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Why does my cat drag his bottom and lick his rear excessively?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 11 lbs

My cat drags his bottom along the floor and then licks the floor. He also licks his bottom and genitals quite often. He doesn’t have worms and his anal glands are fine. He’s almost two and I have had him since he was six months old. He’s pretty much always done it. Is this OK?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 8, 2017

That's definitely abnormal behavior. I would be worried about his anal glands from that description. It's possible that he had an anal glands problem at one point and developmented a scooting habit that stuck. Another possibility is that he is itchy - this can be caused by food or environmental allergies.

I would recommend asking your vet if they thought a hypoallergenic diet (for allergies) or a high fever diet (like royal canin fiber response, for anal glands) would be most appropriate for him and go from there. Good luck!!!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 13, 2017
Your cat could have a problem with his anal glands, they may be infected or impacted. Or he may be having an issue with intestinal parasites. Allergies can also cause with him itch/chew excessively as well. I would recommend taking him to your vet so they can determine the exact cause of the problem and get him feeling better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on September 21, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a sign of something like anal sac impaction and/or abscess which is not common in cats but it does occur. Have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If this is confirmed, it may be as simple as emptying the glands to perhaps having to drain, flush and start antibiotics if there is an abscess. Good luck with Tigger!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 8, 2023
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is probably not serious. My best guess is that he either has worms (like tapeworms) or he has an issue with one or both of his anal glands. Your vet should be able to figure out what is going on with an exam and a fecal test.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 6, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an issue with the anal sacs or possibly allergies or something else. I recommend that you have Thunder evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what seems more likely so that it can be treated. Good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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