Introduction
Ever wondered why your feline friend sometimes has a ‘tail’ of poop following him around? Well, it’s not a new fashion statement they’re trying to make. There are various reasons why your cat may be getting poop stuck to its bum, and no, it’s not because they’re trying to save it for later.
What Could Be Causing This Issue?
There are various reasons why your cat may be getting poop stuck to its bum. Most commonly, it is due to an anal gland issue or an underlying medical condition.
Other possible causes include eating too fast, dehydration, constipation, or diarrhea. However, suppose your cat is repeatedly getting poop stuck to its bum. Let’s explore each of these possibilities in more detail.
General Cleanliness
Cats are known for their cleanliness, but sometimes, they miss a spot. And unfortunately, that spot can often be their bum. If your cat is more interested in chasing its tail than cleaning it, it might be time to step in.
There are a few things that could be causing this behaviour in your cat. The most likely explanation is that your cat is not cleaning itself properly after using the litter box!
“But why?” you ask, with a puzzled expression, as you watch your cat saunter away from the litter box with a piece of poop hitching a ride. Well, let’s dive into the mind-boggling world of feline hygiene!
Firstly, cats are notorious for their grooming habits. They spend a significant portion of their day cleaning themselves, and they’re usually pretty good at it. However, sometimes they might give their bum a miss, and there are a few reasons for this.
One reason could be that your cat is feeling a bit under the weather. Just like us humans, when cats aren’t feeling their best, they might let their personal hygiene slide a bit.
Conditions like arthritis or other physical ailments can make it difficult for them to twist and turn in the ways they need to in order to reach their bum. So, if your cat is leaving the litter box with a dirty bum, it might be a sign that they’re not feeling 100%.
Another reason could be stress or anxiety. Cats are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can cause them to feel stressed. This stress can manifest in various ways, including neglecting their grooming habits. If your cat has recently experienced a significant change, like a move or a new addition to the family, this could be the reason they’re not cleaning themselves properly.
Lastly, it could be a simple case of laziness. Yes, cats can be lazy too! If your cat is more interested in napping in the sun than cleaning their bum, they might decide to skip this part of their grooming routine.
However, this is less common and usually only happens if the cat is overweight or not getting enough exercise.
Other Considerations
This could be due to a medical condition such as arthritis or other physical issues that make it difficult for your cat to reach its bottom. It could also be due to behavioral problems related to anxiety or stress.
Or maybe your cat is not getting enough exercise.
This could also lead to this behavior, as cats often use their back legs to clean themselves.
A big one is if the litter box is not clean, your cat may avoid using it and instead try to clean itself elsewhere.
Type Of Food
Still, wondering why your cat’s poop is stuck to its bum? There could be a few reasons for this behavior.
What goes in must come out, and what your cat eats can significantly affect the ‘stickiness’ of their poop. If your cat’s diet is more ‘junk food’ than ‘health food,’ their poop might be sticking around for longer than you’d like.
Let’s consider the possibility that your cat’s diet may be contributing to the issue. For example, if your cat eats a diet with excessive fats, sticky feces could result from that.
Or conversely, if your cat is eating primarily dry food and not getting enough water, this could cause difficulty in passing the stool. It may cause it to stick around its bum hole or even hang out as the poo could get stuck.
Another possibility is that your cat has a medical condition called megacolon, which causes the colon to expand and not work correctly.
This can lead to constipation and hard stools that are difficult to pass. If you think your cat may have a megacolon, please take it to the vet for an evaluation.
Overweight Cats
We all love a chubby kitty, but sometimes, those extra pounds can lead to some ‘sticky’ situations. If your cat’s bum is more ‘cushion’ than ‘tail,’ it might be time to put them on a diet.If your cat is overweight, there may be extra skin in the area that is getting feces stuck. This excess skin can bunch up and make it difficult for your cat to properly clean itself.
Obesity in cats is a serious problem and can lead to many other health issues. If your cat is overweight, talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan.
If you have been feeding them too many treats and not enough healthy food, don’t worry! Your veterinarian can give you some tips on how to help your feline friend slim down.
Cats are some of the most popular pets in the U.S. They are sweet and cuddly yet also independent and intelligent animals.
Unfortunately, these same qualities can make it difficult for owners to keep them from over eating.
You can help your kitty slim down by limiting their food intake or by substituting junk food with healthy snacks like fish, wet cat food, and hardboiled eggs. Or exceptional cat food for designed cats who are on a diet.
The Weighty Issue Of Feline Obesity
Obesity is a prevalent issue among our feline friends, and it’s not just about looks. According to a study titled “Overweight in adult cats: a cross-sectional study” by Öhlund, M., et al. (2018), obesity can have a significant negative impact on a cat’s health.
The study provides several methods for assessing obesity in cats. One of the most common methods is the Body Condition Score (BCS). This is a visual and palpable assessment of a cat’s body composition. The BCS scale ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being too thin, 9 being obese, and 4-5 being ideal.
Another method is the use of morphometric measurements, which involve measuring specific parts of the cat’s body, such as the rib coverage, waist, and abdominal tuck.
