When a cat drags its rear end across the floor, a behavior commonly called “scooting,” it signals irritation, discomfort, or pain in the anal or perianal region. This action is the cat’s attempt to relieve an itch or pressure it cannot reach through normal grooming. Scooting should not be ignored, as it points to an underlying issue. The cat uses the friction of the carpet or floor to alleviate the localized sensation around the anus.
The Primary Culprit: Anal Gland Discomfort
The most frequent cause of scooting is a problem with the anal glands, also known as anal sacs. These are two small pouches located internally on either side of the anus. They produce a foul-smelling fluid that is normally expressed when the cat passes a firm stool.
Issues arise when the glands fail to empty properly, often because the stool is too soft or too small to apply the necessary pressure. When the fluid remains in the sacs, moisture is reabsorbed, causing the material to thicken into a waxy “sludge” that cannot pass through the ducts. This condition is known as impaction, and the resulting pressure causes significant discomfort, leading to scooting.
If impaction is left untreated, the stagnant fluid allows bacteria to multiply, leading to inflammation and infection. An infected anal sac can quickly progress into a painful abscess, appearing as a hot, swollen area next to the anus. In severe cases, the abscess can rupture through the skin, releasing pus and blood, which requires immediate veterinary intervention. The intense pressure and pain from impaction or infection drive the cat to scoot repeatedly for relief.
Other Common Causes of Irritation
Beyond anal gland issues, several other problems can cause scooting due to irritation or itching in the perianal area. Intestinal parasites are a common culprit, particularly tapeworms, which cause intense itching as they exit the body. These worms shed segments that look like small, off-white grains of rice and may be visible around the cat’s anus or in its bedding. The movement of these segments is highly irritating, prompting the cat to drag its rear end to scratch the area.
Dermatological issues, such as allergies, can also cause generalized itchiness that includes the anal region. Cats can suffer from flea, environmental (like pollen), or food allergies, all of which cause skin inflammation. Since a cat cannot effectively scratch this area with its paws, it resorts to scooting to alleviate the persistent itch. This irritation can be compounded by secondary skin infections.
Sometimes, the cause is a matter of hygiene or temporary obstruction. Fecal matter, litter, or matted fur can become stuck around the anus, especially in long-haired breeds, causing a localized drag or itch. The cat attempts to dislodge the debris or clean the area because the foreign material causes a sensation of fullness or irritation.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
A single instance of scooting may not be cause for alarm, but if the behavior is frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, a veterinary visit is necessary. Seek immediate veterinary attention if scooting is accompanied by visible blood, swelling, or a mass near the anus. Other serious signs include excessive licking, a foul, fishy odor, lethargy, or if the cat is vocalizing in pain or struggling to defecate.
For persistent but less severe scooting, a routine check is warranted to identify the underlying cause. The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of the anal region to check for swelling or redness. They will also manually express the anal glands to check for impaction or infection and may take a fecal sample to check for the presence of intestinal parasites like tapeworms. Identifying the specific cause, whether it is anal gland disease, parasites, or allergies, is the first step toward effective treatment and ensuring your cat’s comfort.