Expert: Tomay - 2/6/2005

Question
My male, neutered, three-year old cat has been scooting on his butt across the carpet, as if to wipe it or get to an itch.  I've found information in books about anal glands that may need some medical attention, although I never notice a "skunky" smell, and the butt scooting isn't "constant" like the books say.  He does it a few times a week.  I'm wondering if the butt scooting could be due to his weight problem, and he finds this easier than licking himself?

Answer
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry.  Anal glands are actually little sacks rather than glands.  These become filled with fluid and occasionally will either empty themselves or, in the case especially of overweight cats (or dogs) it may require a vets assistance so as to avoid these sacks becoming impacted and possibly requiring surgery.  As part of the grooming process, anal glands are routinely express externally.  Internal expressing is done only by a vet or vet tech.  Another possiblity is that your kitty has tapeworms.  As the segments are discharged, this can cause scooting to relieve the itchiness.  Look for white specks around his rear and anal opening.  Little specks of whitish yellow looking rice.  Those are tapeworm segments.  Tapeworms are only gotten thru the ingestion of a flea.  Only.  But it only takes one!  Tapeworms are a common ailment and easily treated with over the counter at the pet shop, medication.  Simply follow the instructions on the box.  If he continues to do this, I would check with your vet.
Hope this has been helpful.
Thanks again for your inquiry.
Tomay