These measurements can provide a more objective assessment of a cat’s body condition.
The study also highlights the importance of regular weight checks. Regularly weighing your cat can help you detect any significant changes in their weight early. If you notice your cat gaining weight, it’s important to consult with your vet.
They can provide guidance on diet and exercise to help your cat reach a healthy weight.
Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat! And part of keeping them healthy is ensuring they maintain a healthy weight. So, keep an eye on your cat’s weight and body condition, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.
The Perils Of Free-Choice Feeding And How To Overcome Them
Here’s another study titled “Prevalence and risk factors of obesity in an urban population of healthy cats” by Colliard, L., et al.(2009).
The study discovered that free-choice feeding, which is when a pet has food available all day, can cause cats to become overweight. This way of feeding might seem easy for pet owners who are always on the go, but it can sadly cause cats to eat too much and gain weight.
The research emphasizes how important it is to manage how much your cat eats to avoid obesity and the health problems that come with it.
Obesity in cats can cause many health issues, like diabetes, arthritis, and it can even shorten their lives. So, it’s really important to carefully watch what your cat eats to make sure they stay at a healthy weight.
So, how can you overcome the perils of free-choice feeding? Here are a few strategies:
- Portion Control: Instead of leaving food out all day, try feeding your cat measured meals at specific times. This allows you to control the amount of food your cat eats and can help prevent overeating.
- Choose a Balanced Diet: Make sure your cat’s diet is balanced and nutritious. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates can help your cat feel fuller longer and can aid in weight management.
- Encourage Exercise: Regular play and exercise can help your cat burn off excess calories. Try engaging your cat in interactive play sessions with toys, or consider getting a cat tree or scratching post to encourage more physical activity.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help monitor your cat’s weight and overall health. Your vet can provide personalized advice on feeding and exercise based on your cat’s specific needs.
Remember, every cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s always best to consult with a vet before making significant changes to your cat’s diet or lifestyle.
The Benefits Of Weight Loss For Cats
The study “The role of key adipokines in obesity and insulin resistance in cats” by AL Lusby, et al. highlights the health benefits of weight loss in overweight cats.
Adipokines, proteins produced by fat cells, play a role in inflammation and insulin regulation.
The research found that weight loss in obese cats reduced levels of certain adipokines linked to inflammation, suggesting that weight loss can improve overall health in cats.
This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in cats to prevent health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and some types of cancer. Always consult with a vet for a safe and effective weight loss plan for overweight cats.
Cats Are Carnivores
Remember your cats are carnivores, and their diets must be primarily based on protein, fat, and very few carbohydrates. Dry food for cats can have up to 50% carbohydrates which are not ideal for a carnivorous diet. On the other hand, wet foods for cats can have up to 12% (or less) carbohydrates which is an appropriate amount for a carnivorous diet. If your cat is eating too many carbohydrates it may get fat.
The Power Of Protein: A Dietary Approach To Feline Health
In the world of feline nutrition, not all diets are created equal. According to a study by Laflamme, D. P., & Hannah, S. S. (2005) titled “The effect of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet on body weight, body condition, and behavioral changes in adult cats,” a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates can have a significant impact on a cat’s health and behavior.
In this study, adult cats were given a diet high in protein and low in carbs. The scientists then watched to see if there were any changes in the cats’ weight, physical health, and behavior.
The results were pretty cool.
The cats eating this special diet lost weight and looked more healthy. This shows that this kind of diet might help cats who are a bit too heavy to slim down and get healthier.
But that’s not all. The cats eating this diet also started acting differently.
The study doesn’t say exactly how their behavior changed, but suggests that the cats became more active or didn’t beg for food as much. Both of these changes would help a cat keep its weight down.
So, what does this all mean? Well, it suggests that a diet high in protein and low in carbs might be good for cats, especially if they need to lose weight. If your cat is a little pudgy, you might want to think about changing what they eat. But remember, always talk to your vet before making big changes to your cat’s diet.
How Can I Solve This Issue?
So, your cat has a sticky bum, and you’re at your wit’s end. Don’t worry, we’ve got some solutions that might just make your cat’s bum as clean as a whistle.
If your cat only suffers from occasional poop stuck to its bums, then you, as an owner, can do a few things to help your cat avoid this issue or at least make it less likely.
Depending on what works best for your cat, you can mainly feed dry food or wet food. It could help them stay healthy and keep their bottom clean!
Frequent Baths And Impacted Anal Sacks
Bathing a cat can be like wrestling a wet, angry, and very sharp-toothed noodle. But sometimes, it’s necessary, especially if your cat’s anal sacs are more ‘full’ than ’empty.
Anal sacs, or anal glands, are small sacks on either side of your cat’s anus. These sacs are lined with sebaceous glands that secrete a foul-smelling, oily substance.
This substance is used by cats to mark their territory. If your cat’s anal sacs become full, they can express (empty) them independently.
However, sometimes the sacs can become impacted and must be expressed manually (yes by a human!)
Impacted anal sacs can be painful and lead to infection if left untreated. You may be able to express your cat’s anal sacs at home, but if you are not comfortable doing so, you should take them to the vet.
