# Cat Scooting and Licking Bottom: Causes and When to Call


## Key Takeaways

- Scooting and excessive licking of the rear end in cats are clinical signs indicating discomfort, pain, or blockage in the perianal or anal region, necessitating veterinary investigation rather than home remedies.
- Emergency situations requiring immediate veterinary attention include inability to urinate, repeated vomiting, significant perianal swelling or redness, or profound lethargy, as these can signify life-threatening conditions such as urinary obstruction or severe infection.
- Common etiologies for these behaviors include anal gland impaction or infection, intestinal parasites (e.g., tapeworms), and allergies (food, flea, or environmental), each requiring specific diagnostic approaches like physical palpation, fecal flotation, or dietary trials.
- Less common but significant differential diagnoses include urinary tract infections, constipation or diarrhea, foreign body entrapment, wounds, skin infections, and neoplastic growths, all of which necessitate a thorough veterinary physical examination and potentially diagnostic imaging or cytology.
- Owners should avoid attempting to manually express anal glands or administer over-the-counter medications, as incorrect procedures can cause iatrogenic injury and improper drug use can be toxic or ineffective, emphasizing the need for veterinary diagnosis and prescription.
- Proactive management involves maintaining optimal body condition, appropriate parasite prophylaxis based on lifestyle, and prompt veterinary consultation for any persistent or concerning signs, with recovery timelines varying from immediate relief for simple anal gland expression to weeks for allergy management.

---

If your cat is scooting, dragging its bottom along the floor, or licking its rear end more than a few seconds at a time, you are right to pay attention. These behaviors are not normal grooming. They are usually a sign that something in that area feels itchy, painful, or blocked. Most causes are treatable, but a few can become serious quickly. Watch for these emergency signs first: if your cat cannot urinate, vomits repeatedly, has a swollen or red bottom, or seems dull and weak, go to an emergency vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves.

For everything else, you have time to observe carefully and call your regular veterinarian. Scooting and licking in cats are less common than in dogs, so when a cat does it, the cause is often worth investigating. The good news is that many causes are simple to fix once identified. The challenge is that you cannot see the problem from the outside, and guessing can delay the right treatment.

## Is This an Emergency?

Use this table to decide your next step. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. They can hear your cat's history and tell you whether to come in now or later.


<!-- figure:auto -->
```figure
{
 "type": "triage",
 "title": "Urgency triage by severity of signs",
 "tiers": [
  {
   "tier": "danger",
   "label": "Go to an emergency vet now",
   "signs": [
    "Straining to urinate with little or no urine produced, crying out when trying to pee, repeated vomiting, a swollen or bulging area near the anus, blood dripping from the bottom, extreme lethargy, collapse, or a cat that refuses to move"
   ],
   "action": [
    "These signs can indicate a urinary blockage, a ruptured anal gland, or a severe infection",
    "All of these are life-threatening",
    "Do not wait for a regular appointment"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "warn",
   "label": "Book a same-day appointment",
   "signs": [
    "Scooting or licking that started suddenly and has continued for more than a few hours, visible worms or rice-like segments near the bottom, redness or swelling around the anus, a foul odor from the rear, frequent trips to the litter box, or changes in appetite"
   ],
   "action": [
    "These signs point to anal gland problems, parasites, or an infection that needs a hands-on exam and likely medication",
    "Same-day care prevents the problem from worsening"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "safe",
   "label": "Watch at home for up to 24 hours",
   "signs": [
    "Occasional scooting or licking that lasts a few seconds, happens once or twice a day, and stops on its own",
    "Your cat is eating, drinking, using the litter box normally, and acting like itself"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Clean the area gently with a warm damp cloth",
    "Check the litter box for normal stools",
    "If the behavior continues past 24 hours, or if any new sign appears, call your veterinarian"
   ]
  }
 ]
}
```

