Cat Scooting: Causes and When to Worry

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Cat scooting is a symptom indicating discomfort, most commonly caused by impacted or infected anal glands, intestinal parasites (e.g., tapeworms), or perianal skin irritation.
• Emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary attention include straining to defecate with no result, inability to urinate, significant rectal bleeding, a swollen perianal area, vomiting, extreme lethargy, or severe pain.
• A veterinarian can diagnose the cause through physical palpation of anal glands, fecal examination for parasites, and visual inspection of the perianal region, guiding treatment such as anal gland expression, deworming medication, or antibiotics.
• At-home care for mild, isolated scooting episodes involves gentle cleaning of the perianal area with a warm, damp cloth and close monitoring for 24 hours, avoiding human medications or attempting anal gland expression.
• Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight to promote firm stools, consistent flea and parasite prevention, and prompt veterinary consultation for persistent or concerning scooting behaviors.
• Never administer over-the-counter dewormers or human medications without veterinary guidance, as incorrect treatment can be ineffective or toxic, and a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

If your cat drags its bottom across the floor, you are probably wondering what is going on. Scooting is the word vets use for this behavior, and while it can look strange or even funny, it is usually a sign that something is bothering your cat. The most common causes are full or irritated anal glands, intestinal parasites, or skin irritation around the rear end. Most cases are not emergencies, but some causes need prompt treatment. Watch for these signs that mean you should go to an emergency vet right away: your cat is straining to poop and producing nothing, your cat cannot urinate, you see a large amount of blood, or your cat seems to be in severe pain. If none of those are present, read on to figure out what to do next.

Scooting is a symptom, not a disease itself. Your cat is trying to relieve an itch, a tickle, or a feeling of fullness near its anus. The behavior is more common in dogs, but cats do it too. You might see your cat sit down, lift its hind legs slightly, and drag itself forward a few inches or a few feet. Some cats do this once and stop. Others do it repeatedly throughout the day. The frequency and the other signs you notice will help you and your vet figure out the cause.

Is This an Emergency?

Use this table to decide how quickly your cat needs care. If you are ever unsure, call your veterinarian. They can tell you whether to come in right away or wait.

{
 "type": "triage",
 "title": "Urgency triage by severity of signs",
 "tiers": [
  {
   "tier": "danger",
   "label": "Emergency, go now",
   "signs": [
    "Straining to poop with no result for more than a few minutes, repeated attempts to urinate with little or no urine, large amounts of blood from the rectum, a swollen or bulging area near the anus, vomiting, extreme lethargy, or signs of severe pain such as crying out or hiding"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately",
    "Do not wait to see if it improves"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "warn",
   "label": "Same-day appointment",
   "signs": [
    "Scooting that happens more than a few times in one day, visible worms or rice-like segments in the stool, redness or swelling around the anus, licking or biting at the rear end, a bad odor coming from the tail area, or scooting that has lasted more than 24 hours"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Call your regular vet and book an appointment for today or tomorrow"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "safe",
   "label": "Watch at home",
   "signs": [
    "A single scoot with no other signs, normal appetite and energy, normal litter box habits, and no redness or swelling"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Monitor for 24 hours",
    "If scooting repeats, if your cat seems uncomfortable, or if any new signs appear, move up to a same-day appointment"
   ]
  }
 ]
}

What Is Most Likely Going On: Anal Gland Issues

Cats have two small sacs called anal glands, or anal sacs, located just inside the anus at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. These glands produce a thin, smelly fluid that normally comes out when your cat poops. Sometimes the fluid becomes thick, or the openings get blocked, and the glands fill up. A full gland feels uncomfortable, and scooting is one way your cat tries to relieve that pressure.

You might notice a strong, fishy odor even when your cat has not pooped. Your cat may also lick its rear end more than usual. If the glands stay full, they can become infected or form an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. An abscess looks like a swollen, red, painful lump near the anus and can burst open. That is a situation that needs veterinary attention, and if the area is hot, painful, or draining fluid, treat it as urgent.

A veterinarian can check the glands by feeling them through the skin and can empty them manually if they are full. This is a quick procedure, but it should be done by a professional. Trying to squeeze the glands yourself can cause pain or injury. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides general guidance on recognizing and responding to pet health concerns, and your vet is the right person to assess whether your cat's glands need attention.

