select an anthelmintic drug and the correct dosage for you. As a result, your carpets will be clean.

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If, after deworming, the situation repeats, this means that the wrong types of worms that are tormenting your pet were expelled, or the reason is not worms.

Gretta: “We had something similar. But then we didn’t even think about worms, but it turned out that they were infectious. We were treated with Drontal, it helped perfectly, we completely forgot about gender, we remembered what a normal cat’s life is like, curled up in a ball on the owner’s bed.”

Possible pathological disorders

Unfortunately, diarrhea and dirty fur are not the only factors that cause a cat to ride on its butt. There are also more serious factors that lead to this behavior, for example:

• mental health disorder;
• post-traumatic stress disorder;
• helminthic infestation;
• paraanal inflammation.
  Read also:  How to make two cats friends: tips and important nuances

Each of the diseases deserves attention and requires consultation with a veterinarian. In addition, they are accompanied by other symptoms, in addition to “travels on the fifth point”.

Signs of mental disorder

With mental disorders caused by stress, the pet's behavior changes noticeably and becomes strange. The cat can:

The owner may notice that the pet begins to crawl on the floor, regardless of toilet procedures. In this case, it is recommended to immediately contact a specialist who will identify the pathology and prescribe appropriate therapy.

Phantom pain syndrome

After an injury to the hind legs or a fracture of the hip joint, the pet begins to look for a way to eliminate phantom soreness. He rolls on the floor, trying to get rid of the pain that is lingering in his brain. In such a situation, veterinarians prescribe medications that have a mild sedative effect to the animal. They help him cope with excruciating post-traumatic discomfort.

Parasite infestation

Most often, pets get pinworms and tapeworms, which live in the large intestine. To reproduce, many of them have to crawl to the entrance to the anus to lay eggs. This process is accompanied by a feeling of severe itching, which the pet tries to get rid of by crawling on the floor.

When infected with tapeworms, a feeling of bloating occurs in the intestines. The cat strives to get rid of feces, stimulating the anus while riding on the floor and causing defecation. To save your pet from such difficulties, you should regularly deworm it, using anthelmintic drugs for preventive purposes. These can be tablets for oral administration, drops on the withers area or other means.

Blockage of the anal glands

Mustachioed striped animals have anal glands, which are muscular sacs located in close proximity to the anus. They constantly produce secretions that are released through the ducts during bowel movements. It gives feces and urine a specific odor, allowing cats to leave “fragrant” marks on their territory.

Norm and deviations. In its normal state, the secretion is a thick, odorous substance. If the glands are not completely emptied, then corresponding disorders arise:

• the tissues of the muscle sacs are “overstretched”;
• irritation occurs in the glandular ducts;
• dermatological problems arise - small inflamed seals and bald spots form in the neck and along the spine;
• the paraanal glands swell greatly and become visible under the animal’s tail.

Consequences. If the owner does not pay attention to the blockage in time, then the disruption of circulation ends with the formation of a fistula and the penetration of the contents of the glands into the peritoneum.

The cat rides on his butt: reason No. 2 - he wipes it

Does your cat wipe its butt on the floor after using the toilet? The reason for this behavior can be laughably banal. After using the toilet, the cat has feces left on its butt or tail, which the pet tries to get rid of in such a simple way. Typically, cats choose rough surfaces such as the carpet or sofa for wiping. But they can also choose linoleum. Oddly enough, this behavior is characteristic of squeamish cats who, after their dirty deeds, do not really like to lick their lips below the waist.

Good news. Even though the problem is more behavioral, there is still a solution. Ideally, shit should not stick to the butt, because normal feces are formed and come out easily, leaving no traces. If this is not the case, then the diet is not entirely correct and needs to be adjusted. For example, perhaps you are giving your cat something that makes him weak. Or vice versa. Analyze the situation and consult a veterinarian.

If the reason is long hair and not diet, you will have to trim your cat's pants.

