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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / August 2004Shouldn't cats clean themselves after using the litter box?
I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do so right after using the litter box. This becomes more of a problem when a cat is having soft stools as a small amount tends to stick around on the cat's rear end after using the litter box and usually ends up on the rug or whatever the cat decides to sit on immediately after using the box. Yesterday the cat hopped up on my lap after using the litter box and really stunk and it turned out he had soft feces still around his anus (which I had to wipe off since he wasn't doing it). I've also had to wipe off clingers from around the anus (not stuck in the fur) which I would have thought the cat would clean off on its own. Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping litter? > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > litter? Would *you* like to lick feces off your rear? *LOL* Yes, I'd say it's pretty normal for them to rub the butt on something (carpet, etc) to get excess off before trying to clean it. At least they're short-haired. It can get pretty messy with a long hair. I'd be more concerned that they have soft stool consistently enough for this to be an issue. THAT is NOT normal. Their stool should be hard. This also helps keep the anal glands functioning well. Too much soft stool and the glands don't empty properly. Then they REALLY smell. Plus, if it goes on long enough that the glands get clogged, they can even get infected or abscessed. Stool should hard, smallish, and have no funky colors. *trying not to laugh, but this is actually a serious issue* I'd check with the vet to be sure they don't have worms or physical problems. Then I'd take a look at their diet. HTH  Signature-- ~kaeli~ Suicide is the most sincere form of self-criticism. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace > I'd be more concerned that they have soft stool consistently enough for this to be an issue. THAT is NOT normal. Their stool should be hard. I was thinking this too, and wondering what the OP is feeding them. Maybe they were taken from their mother quite early and didn't learn. If you can wipe them with a warm cloth everytime you see them get out, they should pick up the idea. Has their soft stool been looked at? THey may have to be wormed or may have coccidia or something that needs treatment. Their stool should not be so soft. > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > litter? > Maybe they were taken from their mother quite early and didn't learn. If youcan wipe them with a warm cloth everytime you see them get out, they should > pick up the idea. For some reason, Cheeks was not good about cleaning herself early on, so I did this with a warm, moist wad of tissue when she first got here. Maybe three times, then I never saw her have a problem again. I will never forget the look of indignant surprize (wwwwwAHHHHHHT?!) on her face the few times I wiped her butt. lol > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > litter? Actually, if they are having soft stools like that, you really *don't* want them licking their butts. They could re-infect themselves with whatever they have: giardia, coccidia, worms, etc. You really need to get a stool sample to the vet's and have it tested. The stool should not be soft like that. When a cat has normal, firm stool, clean-up isn't much of an issue. Until the stool issue is resolved, wipe their butts after they use the box. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com > > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > that. When a cat has normal, firm stool, clean-up isn't much of an issue. > Until the stool issue is resolved, wipe their butts after they use the box. Well one of them has had soft stools since I got her. A stool sample was analyzed and came back negative. The male was doing fine until yesterday (hopefully it's just temporary). I have a vet appointment for tomorrow anyway and will bring a stool sample. I'm feeding them IAMS kitten food (chicken). IAMS is supposed to be a good brand so I don't know why it would cause problems. > > > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > > > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > I'm feeding them IAMS kitten food (chicken). IAMS is supposed to be a > good brand so I don't know why it would cause problems. Food intolerances know no brand. It might just be an adjustment period. My cat had the same problem when he was little. Always had a little "dingle berry" hanging off after he used the box. There was nothing wrong with his stool.... just couldnt seem to get that last little bit off. I just had to catch him after he used the box and wipe his butt for him. Its a pain... but he finally got over it. > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > litter? I don't see where the cat is on antibiotics. Can't recommend them enough. > I picked up 2 young (~5 months) domestic short hair cats 3 weeks ago > and they do periodically clean themselves, but they never seem to do [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > litter? oops. wrong thread.. ignore this > I don't see where the cat is on antibiotics. Can't recommend them enough. > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Is this normal? Could it have to do with the fact that I use clumping > > litter? |
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