Anal sac expression is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in a vet’s office.
If your cat is having recurrent problems with impacted anal sacs, you may want to consider giving him regular baths. This will help keep the area clean and free of any potential buildup that could lead to impaction.
Switch To Dry Food
If your cat’s poop is softer than your favorite pillow, it might be time to switch to dry food. It might not be as tasty, but your cat’s bum (and your nose) will thank you.
A common issue for cats who eat wet food is that they can develop “mushy stools.”
This means that their poop isn’t as firm, so it’s more likely to stick to their bum.
If your cat is having this issue, one solution is to switch to a dry food diet. Dry food can help firm up your cat’s stool and make it less likely to stick to its bum.
Switch To Wet Food
On the other hand, if your cat’s poop is harder than a rock, you might want to consider adding more wet food to their diet.
Your trying to find the Goldilocks of cat poop – not too hard, not too soft, but just right.
If your cat has hard stools, adding more wet food to its diet and plenty of water may be a good idea.
Cats love wet food because it’s tastier, more interesting, and provides them with more fluid. A cat’s digestive system is not designed to process dry food as well as wet food. Dry food often leads to hard stools and constipation. Adding more wet food to the diet should alleviate these issues. Water makes up about 60-70% of your cat’s body weight. Cats use water to regulate their temperature, keep them hydrated, and flush out toxins.
Help Your Cat Lose Weight
Helping your cat lose weight can be a challenge, especially when they give you those big, sad eyes every time you put them on a diet. But remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat, and a happy cat is less likely to have a sticky bum.
A chubby cat is a cute cat, but if your cat is carrying around too much weight, it can lead to some severe health problems.
Like humans, cats can suffer from obesity, which can cause joint pain and diabetes and even shorten their lifespan. If your cat is having trouble losing weight, there are a few things you can do to help them slim down.
The first step is to take a look at their diet. If they are overeating food or eating the wrong kinds of food, that can lead to weight gain. You might need to switch them to a particular diet or feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
In addition, dry food and some wet food have an unusually high percentage of carbohydrates which is not great for cats as they are primarily carnivorous.
The good news is that most holistic cat food does not contain carbohydrates which is a big plus for cats. As for a cat’s diet, it is recommended that they eat a high protein and fat diet as these are both necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise For Your Cat
You should also make sure they are getting enough exercise. A lazy kitty is likely to become overweight than one with plenty of playtime. Try setting up some climbing shelves or getting them a scratching post to give them somewhere to run and jump.
If you have tried all these things and your cat still seems overweight, it might be time to talk to your vet about other options, such as weight loss medication or surgery. With your help, your cat can reach a healthy weight and enjoy a long and happy life!
Should Your Overweight Cat Have Surgery?
If diet and exercise aren’t enough, you might be considering weight loss surgery for your cat. It might seem extreme, but sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures.
It may seem like an extreme solution, but as with people, a partial gastrectomy will remove part of the stomach to make it smaller.
Many people prefer less invasive procedures when it comes to weight loss surgery. A partial gastrectomy removes part of the stomach to make it smaller.
The idea is that your cat can still eat and enjoy food, but it will feel full more quickly after having the surgery. It’s important to remember that people and pets both have different needs for surgery.
A general guideline is only the extraordinarily sick who have an ongoing problem with their health undergo surgery; many owners choose to go ahead and have surgery for the cats’ weight loss as it can be beneficial.
An expert can tell if your cat will benefit from weight loss surgery, so talk to a veterinarian about your options if you are concerned about your cat’s health.
Most Common Reasons For A Messy Cat Bum?
The most common reason for a cat having a messy bum is poor grooming habits. Cats are usually very clean animals and groom themselves regularly, but sometimes they may not be able to reach or properly clean their anal area. This can be due to various reasons such as obesity, arthritis, or other mobility issues that restrict their movement and flexibility.
Additionally, cats with long hair or excessive fur around their hindquarters may also experience a messy bum as feces can get stuck in their fur. In some cases, underlying health issues like diarrhea, constipation, or anal gland problems can also contribute to a messy bum in cats.
It is important to monitor your cat’s hygiene and address any issues promptly to ensure their well-being.
Other potential causes include Enteritis (inflammation of the intestines) or a dietary issue. If your cat is having trouble defecating, it’s best to take them to the vet so it can rule out any serious health problems.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The mystery of the sticky cat bum, solved. Remember, if your cat is having trouble in the poop department, it’s always best to consult with a vet. After all, nobody knows your cat’s bum better than they do.
Citations
Öhlund, M., Palmgren, M., & Holst, B. S. (2018). Overweight in adult cats: a cross-sectional study. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 60(1), 1-10.
Colliard, L., Paragon, B. M., Lemuet, B., Bénet, J. J., & Blanchard, G. (2009). Prevalence and risk factors of obesity in an urban population of healthy cats.
Lusby, A. L., Kirk, C. A., & Bartges, J. W. (2009). The role of key adipokines in obesity and insulin resistance in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 235(5), 518-522.