You can force a cat to lick its butt after using the toilet by dripping vegetable oil onto the anus, preferably one that the cat likes. You can also use fish oil. Within a few minutes after you do this, the cat’s butt will become licked and fragrant. Over time, the cat itself will learn to lick itself after using the toilet, rather than wiping itself on clean carpets.

Elena: “One day my kitty, having gone to the toilet for a long time, suddenly somehow strangely began to come out of the tray. At first she crawled out of it very hard, practically without using her hind legs. The noise was terrible. The fact is that we have a tray with a side and just like that, only on the front paws, it’s difficult to “leave” from there. Well, then she began to ride on the floor on her ass, after a while moving onto the carpet. I was laughing and screaming at the same time for her to stop. It turned out that the cat had shit stuck to her butt. My kitty, by the way, can’t stand washing THERE. The next day, the stool was also slightly relaxed and the action was repeated. Then we adjusted the diet - and there was no such whinnying anymore.”

Why does a cat roll on the floor on its back?

Riding on its back is considered normal for a cat if it enjoys it. You should be wary when an animal does this constantly or rubs too much on the floor.

Most of the reasons that make your pet want to lie on its back are completely harmless, but you may encounter a problem that requires treatment.

Physiological needs of a cat

The most common reasons why a cat rolls on its back are:

1. 1. The desire to scratch your back.
   The animal is not able to reach its back with its paws, so it has to periodically lie on its back to scratch itself.
2. 2. Manifestation of instincts or just a game.
   In the cat family, unlike dogs, the dominant one in the pair falls on his back. From the outside it may seem that he is defeated, but in fact this is how the animal gets the opportunity to inflict a strong blow on the enemy with its hind legs. When a cat is playing and rolling on the floor on its back, you should not reach out to it, it will take it as a challenge and attack. Even if the pet is just playing, sharp claws can seriously hurt, so at such moments you need to be careful around the animal.
3. 3. Sexual hunting.
   If the animal does not have breeding value, experts recommend sterilization. This is due to the torment that the pet experiences every time due to strong hormonal changes, and with a high risk of diseases of the genitourinary system. It has been proven that sterilized cats live up to 3 years longer than those who regularly go into estrus, that is, do not become pregnant at the right time.
4. 4. Relaxation and stress management.
   Some cats behave this way to calm down and may roll on their back after a slight fright or mild stress, getting rid of it in this way. This is considered normal if the pet does not experience significant discomfort and is not tense.
5. 5. Foreign odor that the animal tries to eliminate with its own.
   Then the cat rubs its back not only against the floor, but also against various things and objects. As soon as the pet becomes satisfied with the result of its actions, it loses interest in this activity.

If your cat's piggyback ride is related to one of these options, there is nothing to worry about. This behavior does not require intervention, much less treatment. An exception can be considered sterilization, but this is not a mandatory method, but a recommendation from specialists. This way it will be calmer for all household members and the cat itself, because even if the animal does not meow loudly, it suffers.

• 2. Felted fur causes a lot of inconvenience to the animal.
  Long-haired cat breeds suffer from this constantly, so regular brushing is essential. But pets with short hair do not always cope on their own, especially in the back area. To solve the problem, just choose the most suitable comb and regularly remove excess hair. With this care, the cat will swallow less hair, which will have a positive effect on its digestive system.
• 3. Infections with various forms of fungi can cause itching and rolling on the back.
  It is impossible to find out which type of infection has affected the animal without tests, so self-treatment in this case is unacceptable. Depending on the degree of development of the disease, local therapy or complex treatment is selected. The risk of fungal infection is high, even if the pet does not leave the house.

Each of the possible causes requires timely intervention in order to relieve the animal from discomfort as quickly as possible. If treatment is necessary, consultation with a veterinarian is mandatory. It is almost impossible to choose the most effective drug for a cat at home, and treatment at random often causes various complications.