| Urgency level | Signs you might see | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go to an emergency vet now | Straining to urinate with little or no urine produced, crying out when trying to pee, repeated vomiting, a swollen or bulging area near the anus, blood dripping from the bottom, extreme lethargy, collapse, or a cat that refuses to move | These signs can indicate a urinary blockage, a ruptured anal gland, or a severe infection. All of these are life-threatening. Do not wait for a regular appointment. |
| Book a same-day appointment | Scooting or licking that started suddenly and has continued for more than a few hours, visible worms or rice-like segments near the bottom, redness or swelling around the anus, a foul odor from the rear, frequent trips to the litter box, or changes in appetite | These signs point to anal gland problems, parasites, or an infection that needs a hands-on exam and likely medication. Same-day care prevents the problem from worsening. |
| Watch at home for up to 24 hours | Occasional scooting or licking that lasts a few seconds, happens once or twice a day, and stops on its own. Your cat is eating, drinking, using the litter box normally, and acting like itself. | Clean the area gently with a warm damp cloth. Check the litter box for normal stools. If the behavior continues past 24 hours, or if any new sign appears, call your veterinarian. |

## What Is Most Likely Going On

The most common reason a cat scoots or licks its bottom is irritation around the anus. Three causes account for most cases: anal gland problems, intestinal parasites, and allergies. Each feels different to the cat, but the outward behavior looks similar.

Anal glands are two small sacs located just inside the anus at roughly the four and eight o'clock positions. They release a thin, smelly fluid when a cat poops. If that fluid thickens or the openings become blocked, the sacs fill up and feel painful. A cat with full anal glands will often scoot to put pressure on the area, trying to release the fluid itself. You might notice a strong, fishy odor even when the cat has also gone to the bathroom. If the glands become infected, the area can swell and turn red, and the cat may lick constantly.

Intestinal parasites, especially tapeworms, are another frequent cause. Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in the intestines. Their segments break off and pass out with the stool. These segments look like small grains of rice and can crawl near the anus, which triggers intense itching. If you see these rice-like pieces on your cat's bottom, in the litter box, or on your cat's bedding, that is a strong clue. Other worms, such as roundworms, can also cause irritation, though they are more likely to cause vomiting or a pot-bellied appearance.

Allergies are the third common cause. Cats can be allergic to ingredients in their food, to flea bites, or to things in the environment like pollen or dust mites. The allergic reaction makes the skin itchy, and the area around the anus is often one of the first places a cat will lick. If your cat also scratches its head, chews its paws, or has patches of missing fur, allergies become more likely.

## What Else It Could Be

Several other conditions can produce the same behavior. A urinary tract infection can make a cat lick its bottom because urination feels uncomfortable. The cat may associate the area with pain and try to soothe it. You might also notice your cat spending more time in the litter box or producing only small amounts of urine.

Constipation or diarrhea can both irritate the anus. Diarrhea leaves the skin around the opening wet and sore. Constipation makes passing stool painful, and the cat may scoot afterward. Check your cat's litter box for the last few days. Hard, dry stools or loose, watery stools are both useful clues for your veterinarian.

Less common but possible causes include a foreign object like a piece of grass or string stuck near the anus, a small wound or bite mark, or a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria. In older cats, a growth or tumor in the anal area can cause licking and scooting. These are not emergencies on their own, but they do require a veterinary exam to rule out.

## Why You Cannot Fix This at Home

You might be tempted to squeeze the anal glands yourself or give your cat a deworming product from the store. Do not do either. Squeezing anal glands incorrectly can rupture them, causing severe pain and infection. Over-the-counter dewormers may not target the specific parasite your cat has, and giving the wrong one can be ineffective or even harmful. Your veterinarian needs to identify the cause first. That usually means a physical exam, a look at a stool sample, and sometimes a swab of the area. Only then can they prescribe the right treatment, whether that is expressing the glands, a specific deworming medication, or a change in diet.

The dose of any medication your cat receives must be calculated by the treating veterinarian. Cats are small, and their bodies process drugs differently than dogs or humans. A dose that seems reasonable by weight can still be wrong for a particular cat with liver or kidney issues. Trust the professional who can examine your cat and adjust the plan accordingly.

## What to Expect at the Vet Visit

Your veterinarian will start by asking about your cat's history: when the scooting started, how often it happens, what your cat eats, and whether you have seen worms or changes in stool. Then they will examine your cat from nose to tail, paying special attention to the rear end. They may express the anal glands manually to check the fluid. They may also take a stool sample to look for parasite eggs under a microscope.