What Else It Could Be: Intestinal Parasites

Worms are another common reason cats scoot. The most likely culprits are tapeworms, which are flat, segmented worms that live in the intestines. Tapeworm segments look like small grains of rice and can be seen crawling near your cat's anus or in fresh stool. These segments can cause itching, and scooting is a natural response.

Other intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, can also cause irritation. Roundworms look like spaghetti and may appear in vomit or stool. Kittens are especially prone to parasites, but adult cats can get them too, often from hunting or from fleas. Tapeworms specifically come from swallowing fleas, so if your cat has fleas, tapeworms are a real possibility.

If you see worms or worm segments, collect a fresh stool sample in a clean container and bring it to your vet. The vet can identify the type of parasite and prescribe the correct deworming medication. Do not use over-the-counter dewormers without veterinary guidance, because different parasites require different treatments, and giving the wrong medication will not solve the problem. The MSD Veterinary Manual, a peer-reviewed reference written for pet owners, explains that parasite identification is necessary before treatment can be chosen.

Other Possible Causes

Anal gland problems and parasites cover most cases, but scooting can also come from other sources. Allergies, either to food or to something in the environment, can make the skin around the anus itchy. You might see redness, hair loss, or small bumps. Constipation can also cause scooting, because a cat that is straining may drag its bottom in an attempt to pass hard stool. In older cats, arthritis can make it hard to groom properly, and dried stool or debris can stick to the fur and cause irritation.

Less commonly, scooting can be a sign of a more serious problem such as a tumor or a foreign object stuck near the anus. These are rare, but they are another reason why a cat that scoots repeatedly should be examined instead of watched for too long. Your veterinarian can do a physical exam, check the anal area, and run tests if needed to find the cause.

What You Should Do Next

Start by looking at your cat's rear end. Gently lift the tail and check for redness, swelling, discharge, worms, or matted fur. Look at your cat's litter box for signs of diarrhea, constipation, or worms. Think about whether your cat has been around fleas or has been hunting recently.

If your cat scooted once and looks completely normal, you can wait and watch for 24 hours. If scooting continues, if you see any of the signs in the same-day table, or if your cat seems uncomfortable, call your veterinarian. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends regular wellness visits as the foundation of preventive care, and a quick check can give you peace of mind. Most causes of scooting are easy to treat once they are identified, and your vet can tell you exactly what your cat needs.

What You Can Safely Do at Home Right Now

If your cat is scooting but otherwise eating, drinking, using the litter box, and acting normally, you can take a few safe steps while you decide whether to call a vet.

First, look at the area. Gently lift your cat's tail and inspect the skin around the anus. You are checking for redness, swelling, discharge, dried fluid, matted fur, or small white segments that look like grains of rice. These rice-like pieces can be tapeworm segments. If you see them, collect one in a clean plastic bag or jar to show your vet. Do not touch the area with bare hands. Wear gloves or use a paper towel.

Second, clean the area gently. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away any dried discharge or debris. Do not scrub. Do not use soap, shampoo, or any human wipe, because these can irritate the skin further. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. This cleaning is for comfort and observation only. It does not treat the underlying cause.

Third, watch your cat's behavior closely for the next 12 to 24 hours. Count how many times you see scooting in an hour. Note whether it happens after using the litter box, after eating, or at random times. Watch for other signs such as licking the rear end, tail chasing, straining to poop, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.

Here is what you must not do at home. Do not try to squeeze or express your cat's anal glands yourself. The anal glands are two small sacs located just inside the anus at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. Squeezing them incorrectly can cause pain, rupture, or infection. A veterinarian or trained veterinary professional should do this. Do not give your cat any human medication for pain, itching, or worms. Many human drugs are toxic to cats. Do not apply over-the-counter creams, ointments, or essential oils to the area. Cats groom themselves, and they will lick these products off, which can cause poisoning or stomach upset.

Do not assume that a single scoot means worms. Cats scoot for several reasons, and guessing the cause can delay the right treatment. If your cat has never scooted before and does it once or twice, that is different from scooting many times a day for several days.

What to Write Down Before You Call a Vet

Before you contact a veterinarian, gather a few specific details. This makes the call more useful and helps the vet decide how urgent your cat's situation is.

