Why Is My Cat Scooting? Causes, Treatments & When to Worry

Have you noticed your cat dragging its bum across the carpet recently? Cat scooting is not uncommon, and it is a primary sign that your cat has worms or some kind of infection. It can be an annoying habit but it isn’t bad behaviour - your cat is telling you something.

In this guide, we look at what cat scooting is, why they do it, and what you should do about it as their owner. Learn how to fix this common problem and get your cat back to normal.

What Is Cat Scooting?

Cat scooting is a strange behaviour where a cat drags its bottom along the floor. Similar to dogs, they do it to relieve discomfort, itching, or pressure in the anal region. If it only happens occasionally, it can be normal, but repeated scooting is usually a sign of an issue.

Cats usually choose to do this on surfaces that offer the relief they want, including:

• Carpets

• Rugs

• Laminate flooring

It may look funny when they do it, but you shouldn’t simply laugh it off. Cat scooting is often linked to health concerns and you should keep a close eye.

Why Is My Cat Scooting? Common Causes

If you notice your cat dragging its bum across the floor, there are several possible causes. The most common one is anal gland problems, but it could also indicate intestinal worms, fleas or skin irritation, digestive issues, allergies or hygiene issues.

Let’s break these down in more detail.

#1. Anal Gland Problems

A cat’s anal glands are two small sacs located either side of the anus. They contain a strong-smelling fluid used for scent marking. When they are functioning normally, they naturally empty during defecation.

Problems can occur when the glands become blocked or an infection develops. Symptoms of this include:

• Scooting

• Excessive licking of the rear

• A fishy or foul smell

• Swelling near the anus

Anal gland issues are the leading cause of scooting in cats, so this should be the first thing to check for.

#2. Intestinal Worms

There are certain cat parasites to be aware of in the UK. Roundworms are common ones, but it is tapeworms that are most commonly associated with cat scooting. Cats can get worms from various sources, like hunting prey, but tapeworms are commonly caught by ingesting fleas.

Symptoms of tapeworms include:

• Scooting behaviour

• Visible worms segments (rice like) near anus or bedding

• Weight loss despite normal appetite

Regular worming is recommended from the vet. This is typically done every 1-3 months depending on lifestyle.

#3. Fleas and Skin Irritation

Flea bites can cause intense itching anywhere on the cat, and this includes around the tail base and rear. Some cats suffer flea allergy dermatitis, whereby even a single bite can trigger severe irritation.

Look for signs like:

• Frequent scratching

• Hair loss near the tail

• Red or inflamed skin

Cats sometimes scoot to relieve the itching - this is something to be addressed quickly for your cat’s wellbeing.

#4. Digestive Issues

If a cat is producing soft stools or has diarrhoea, it may prevent the natural anal gland emptying. Consequently, they might start to experience residue irritation over time. Signs of this include a messy rear, increased grooming and occasional scooting.

Digestive issues are commonly caused by one of the following:

• Sudden diet changes

• Food intolerance

• Illness

If you suspect this is the problem, act quickly to address the issue.

#5. Allergies

Cats can have allergies, just like us. These might come in the form of allergies to certain foods, or to things in the environment like dust, pollen or cleaning products. When a cat suffers an allergic reaction, you might notice any of the following:

• Itching around the rear

• Ear infections

• Skin inflammation

Allergies are usually chronic conditions, so they require targeted changes and long-term management.

#6. Matted Fur or Hygiene Issues

This can be a cause of cat scooting, but it is most common in long-haired breeds. It is often caused by poor grooming or faeces stuck in the fur. The result is physical discomfort which may result in scooting behaviour as the cat tries in vain to fix the problem itself.

When Should You Be Concerned About Cat Scooting?

If you notice occasional scooting from your cat, it is usually not a serious problem. However, there are some red flags to watch out for that indicate there could be a problem that needs attention.

These include:

• Frequent or persistent scooting (more than 1-2 times per day)

• Blood or discharge from the anus

• A strong, foul odour

• Swelling or visible lumps

• Signs of pain (crying or aggression when touched)

If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend calling a vet - especially if they last more than 24-4 hours. The earlier you intervene with a problem, the less likely it is that there will be severe complications like abscesses.

How Is Cat Scooting Diagnosed?

When you take your cat to the vet after reporting scooting behaviour, the vet will carry out an examination. This will usually include a physical inspection of the anal glands, an assessment of the skin, and a check for signs of parasites.

It is possible that the vet will need to:

• Take a stool sample for analysis

• Carry out an allergy assessment (if other attempts to fix the scooting don’t work)

In most cases, diagnosis is straightforward and quick so you can get on the path to solving the problem.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Scooting

If you notice your cat dragging its bum on the carpet at home, there are some immediate things you can do to help the cat and get an idea of what is wrong. You need to understand the immediate steps and what veterinary treatments are available.

Immediate Steps At Home

The first step we recommend is to check for any visible issues. This means performing a visual inspection to look for:

• Dirt or faces stuck in the cat’s fur

• Fleas

If needed, gently clean the area using warm water and pet-safe wipes. Avoid attempting to express the anal glands yourself as this can cause injury and should be left to a vet.

Veterinary Treatments

Anal gland expression is usually the first course of action to fix scooting behaviour. This is when a vet manually empties the glands to relieve discomfort. Other possible solutions include:

• Parasite treatment: worming tablets or spot-on treatments may be administered.

• Flea treatment: prescription or vet-recommended products can be used..

• Medication: the vet may prescribe antibiotics for infections or anti-inflammatory drugs if needed.

In rare cases, a cat may need surgery to fix recurring glandular issues.

How to Prevent Cat Scooting

The best thing you can do as an owner is work to prevent the issues that lead to cat scooting behaviour. You can take actions to stay on top of parasites, dietary issues and grooming problems.

Here are some tips:

• Parasite control: keep up to date with flea and worming treatments all year round.

• Diet and digestion: feed your cat high-quality food and ensure adequate fibre to support natural gland expression.

• Grooming: it can be helpful to brush your cat regularly, especially for long-haired cats. Always aim to keep the rear area clean.

• Weight management: obesity increases the risk of anal gland tissues so keep their calorie count at the right level.

• Routine vet check-ups: When you do this, you can catch problems early.

Litter Sense is the revolutionary new cat litter that helps you detect certain health problems before symptoms develop. It changes colour when there is blood in your cat’s urine, or when the pH level is outside normal parameters.

Learn more about how Litter Sense cat litter could help you keep your cat happy and healthy today.

Can Cat Scooting Be Serious?

In most cases, the issues behind cat scooting are minor and treatable. However, if the issues are left untreated for too long, it can lead to more severe problems like anal gland abscesses, chronic infections and severe pain.

Scooting is not a condition, it is a symptom. As an owner, you should observe your cat’s behaviour and take action when you notice unusual behaviours like scooting.

Frequently asked Questions About Why Is My Cat Scooting

Is it normal for cats to scoot occasionally?

It can be normal behaviour for some cats, but frequent scooting (1-2+ times per day) is not normal.

Do indoor cats get worms?

Yes, there are various ways an indoor cat can get worms. Fleas or contaminated surfaces are common sources.

Can I treat scooting at home?

Only if the cause is a minor hygiene issue. Most cases will need vet input as it is not safe to try at-home treatments without expertise.

How often should I worm my cat?

Typically, cats should have worming treatment every 1-3 months, depending on whether they are outdoor or indoor cats.