Most cats tolerate this exam well. If the glands are infected or the area is very painful, your vet may recommend sedation so the exam is comfortable. Treatment depends on the cause. Full anal glands are expressed and sometimes flushed. Parasites are treated with a prescription dewormer. Allergies may require a diet trial or flea control. In every case, your veterinarian will give you a clear plan and tell you what to watch for at home. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers guidance on working with your veterinarian and recognizing when care is needed, which can help you prepare for the visit.

## What You Can Do at Home Right Now

If your cat is scooting or licking their bottom but otherwise eating, drinking, playing, and using the litter box normally, you can take a few safe steps while you arrange a vet visit.

First, check the area gently. Lift the tail and look at the skin around the anus. You are looking for redness, swelling, discharge, matted fur, or small white segments that look like grains of rice. Those rice-like pieces can be tapeworm segments. Do not try to squeeze or pop anything you see. Do not apply creams, ointments, or human products to the area. The skin there is sensitive, and the wrong product can cause burning or make irritation worse.

Keep the area clean and dry. You can use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe away dried discharge or debris. Pat dry, do not rub. If the fur is heavily soiled, a careful trim of the fur around the anus can help, but only if your cat tolerates it and you can see clearly. If you are unsure, skip this step.

Do not give your cat any medication, including over-the-counter dewormers, antihistamines, or pain relievers. Dosing for cats is weight-specific and many human drugs are toxic to cats. A veterinarian must determine the correct product and dose. Giving the wrong drug can cause serious harm.

Do not bathe your cat in medicated shampoos or apply flea treatments unless your vet has already recommended that exact product. Some cats react badly to treatments meant for dogs.

## What to Write Down Before You Call

Before contacting a vet, gather a few specific observations. This helps the vet give better advice and can reduce the number of questions later.

- How many times per day is your cat scooting or licking? Count for a full 24 hours if you can.
- When did it start? Was it sudden or gradual?
- Is the behavior constant or does it come and go?
- Have you seen any worms, rice-like segments, or blood in the stool?
- Is your cat straining to poop, or producing more or less stool than usual?
- Has your cat vomited or had diarrhea?
- Is your cat eating and drinking normally?
- Is your cat urinating normally? Straining to urinate with no urine is an emergency.
- Have you changed food, treats, litter, or introduced a new pet recently?
- Is your cat on flea prevention? If so, which product and when was the last dose?
- Has your cat been outdoors or around other animals?

## The Symptom Checklist and Stool Sample

Print or copy this checklist and bring it to your appointment. It covers the signs that matter most.

| Sign | What to Record |
|------|----------------|
| Scooting frequency | Number of times per day |
| Licking frequency | Number of times per day |
| Redness or swelling | Visible or not, and where |
| Discharge or odor | Color, amount, smell |
| Worms or rice-like segments | In stool, on fur, or on bedding |
| Stool changes | Diarrhea, constipation, blood, mucus |
| Appetite changes | Eating less, eating more, or refusing food |
| Vomiting | How many times in 24 hours |
| Litter box habits | Straining, frequency, urine volume |
| Energy level | Normal, low, or hiding |

A stool sample is one of the most useful things you can bring. Collect a fresh sample within 12 hours of the appointment. Use a clean plastic bag or a small container with a lid. Pick up a piece about the size of a grape. Keep it cool in the refrigerator until you leave, but do not freeze it. If you cannot collect a sample, tell the vet. They may be able to collect one during the exam.

## What the Vet Visit Usually Involves

The vet will start by asking the questions from the checklist. Then they will examine your cat. This includes looking at the skin around the anus, checking the anal glands, feeling the abdomen, and taking a temperature. Your cat may need a rectal exam to check the anal glands and the lower intestinal tract.

Tests commonly considered include a fecal exam to look for parasites, skin scrapings or cytology to check for infection, and bloodwork if the vet suspects an underlying condition like allergies or thyroid disease. If anal gland problems are found, the vet may express the glands manually. If the glands are infected or impacted, treatment may involve flushing, antibiotics, or in rare cases surgery.

