Why Cats Rub Bottoms on the Ground: The Reason Explaine

Actually, this is a cat grooming its anal glands.

Most cat owners are well aware of the power of cat feces. Imagine a cat with an uncleaned bottom, dragging its feces around the house, leaving a trail of mess and odor. The result can be quite unpleasant.

Cats tend to choose soft surfaces to rub against, especially plush carpets like the one in the photo above. The stains and smells left behind are often selfexplanatory.

However, despite this, many cat lovers find themselves saying, "Wow, how cute!" when they see their pets engaging in such comical behavior. They grab their phones to snap photos and share them on social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin.

But in reality, this behavior is not normal. When you notice your cat doing this, it's a sign you should take it seriously!

Why do cats exhibit such behavior?

Cat Soft Stool

When cats have soft stools or diarrhea, it's easy for feces to stick to their tails and not be cleaned off properly, especially for longhaired cats. This can be intolerable for cats with a strong sense of cleanliness, as they can't use tissues like humans do. As a result, they turn to soft surfaces, like carpets, to try and clean themselves.

When you notice your cat has soft stools, you can add probiotics to their food to help regulate their digestive system and solidify their feces. If the problem persists, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly to avoid delays in treatment.

Cat Anal Gland Inflammation

Cats, like dogs, have anal glands, also known as anal sacs, which are degenerated glands that store anal fluid.

Generally, cats' anal glands don't require regular cleaning, as their anal sphincters are welldeveloped. However, older cats, especially males, may experience weakened or noncontracting anal sphincters due to various reasons. This can lead to thick secretions, and if left uncleaned for too long, it can result in semisolid or solid matter causing blockages, inflammation, and even ulcers. This is when cats may start to rub against floors or lick their bottoms excessively.

If you notice your cat has inflamed anal glands, it's crucial to take them to the vet for proper treatment.

Cat Parasites

Parasites in cats are a common issue. When cats have parasites, they may scratch their bottoms due to itching. It's essential to regularly deworm your cat, both internally and externally, to prevent parasitic infections and related complications, as well as to prevent the spread of parasites.

When you notice your cat exhibiting unusual behaviors, please don't take it lightly. It could be a sign that your pet is unwell, and it's important to seek medical attention promptly.