In our article we will answer the question that worries many: why does a dog slide its butt on the floor? There are many reasons for this phenomenon. We will look at them and also tell you what to do in a given situation.

Many people who have four-legged pets do not fully understand all the responsibility that falls on their shoulders. This is not surprising, because dogs, unfortunately, will not be able to tell what is bothering them. Therefore, people often do not know how to help their pets with this or that problem.

The cat rides on its butt: reason No. 3 - clogged glands

Cats have so-called paraanal glands near the anus. These are very necessary glands that help cats leave their scent on objects and thus mark their territory. However, sometimes the glands become clogged, which can cause discomfort. Then the cat tries to clean them on his own by riding on the floor.

Anal glands (paraanal glands) are derivatives of the sweat and sebaceous glands in mammals. Open into the cavity of the hindgut or near the anus. They secrete an odorous liquid (secret). They are used by animals to recognize each other (intraspecific identification), attract partners, scare away enemies (serve as a repellent), and also to mark territory.

You should contact your veterinarian to have the glands checked and cleaned. This procedure is simple and inexpensive, but very important. The main thing is that the veterinarian only does this if they are truly clogged. After cleaning, it is necessary to find out the reason why the glands are clogged. Because otherwise cleaning will not solve the problem forever.

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The reason may lie in a metabolic disorder in the cat’s body, as a result of which the secretion has become too thick. The veterinarian must identify the cause and eliminate it. For example, metabolic disorders often occur in breeds prone to obesity and physical inactivity. This includes, among other things, the Scots and the British. So keep an eye on your pet's weight.

Also, the cause of blocked anal glands may be that your cat has too loose stools. The fact is that the glands are cleaned mechanically by pressing feces on them as they exit the rectum. But for this, the masses must be formed and solid. If they are too soft, then the glands are not cleansed. In this case, you will simply have to adjust your pet’s diet.

Ideally, you should examine your pet's anus every few months, or ask your veterinarian to do so. But we do not recommend cleaning the anal glands on your own for beginners. First of all, it's unpleasant. Secondly, you might damage something. Thirdly, the pet can break free and behave inappropriately, injuring you. Fourthly, the secret stinks, and due to your lack of skill you may be “lucky” to stain yourself and everything around you. The secret can shoot, for example, in the face. However, the skill of cleaning the glands is not difficult: it can be learned if you set such a goal.

If you do not pay attention to the clogged anal glands and start the process, inflammation will begin, as a result of which treatment will require not only cleaning the glands, but also taking antibiotics or even undergoing surgery.

Behavioral instincts

Most cats turn out to be real clean people and are willing to spend a lot of time licking their fur. This behavior is driven by natural instincts:

1. Cleaning up after the hunt . Cats are predators, so after meals they need to remove the blood of their “prey” from their coats.
2. Calming effect . This procedure calms the animal and relieves stress. It is believed that by cleaning the fur with their tongue, cats lick vitamin B from it, which is necessary for normalizing psychological balance.
3. Disguise method . Washing is not just a standard ritual; cats use it to mask their scent. This allows wild animals to remain undetected for as long as possible during the hunt.
4. Protective reflex . With their rough tongue they distribute fatty lubricant - secretory lard, which protects the coat and gives it elasticity.
5. Purity. Licking is also a hygienic procedure, as a result of which cats keep their fur clean, including in the intimate area.

Fur coat length. As a rule, hairless and short-haired pets are easier to care for their skin and coat. But the owners of a luxurious, long fur coat are less fortunate. Often, access to “that very” place is difficult for them. And if a long-haired pet suddenly begins to “ride” along the floor on the “fifth point”, choosing rough surfaces, then it is worth looking under its tail and assessing the condition of the fur in this place. Perhaps dirt, fecal particles have stuck to it, tangles have appeared, or foreign objects, such as plant twigs, have become stuck.

