The SCOOT

carciofi

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Hello All,

Just joined the site and this is my first post ever -- actually, I don't think I've ever joined or contributed to any forum-style site in my life...so, bear with me!

I have a young cat (4 years old Maine Coon; very small (8-9 lbs)) who has been scooting and dragging his butt around (on carpet, wood, even a table!) for a couple days now... I used to have a dog who did this, and it meant he needed his anal glands "expressed." After reading around a bit, it sounds like this happens to cats as well, though I've never seen or experienced it with a cat.

A little more info: he started scooting yesterday at some point, must've been after his last bowel movement, cause there were skid marks (!!) on the floor just outside the litter box. After cleaning up around the house (found several more sets of skids), I cleaned his butt area with a warm washcloth, and tried to get rid of any possible dingle berries... I noticed his anus was rather pinkish and slightly inflamed.

Now, this cat is ***EXTREMELY*** difficult to handle (basically, I am the only one who can -- and it's not an easy task). In order to groom him, I have to drug him (he has a prescription for Xanax!) -- and since I don't like to subject him to this experience very often, the grooming is actually a haircut (the "lion cut"), which seems to relieve some of the stresses of self-care for him. He has never really figured out how to keep his coat clean and free from mats, so clipping his beautiful coat is basically a necessity.

After the dingle berries and skid marks, I decided yesterday was the right time to clip him, so I went ahead and did that whole thing. His butt is now completely clean (free of fur and dingle berries) -- fantastic!!! I thought all was well until I saw him scooting around again today!!! Concern immediately replaced the annoyance I had been feeling yesterday (when I thought he was just trying to get poop off his butt) -- does he need to be expressed??? He is also licking his anus frequently, twitching his rear legs awkwardly, and sitting with his butt in funny positions.... Do any of you have experience expressing a cat's anal glands? If this is not the issue, would doing this cause any possible problems for him?

Thanks in advance!

PS: vets can't really handle him either -- cost me $400 to get him clipped the first time as they ended up having to put him under!! Hence, reluctance to visit vet immediately. I think he does better with me...but I'll gladly bring him in if I'm unsuccessful...
 

vball91

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It is entirely possible that he needs his anal glands expressed. While not very common, there are members here who have cats who have needed it done, some fairly regularly.

It could also be a constipation issue.
 

tncatlover

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When my female cat began this, she had worms. I fed her a worm pill, and the scooting stopped.
 
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