Question:
This is going to sound terribly disgusting, but I have a 20-pound, 11-year-old female cat who scooches her rump on the floor. I have taken her to the vet, and there is nothing medically wrong with her. She is very furry, so I had her shaved in a lion cut, thinking this might help with feces that cling to her back fur. It made no difference.
I am at my wits' end. The vet had no other suggestions except for shaving. I have tried wiping her, but she gets extremely hostile. This hostility makes my male cat very angry and protective of me. The two cats then fight for the next 20 minutes. I have tried a squirt gun. I have switched litters, looking for a better one. I have raised and lowered the litter levels in the box, as she likes to stand when going to the bathroom. I have rugs on the floor just for the purpose of addressing this issue, and I praise her when she uses one instead of regular carpeting. Is there anything else I can try? I am starting to feel like a professional carpet cleaner.
G.J.G., Falls Church, Va Aug 23, 2009
Answer:
Disgusting or not, this is a stressful problem for all concerned. If your veterinarian ruled out anal-gland issues, you need to consider why your cat gets fecal material on her rear. Try a much larger litter box so she can position herself easily and not get caught on an edge. Considering her age and the fact that she likes to stand while evacuating, the most likely problem is spinal arthritis. My book "The Healing Touch for Cats" may help, as well as a few sessions with a veterinary massage therapist, chiropractor or acupuncturist. Many older cats have this evacuation problem associated with arthritis. You may also want to try a warm pad for her to lie on or use a heat lamp. Anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil, turmeric and other beneficial products could make a world of difference. A little valerian could ease painful muscle spasms.
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