The cat rides on his butt: reason No. 4 - he swallowed something

If your cat rides on his butt, this is in any case a reason to look under his tail. Perhaps he is trying to get rid of something that just can't come out. For example, from thread, rain or polyethylene. If this is the case and the foreign object is sticking out of the butt, very carefully remove it. But if it's Christmas tree rain, it can damage the intestines like a blade. Therefore, the rain cannot be delayed, you can only cut it off and wait until the next portion comes out on its own.

After removing the foreign object, monitor the cat's stool: if there is blood in it, this is a reason to contact the veterinarian, because blood may indicate internal bleeding.

Ambassador: “One morning my fat man started riding on his butt. (I have short hair, and the undertail is kind of neat, it doesn’t get dirty.) I’m shocked. Well, I think it's fucked up. Worms. Then the cat stood up, and there was something long sticking out of his ass!!!!! I'm totally panicking!! I take a glove, well, I think I’ll pull out the asshole worm. Not so. The cat screamed and ran away... Then he comes back happy. I look: there is nothing. I go out into the kitchen and see “IT” on the floor. I approach carefully, look... and this is an ordinary thread!!!!!! My friend ate the curtains and ate the thread.”

Metabolic disorder

Failures in metabolic processes lead to various disturbances in the functioning of the animal’s body. As a result, the consistency of secretory secretions often changes; they can become too thick and clog the ducts. Sometimes the glands begin to secrete more secretions than usual. In both cases, the skin becomes irritated, inflammation, swelling and itching occur. If the pet is not helped, then the risks of developing complications are high:

1. The animal begins to actively move along the floor, which causes damage to the skin near the anus.
2. The wounds become infected and an inflammatory process develops. The most dangerous thing is infection of ulceration by pathogenic bacteria.
3. If left untreated, the inflammatory process spreads to the peritoneum.

Such violations lead to the pet becoming too restless. He can't find a place for himself and drives furiously at the fifth point.

If an animal has a weakened immune system, then there is a risk of developing infectious blood poisoning.

Also watch the video why a pet rides on its butt:

The cat rides on its butt: reason No. 5 - it attracts attention

Butt riding can be purely a behavioral problem. If this is not the first time your cat has done this and once upon a time he really had objective problems, and you ran around his butt as if stung, then perhaps in this way the cat is now attracting attention to himself. This means that the cat really needs communication, which you are not giving it. In this case, pet the cat and talk to him. Do this regularly. If after that he stopped driving in fifth place, then the reason was most likely a lack of attention.

Poor diet and low mobility

Common factors leading to butt riding include:

• physical inactivity;
• excess body weight;
• high-calorie foods.

Unfortunately, even among cats there are often lazy people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. With obesity and low activity, changes occur in the animal’s body and the place of muscles is replaced by a fat layer. The tissues are compressed and the circulation of the anal ducts is disrupted.

Excess calories affect the functions of internal organs, which leads to the development of diarrhea. With frequent bowel movements, the odorous secretion does not mix with feces, remaining on the skin, causing irritation and itching. And in this case, the pet will ride on the floor, trying to reduce discomfort.

The cat rides on his butt: reason No. 6 - he has allergies

Rarely, the cause of this cat behavior may be an allergy to food or something else. As a result, the cat may develop irritation in the anus, which he will try to scratch on the floor. In this case, you will need to introduce anti-inflammatory suppositories (on the advice of a veterinarian) and eliminate the allergen from the apartment.

Most often, the allergen is found in food. In this case, it will not be difficult to identify it. Just keep in mind that if you do this experimentally, it will take quite a long time to carry out the experiment, because... manifestations of allergies do not disappear until the body completely removes the allergen (including from the bloodstream), and this takes from several days to 2 weeks. That is, it will be necessary to spend at least a week testing each suspicious product.

