Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Clean cat, dirty cat

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/31/2008


Question
Dear Tabbi,
I have 2 kittens around 6 months of age.  They are both brothers.  One kitten licks and cleans himself on a regular basis, while the other kitten never cleans himself. This is also an issue because his bottom smells everyday (for lack of cleaning) while the other kitten’s bottom does not smell at all.  I sometimes catch his brother (the clean kitten) trying to clean his bottom for him. They also both eat exactly the same food, a mixture of wet and dry. Why does my kitten not clean himself and how do I train him to clean his bottom!?  
Thank you so much, Rachel.


Answer
Rachel,

There could be a medical reason for the kitten not grooming. He may have ulcers of the mouth (Stomitis), or some other mouth problem that makes it painful for him to groom.

If the kittens aren't neutered then it is time to do it, and I would ask the vet (or whoever fixes them) to check his mouth while he is under anesthetic.

My suggestion would be to fill a sink or bucket with warm water. Hold him (carefully!) upright and dip him in it just to his bottom. Pat him dry as possible with a towel and put him where it's warm. He will instinctively clean and dry himself (if he is able). That may get him started on cleaning himself in the future.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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