Write down the following:

• How many times your cat scooted in the past 24 hours. Count each episode.
• When the scooting started. Was it today, yesterday, or a week ago?
• Whether your cat is eating and drinking normally. Note any decrease in appetite.
• Whether your cat is producing normal stools. Note diarrhea, constipation, straining, or blood.
• Whether your cat has vomited. If yes, how many times and when?
• Whether your cat is licking or biting the rear end.
• Whether your cat is urinating normally. Straining to urinate or producing no urine is an emergency.
• Your cat's age, breed, and whether they go outdoors.
• Whether your cat is on a flea prevention product. Fleas can carry tapeworms.
• When your cat last had a deworming treatment, if you know.

Take a short video of your cat scooting if you can. A video often shows the vet more than a verbal description. Also take a photo of the area under the tail if your cat will allow it.

The Symptom Checklist and Decision Guide

Use this table to decide how quickly your cat needs care. This is a guide, not a diagnosis. When you are unsure, call a vet.

If your cat is a male and is straining to urinate, producing little or no urine, or crying in the litter box, this is a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait. Go to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. This condition can block the urinary tract completely and become fatal within 24 to 48 hours.

What a Veterinary Visit Usually Involves

When you bring your cat in for scooting, the veterinarian will start with a history. They will ask about the details you wrote down, including when the scooting started, how often it happens, and whether your cat has had this problem before. They will also ask about diet, flea prevention, deworming history, and whether your cat goes outdoors.

The physical exam is the core of the visit. The vet will look at your cat's rear end, check the skin for irritation or infection, and palpate the anal glands. Palpation means feeling the glands gently with gloved fingers to check whether they are full, impacted, infected, or ruptured. The vet may express the glands to empty them. This is a routine procedure when done by a professional.

Depending on what the exam shows, the vet may recommend additional tests. A fecal exam checks a stool sample for parasite eggs under a microscope. This is common when parasites are suspected. Bloodwork may be offered if your cat seems unwell, has vomiting, or has other signs of systemic illness. In rare cases, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound is used to look for a blockage, tumor, or other internal problem.

The cost of a visit depends on what is done. A basic exam with anal gland expression might fall in a general range of $50 to $150. Adding a fecal test can bring the total to roughly $100 to $250. Bloodwork or imaging raises the cost further, often into the $300 to $800 range or more. These are rough estimates only. Prices vary widely by region, clinic type, and your cat's specific needs. Always ask for a written estimate before agreeing to tests.

The treatment your vet recommends depends entirely on the cause. If the anal glands are full, expressing them may resolve the problem. If there is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If parasites are found, a deworming medication will be given. Dosing for any medication must come from the treating veterinarian, because the correct dose depends on your cat's weight, health status, and the specific drug used. Never give a cat a dewormer or any medication without a vet's instruction.

When an Online Vet Can Help, and When It Cannot

Some situations in this article require hands-on care and must not be handled remotely. If your cat is straining to urinate, producing no urine, vomiting repeatedly, not eating, or showing signs of a blockage, an online consultation cannot help. These conditions need immediate in-person emergency care. Anal gland expression, palpation, fecal testing, and bloodwork all require a physical visit. No video call can replace these.

A remote consultation is genuinely useful in other situations. If your cat scooted once or twice and seems fine, an online vet can help you decide whether a visit is needed. If your cat has a known anal gland issue and you are wondering whether the signs warrant a recheck, a remote call can clarify that. If your cat is on a treatment and you have a question about side effects, an online vet can advise you. If your cat has a chronic condition that causes occasional scooting, a remote follow-up can help you track progress.

Here is what a remote consultation can and cannot produce. A veterinarian on a video call can take a detailed history, watch your cat move on screen, look at visible signs such as skin redness or discharge, and give advice. In many states, they can prescribe certain medications. But they cannot palpate the abdomen, listen to the chest, take a temperature, run bloodwork, or image anything. Prescribing rules differ by state, and a veterinarian may require an in-person examination before prescribing. If a remote vet tells you that your cat needs hands-on care, take that seriously and book an in-person visit. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on working with your veterinarian and understanding when care is needed, and the American Animal Hospital Association offers resources on preventive care and knowing what to expect at visits. Use remote advice as a triage tool, not as a replacement for a physical exam when one is warranted.

Common Mistakes Owners Make With Cat Scooting

Many well-meaning owners try things that do not help and can even make things worse. Here are the most frequent errors and what to do instead.

The most important step is to stop guessing. A physical exam by a veterinarian can tell you whether the anal glands are full, infected, or ruptured, or whether parasites or another condition are at work. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises owners to contact their veterinarian whenever a behavior like scooting appears and does not stop quickly.

How to Reduce the Chance of It Happening Again

Some causes of scooting are easier to prevent than others. Anal gland problems often return, especially in cats that are overweight or that have soft stools. Stools that are too soft do not press on the glands during bowel movements, so the fluid does not empty naturally. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight and feeding a diet that produces firm stools can help. Your veterinarian can recommend a food that fits your cat's needs.

For parasites, prevention is more direct. Routine fecal checks and regular preventive medications, prescribed by your vet, reduce the risk of worms and other intestinal parasites. The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that many intestinal parasites are diagnosed through stool samples, and prevention is far easier than treatment.

Keep the litter box clean and watch what your cat eats. Cats that hunt and eat prey are more likely to pick up parasites. If your cat goes outdoors, talk to your vet about a parasite prevention plan that matches your cat's lifestyle.

What Recovery and Ongoing Management Usually Look Like

Recovery time depends entirely on the cause.

If the anal glands were simply full, your cat may feel better within a day after the vet expresses them. If there is an infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. Dosing must come from the treating veterinarian, because the right amount depends on your cat's weight, age, and health. With treatment, most cats improve within a few days to a week.

If parasites are found, your vet will prescribe a specific deworming medication. Treatment may need to be repeated, because some parasites have life cycles that require more than one dose. Follow the full course exactly as directed, even if the scooting stops quickly.

For cats with chronic anal gland issues, management is ongoing. Some cats need their glands expressed regularly, every few weeks or months. Others do well with dietary changes that firm up the stool. Your vet can help you build a routine that keeps your cat comfortable.

Watch for signs that treatment is not working. If scooting continues after a week, or if you see swelling, redness, blood, or a foul smell from the rear end, call your vet again. Some problems, like an anal gland that has ruptured or a growth in the area, need more involved care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tell if my cat has worms just by looking at the scooting?

No. Scooting is a general sign that can come from anal glands, allergies, skin irritation, or parasites. Some worms are visible in stool, but many are not. A fecal test at the vet is the reliable way to know. Without that test, you are guessing, and the wrong treatment wastes time and may leave the real problem untreated.

My cat scoots only after using the litter box. Is that normal?

It is common, but it is not normal. Scooting after pooping often means the anal glands are uncomfortable or the stool itself is irritating. If it happens once, watch closely. If it happens more than a couple of times, or every time, schedule a vet visit. The sooner the cause is found, the simpler the fix tends to be.

How long can I wait before taking my cat to the vet?

If your cat is eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can watch for 24 to 48 hours. If scooting continues past that, or if you see blood, swelling, or signs of pain, do not wait. A cat that is straining, crying out, or dragging its rear end aggressively needs prompt attention.

Will my cat need to be sedated for the vet to check the anal glands?

Usually not. A calm cat can often be examined while awake. If the glands are very painful or infected, or if your cat is anxious, the vet may use a mild sedative to keep everyone safe and comfortable. This is a routine decision the vet makes during the exam, not something you need to plan for in advance.

Can changing my cat's food stop the scooting?

It can, if the cause is soft stool or food sensitivity. Firmer stools help empty the anal glands naturally. But food changes will not help if the cause is parasites or an infection. Work with your vet to decide whether a diet change is worth trying, and make any switch gradually over a week to avoid stomach upset.

Is scooting ever a sign of cancer?

It is rare, but tumors in the anal area can cause scooting. This is one reason a vet exam matters. If your cat is older, or if scooting comes with weight loss, changes in appetite, or difficulty pooping, mention those signs to your vet. Most scooting cases are not cancer, but ruling it out is part of a thorough check.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• How to Choose a Veterinarian: Questions to Ask and What to Look For
• What to Expect at Your Puppys First Vet Visit: A Complete Guide
• Fecal Exams for Dogs and Cats: Why They Matter and How Often

References and Further Reading

• AVMA Pet Owner Resources
• MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version
• AAHA Pet Owner Resources

Related Articles

• Cat Itchy Skin: Causes and When to See the Vet
• How to Bathe Your Cat at Home: A Gentle Approach
• Cat Skin Problems: When to See the Vet and How to Help
• Cat Vaccination Schedule: Which Shots Are Essential for Your Cat?
• Cat Diarrhea: How to Tell If It's Serious and What to Do

This article is general educational information for pet owners. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, examination, or treatment. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening signs, contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.