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Methods for cleaning the anal glands

Veterinarians can help you deal with the problem of blocked anal glands. Moreover, representatives of some breeds require regular cleaning - 1-2 times every 4-5 weeks:

1. The veterinarian, using mechanical force, cleans the ducts, removing excess or thickened secretions.
2. If the wounds are infected and inflamed, the cat is prescribed a comprehensive treatment: antibiotics, diet food and rectal suppositories.
3. In case of advanced disease, when the mucous tissues are necrotic, surgical intervention is necessary. The affected membranes are excised.

The duration of therapy can vary from 8 weeks to 6 months.

There is a possibility of relapse, so it is recommended to visit the veterinary clinic periodically.

Preparing for self-cleaning. You can also clean the anal glands yourself by carefully squeezing out the secretion. It is important to consider that the liquid is very odorous and you should properly prepare for the procedure:

• put on special clothes;
• use rubber, silicone or latex gloves;
• Place a stack of gauze napkins nearby.

Algorithm of actions. The process of cleaning the glands is carried out in stages:

1. The animal is fixed. You can swaddle it for these purposes, leaving the area around the tail free.
2. The tail is pulled to the side, opening the anus.
3. With two fingers, press on the place just below the anus, using a napkin. As a result of a successful procedure, secretory fluid will be visible on the material.
4. The movements should be continued until the gland sacs are completely cleared of secretion.

If the contents are too thick, you will need to insert a finger into the anus to remove it. The thumb presses on the gland from the outside, and the index finger applies pressure from the inside.

A cat riding on its butt is a strange and at the same time funny sight that makes inexperienced owners smile. But an owner with experience cannot be deceived; he knows that something is bothering the pet and he needs to help him as soon as possible. And to eliminate the risks of serious consequences, it is better to contact a professional.

The whole truth about Vomit

In cats, the center of the brain responsible for the gag reflex is well developed, so cat owners experience vomiting in their pets more often than owners of other animals.

Its mechanism is simple: with the simultaneous contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure occurs and the contents of the stomach are ejected through the esophagus onto ... whatever turns up (according to one clearly working law, this is usually a favorite blanket or a light carpet :-)). Vomit is partially digested food, soaked in gastric juice and sometimes tinted with bile. Therefore, they have a sour odor and a yellowish tint.

Vomiting is a protective reaction that helps rid the gastrointestinal tract of foreign objects, poisonous or toxic substances, as well as an excessively large volume of food swallowed at once.

In addition, the gag reflex can be caused by chronic diseases, increased intracranial pressure, effects of the vestibular apparatus (nausea from motion sickness), irritation of certain parts of the body (pharynx, peritoneum, bile ducts, etc.), increased pressure in the stomach and duodenum.

Thus, vomiting is a universal symptom that can mean anything from a simple “can’t do it anymore” to a sign of a serious illness.

"Normal" vomiting

It is common for carnivores (which include cats) to regurgitate semi-digested food from their stomachs to their young during their transition from milk to meat. The still fragile digestive system of babies more easily assimilates food prepared and disinfected by the mother’s gastric juice. This ancient feature sometimes appears in domestic cats. True, sometimes they themselves do not understand why they need this instinct and how to use it, because a kind owner will bring the necessary (i.e. tender) food to the kittens.

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Problem details

Blocked anal glands should be treated at a veterinary clinic. This manipulation is done up to 2-3 times a month if the cat is a long-haired breed. A specialist must clean the ducts and, if they become inflamed, prescribe a therapeutic course (diet, suppositories and antibiotics).

To prevent this from happening, you will need to clean your sinuses at home. The procedure involves squeezing out the secretion. An unpleasant odor makes it necessary to wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and also have a supply of wet or gauze wipes before manipulation. Before the procedure, the cat must be swaddled, leaving the tail free. Next, it should be placed on the back, freeing access to the paraanal glands.

