Cat Scooting

My cat is about 8 years old and has never had worms. Recently I saw her scoot her bottom on the carpet, and knew that was a sign I had heard of.

I looked at her bottom and saw whitish-brown things sticking out each side of the anus.

Were these worms or could it be something else?

Vet Suggestion Cat Scooting

Hi,

It sounds like your cat’s anal glands were impacted. The openings to the glands are found on either side of the anus, roughly at the 5:00 and 7:00 locations. Is this about where you saw the material sticking out?

When the anal glands become full, cats feel some discomfort and will drag their bottoms on the ground to push the material out and get some relief.

If this becomes a continuing problem, talk to your vet. He or she can express the anal glands fully and check to see if the material looks normal.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM