dolly"s butt...appears red and inflamed....she doesn't seem to mind but I do...any suggestions?

Poor Dolly, one of our rescues, seems to have developed a "butt issue".  Sorry to be so graphic "butt" her rear end gets almost black with dried poop.  We wash it off frequently with dial soap and warm water...about every other day when we can't stand looking at her rear anymore! The red appearance is not from washing too much or too much cleaning.  This developed a few weeks ago...its' like she just gave up cleaning herself.  She is about 3 years old and has had all her shots.  Eats well...blue buffalo dry in the morning and ground raw chicken in the pm before bed.  No recent diet change and her poop appears well formed.

I'm almost afraid to say it but Molly appears to be developing the same symptoms. 

Any suggestions?

She may have an issue with her anal glands. Is her poop black? If not, then I think you may be looking at anal gland secretions. Is it really stinky?

I would recommend a vet visit. If her anal glands need to be expressed, they can do it and also show you how to do it if it becomes necessary again.

thanks...thats' something I hadn't thought of...knew dogs had the problem but cats?  We will check her gland to see if there is a problem.