The napkin is used to compress the skin on both sides below the anus. The secret will leave a mark on the napkin. Manipulation is carried out until the napkin remains clean. If the secretion has a dough-like structure, it is removed in another way that is not at all pleasant for the cat. The index finger is inserted into the anus. Using the fingers (thumb on the outside and index on the inside), the anal sacs are squeezed one at a time, and the secretion is squeezed out until it is completely released. The discharge of thick discharge can be facilitated by lubricating the animal's anus with an anti-inflammatory agent. Rectal suppositories are also suitable.

In case of loose stools, strange movement is also possible. Diarrhea causes irritation of the anus and surrounding skin, especially in short-haired breeds. A special structure prevents the animal from reaching this place with its paw. Severe itching forces him to sit on his tail and move his paws at high speed, relieving the discomfort.

Diarrhea or constipation is a consequence of poor nutrition. This should be corrected with a suitable diet and sufficient amounts of clean drinking water. If your pet is a long-haired feline, he should trim the hair under his tail. Diarrhea must be treated with rectal suppositories with an anti-inflammatory effect.

During childbirth (especially for the first time), a cat can also behave strangely. Floor riding is caused by a kitten stuck in the birth canal. The cat will try to release it; experienced animals help themselves by massaging their tongue in the abdomen. Primiparous cats may require veterinary care.

There is also a reason that causes booty riding - it is a foreign object (thread, a piece of cellophane or another similar thing) that is stuck in the intestines. Blockage occurs within the next 8 hours after ingestion of a foreign body. The release of an object on its own is classified as a lucky event. The deteriorating condition of the pet should force the owner to take him to the veterinarian, there are no other options for help!

Attracting the owner's attention can also be associated with riding his butt on the floor. The cessation of such strange behavior is associated with stroking and other manifestations of care from the person. The nature of this psychological state of thirst for attention is stress, trauma or fracture. Veterinarians note the rarity of these cases.

Parasites

Many experienced owners immediately and accurately make a diagnosis: if they ride on their bottom on the carpet, it means they have worms . Experience cannot be fooled; the cause may indeed be helminths. Some “breeds” of parasites live directly in the large intestine and can literally go out into the fresh air and climb back in. In this case, the cat feels severe itching in the anus.

The second option is a strong invasion , leading to a bursting sensation. The pet thinks she wants to go to the toilet, but when she tries to do what she wants, nothing comes of it. Guided by instincts, the pet stimulates intestinal peristalsis by irritating the anus.

If the reasons for riding on your butt are worms, it’s easy to eliminate them . A healthy, adult animal can be given Drontal or an analogue. Severe infestation requires appropriate treatment. If your pet has not traveled to distant countries, walked in the forests or hunted wild rodents, the standard spectrum of action of the drug will be sufficient.

Important! For kittens, nursing cats, weakened, old or sick animals, the drug should be selected with a veterinarian.

Some pets categorically refuse to take medications orally (by mouth); as an alternative, they use drops on the withers. Toxic (for worms) substances are absorbed through the skin and enter the blood, and then into the juices of the gastrointestinal tract. If a severe infestation of parasites that have penetrated the liver or other internal organs is suspected, Ivermectin is used (strictly as prescribed by a doctor).

Why are hairballs dangerous?

The hairball lingers in the cat's stomach and gradually increases in size. It cannot pass into the lumen of the intestines or esophagus. Trichobezoars irritate the gastric mucosa, cause inflammation and cause gastritis.

The cat tries to vomit the foreign substance, gags and strains the diaphragm, which leads to damage to small blood vessels. Pain and spasms occur in the epigastric region.

The cat must regurgitate hairballs regularly, otherwise the normal functioning of the body will be disrupted:

• the fur that the cat cannot regurgitate takes up space in the stomach, causing a false feeling of fullness, so the animal loses its appetite and refuses to eat;
• along with fur and hairs, an infection can enter the cat’s stomach;
• the hairball causes digestive disorders: stool upset, bloating, acute pain;
• trichobezoar can cause intestinal obstruction - an extremely dangerous condition;
• due to disruption of the digestion process, intoxication of the body occurs.