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Question
My friend has a orange and white ragdoll cat, Molly was adopted 5 months ago and just recently she has had a problem with her. Molly finishes #2 then gets out of the litter box and rubs her butt across the floor. Is she sick?
And what can she do about this problem?
Any help appreciated
Cindy
Cindy,
Molly may have a few different things going on...She could have an itchy bum (this would be something to see a holistic vet for, there are homeopathic remedies related to dealing with this), she could have impacted/infected anal glands or she may have eaten something that's leaving her with a problem getting stool out of her bottom, separated from her body and into the litter box - in our house they're often caused by cats eating dust bunnies and we call them cling ons. It's important to see a vet and find out if there are issues like a foreign body, any kind of obstruction, infection or other problem causing Molly to scoot across the floor on her bum. My recommendation would be to seek the advice of a holistic vet, these folks are trained in conventional medicine as well as one or more alternative therapies which could include homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture or massage to name a few options. My own vet is a holistic vet who uses homeopathy in her practice along with or sometimes instead of conventional treatments depending on what the situation calls for and I have to say that I've seen some amazing things happen when the right remedies are administered at the right times.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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