Cost varies widely by region and clinic. A basic office visit with a fecal exam might range from roughly 80 to 250 dollars. If bloodwork, imaging, or specialized treatment is needed, the cost can rise into the hundreds. These are general ranges only, not quotes. Ask your clinic for an estimate before proceeding with tests.

## 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 with no urine, vomiting repeatedly, collapsed, lethargic, or in obvious pain, that is an emergency. Do not use an online service. Seek in-person emergency care immediately. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on recognizing emergencies and when immediate professional care is required. A remote vet cannot examine your cat physically, and delaying care in these cases can be dangerous.

For mild or early signs, a remote consultation can be genuinely useful. If your cat scooted twice yesterday and looks normal today, an online vet can help you decide whether a visit is needed. If your cat has a known allergy and you are seeing the same mild symptoms as before, a remote vet can advise on whether to continue current care or schedule a recheck. If you have a question about a medication side effect, or you are following up on a chronic condition, remote advice can save you a trip.

A remote vet can take a detailed history, watch your cat move on video, look at visible signs like redness or discharge, and give advice. In many states, they can also prescribe medication. 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. The MSD Veterinary Manual explains that many conditions require a physical exam and diagnostic testing to confirm the cause. Use remote care for triage and guidance, not as a replacement for diagnosis when the underlying cause is unknown.

## Common Mistakes Owners Make With Cat Scooting

Many well-meaning owners try to fix scooting at home before calling a vet. Some mistakes are harmless but wasteful. Others can make the problem worse or hide a serious issue.

**Mistake: Assuming it is always worms.** Cats with worms can scoot, but so can cats with allergies, anal gland problems, or pain. Treating for worms without a diagnosis may fail and delay real care.

**Mistake: Expressing the anal glands yourself.** The anal glands are two small sacs on either side of the anus. Squeezing them wrong can cause pain, rupture, or infection. A veterinarian or trained technician should do this.

**Mistake: Using human anti-itch creams or hemorrhoid products.** These are not safe for cats. Some contain ingredients that are toxic when licked. Never apply a human medication to your cat without explicit instruction from your veterinarian.

**Mistake: Bathing the area with harsh soap or disinfectant.** This strips natural oils and can make irritation worse. Plain warm water on a soft cloth is gentler, but it does not treat the underlying cause.

**Mistake: Waiting more than a few days to see if it resolves.** Scooting that goes on for a week is not a small problem. It is a sign that something needs attention.

| Common Mistake | Better Action |
|----------------|---------------|
| Treating for worms without a vet visit | Bring a fresh stool sample and let the vet test it |
| Squeezing anal glands at home | Let the vet or a trained technician handle it |
| Applying human creams | Call your vet for a safe, cat-specific plan |
| Scrubbing the area with soap | Rinse gently with warm water and keep the area dry |
| Waiting to see if it clears up | Call your vet if scooting lasts more than a day or two |

## How to Reduce the Chance of It Happening Again

Prevention depends on the cause, so the first step is knowing what your cat actually has.

**For anal gland issues:** Some cats have naturally full glands that need regular expression. Your vet can show you how often this is needed. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight helps, because extra body weight can put pressure on the glands. Ask your vet about adding fiber to the diet, which can make stool firmer and help the glands empty naturally.

**For allergies:** If your cat has food allergies, the trigger is often a specific protein like chicken or fish. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet trial that lasts 8 to 12 weeks. During that time, your cat must eat only the trial food, no treats, no table scraps, no flavored medications. Environmental allergies are harder to control. Regular vacuuming, washing your cat's bedding, and using an air purifier can reduce dust and pollen in the home.

**For worms:** Most cats need regular deworming based on their lifestyle. Indoor cats still need protection, because fleas can carry tapeworms into the house. Follow your vet's schedule for parasite prevention and bring a stool sample to yearly checkups.

**For skin or urinary issues:** Keep the litter box clean and use an unscented, low-dust litter. Some cats react to scented products. Wipe your cat's bottom gently after loose stools to prevent dried feces from sticking to the fur.

## What Recovery and Ongoing Management Look Like

Recovery time depends entirely on the diagnosis.

**Anal gland expression:** If your cat's glands were simply full, relief is immediate. Most cats stop scooting within 24 hours. If the glands were infected or abscessed, your cat may need antibiotics and pain relief for 1 to 2 weeks. An Elizabethan collar may be needed to stop licking while the area heals.

**Worms:** After the right deworming medication, your cat may pass dead worms in the stool for a few days. That is normal. The scooting usually stops within a few days. Your vet will tell you if a second dose is needed, because some parasites require repeat treatment.

**Allergies:** This is a longer road. Food trials take weeks to show results. If your cat improves on the trial diet, you will likely keep them on it long term. Environmental allergies may need ongoing medication, such as antihistamines or steroids, with doses determined by your veterinarian. Do not adjust these on your own.

**Skin infections or irritation:** With treatment, most cats improve within 5 to 7 days. Keep the area clean and dry. Watch for redness, swelling, or discharge, and call your vet if these appear.

Throughout recovery, monitor your cat's behavior. Scooting that stops and then returns may mean the treatment is not working or the diagnosis needs revisiting. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that any sign that worsens or does not improve should prompt a call to your veterinarian. Follow-up visits are common and are not a failure. They are how your vet fine-tunes the plan.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How long can I wait before calling the vet?**
If your cat scoots once or twice and stops, watch for 24 hours. If scooting continues for more than a day, or if you see licking, redness, swelling, or blood, call your vet that day. If your cat cannot urinate, vomits repeatedly, or seems lethargic, go to an emergency clinic immediately. These signs can point to a blockage or other urgent problem that cannot wait.

**Can I give my cat pumpkin for constipation or anal gland issues?**
Plain canned pumpkin is sometimes used as a fiber supplement, but it is not a treatment for anal gland disease or infection. Do not add anything to your cat's diet without asking your vet first. Too much fiber can cause gas, diarrhea, or poor nutrient absorption. If your vet approves pumpkin, they will tell you how much and for how long.

**Why does my cat lick the floor after scooting?**
This is not a separate problem. It is usually the same irritation. Your cat is trying to soothe the area by rubbing it on any surface. The behavior should stop once the underlying cause is treated. If your cat licks the floor constantly and ignores food or water, call your vet, because that pattern can also indicate nausea or a foreign body.

**Is scooting more common in longhaired cats?**
Yes, longhaired cats can have feces or litter stuck in the fur around the anus, which causes irritation and scooting. Regular trimming of the fur in that area can help. Ask your groomer or vet to show you how to do this safely. Do not use scissors near the anus on your own, because cats can move suddenly and get cut.

**Will my cat need surgery for anal gland problems?**
Most cats do not. Surgery to remove the anal glands is reserved for repeated infections, abscesses, or suspected tumors. Your vet will only recommend it after other treatments have failed. If surgery is suggested, your vet will explain the risks and recovery time. Most cats go home the same day and recover within 2 weeks.

**Can stress cause scooting?**
Stress does not directly cause scooting, but it can trigger conditions that lead to it. Stress can cause diarrhea, which irritates the anus and leads to scooting. Stress can also worsen skin allergies. If you have changed homes, added a pet, or changed routines, mention this to your vet. Reducing stress, such as providing hiding spots and consistent feeding times, can help overall health.

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Dog Coughing: When Is It an Emergency?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-coughing-when-emergency)
* [My Dog Ate a CBD Gummy: What Should I Do?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-cbd-gummy)
* [Cat Vomiting After Eating Too Fast: When to Slow Down and When to Call](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-vomiting-after-eating-too-fast)


## References and Further Reading

- [AVMA Emergency Care for Pets](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare)
- [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control)
- [AVMA Pet Owner Resources](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners)
- [MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pet-owners)
- [AAHA Pet Owner Resources](https://www.aaha.org/for-pet-parents/)

## Related Articles

- [Cat Scooting: Causes and When to Call the Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-scooting-when-to-see-vet)
- [Cat Coughing and Gagging: Causes and Urgency](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-coughing-and-gagging)
- [Cat Drooling Suddenly: When to Call the Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-drooling-suddenly-when-to-call-vet)
- [Cat Vomiting: When to Call the Vet Immediately](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-vomiting-when-to-call-vet)
- [Cat Limping on a Back Leg: Causes and Urgency Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-limping-back-leg-causes-urgency)

> 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.