Need Help With A Poop Butt...

Since I started working, my cat has become overweight. I took her to the vet last month and she weighed in at 15lbs. I've started working on the problem with trying to play with her more and limit her diet. My issue right now is that her tummy is so big that she can't reach her butt when she's grooming herself. As a result, her butt is a mess... and what's worse, she won't let me clean it without a huge fuss.

I do the best I can, sneaking in a few wipes when I can with a wet paper towel while I'm brushing her, and I've managed to cut some fur around the area... but no matter what I do, it's just not sufficient. She gets too upset. A few times I've teamed up with my sister and had her hold my kitty down with a towel and I've managed a bit of cleaning. Her butt SMELLS, and I'm worried that it might cause an infection. I can't give her a bath because last time I tried i ended up with teeth puncture marks in my arm and deep scratches in my leg. I don't really want to try that again, but I'm starting to panic. I work a lot so getting to a groomer will take some time, plus I have issues with getting a ride since we work on different schedules.

Any advice for me in the mean time? Anything safe I can put on her butt to prevent infection or help clean it some more? If I could take care of the problem myself, that would be ideal because I'm in the process of moving and money is somewhat of an issue right now... but if a groomer is the only option, it's a sacrifice I can make, it will just take some time like I said.

Would kitty wipes work? They sell them online and sometimes at Walmart.

I have kind of the same problem. My kittens didn't have a mom to teach them to properly groom themselves. I use a damp washcloth, but I can only get a few wipes in before being attacked.
I may try the kitty wipes and see if it works better. But, I will be following this thread for any other advice. Thanks for asking the question.

The wipes don't really do much. I can't think of much else to do short of giving her a bath... but... shudder. I'm terrified

I don't blame you. Mine aren't that bad, just dirtier than I prefer. Especially when they stick their butt in my face.

Maybe spray a little coconut or olive oil on it. Let it soak in, and then wipe.

I generally don't like to hold the scruff of the neck on cats (it's kind of disrespectful on adult cats IMO) but this sounds like you have to. Don't lift her when you grab the scruff though. Just tug on the nape of her neck with a very light hand (as her hands and feet are planted on ground/table) so she stays still while you wipe her butt with your other hand. If she struggles when doing this then just stop. And don't do it for too long. You can Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about.

If this is cruel anyone please do jump in to correct me, I'd highly advise anyone not to ever scruff their cats and picking them up that way - but to hold them still as a last resort (to do something that's necessary) seems reasonable.

Another option is burrito wrapping her in a towel. This is probably more of a 2 person job. It's also very stressful in my expierence. I did this once to Elfie when she was a kitten and needed medicine injected in her mouth but it was just very stressful, so I opt for the scuffing method with this as it gets the job done very quickly.

Also just a pointer, if you're feeding dry - she will lose weight much quicker if you switch to wet food. Good luck.

I've never scruffed my cats. I just wrap them up in a towel, blanket, or shirt. I need to learn to wrap them better though, they often push out with their feet and get away from me!

I admit that I scruff mine all the time. But, they are kittens. I'm having a hard time with them and plugs. I would never do it to an adult cat though.

I would concentrate on burrito wrapping her front half and more trimming around the area that is holding the poop. If you have to scruff her to get it done, I would do it, it's better than infection and bacteria spread around your house. Just don't prolong it, quick and done. Or as much as you can. There must be a reason for the loose stools, a normal bowel movement should be firm enough not to stick. You are not giving her milk products are you? That is the only time my cats get a icky rear end, when they drink milk. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and diarrhea happens quickly!

Arnold and greg would die of embarrassment if they knew I told you this, but on occassion I have to wipe their bottoms. They can reach back there just fine, but they have very fluffy britches but sometimes.....things stick.

I get 2 warm wet cloths and a c ouple of dry soft clothes.

I never scruff them, I dont need to. I have them standing on all fours, put my left arm around their waist with their head facing away from me. I hold them firmly but not tightly and hold a wet cloth against their bottom. Rotate the cloth and repeat. The wet cloth softens the stool and I gently wipe it away with a dry cloth.....and repeat. Then they get a couple of treats. And the cloths go straight into the washing machine and I wash my hands carefully.

The cats struggle but never bite or scratch me. Its a bit of an ordeal but I cant let the poor things have to lick themselves clean in that state.

Fortunately I might only have to do it to one cat once every few weeks or month. They tolerate it and look kind of confused and uncomfortable when im done. But its best for all concerned.

I also make sure I comb and trim the fur on their butts as required. Small price to pay for the joy they bring us.

I do that too! Elf is a longhair as well so I have to frequently wipe her bum and trim the hair around her bum - she allows it without me having to scruff her. I usually just hold her in place.

The OP seemed to have a hard time getting her cat to sit still though, so that's why I suggested scruffing as a last resort. Especially if they are alone, need both hands, and if the burrito wrapping doesn't work for their cat.

As far as I know scuffing doesn't hurt if you keep their front and hind legs planted on a surface, but I could be wrong and am very open to being corrected! I just believe in treating cat's with respect and think it's disrespectful to scruff them unless you have no other choice.

Hard to respect a cat with a poopybutt tho

Hi All, I have a new rescue that was at one point feril so he can loose it if he gets scared. I am facing the dreaded poop butt. He is psychic and goes postal if I even look at his butt. I can't burrito him he will flay me and get PTSD. Just giving him dropper medication made him run away from me for a week. I've heard: spray butt with water, vaselene, what about that catnip spray? Do it while his is in cleaning mode? He is very trusting in that state and lets me play with him in a silly way. I don't want to damage our still fragile bond and have him live under the bed. ;/ Again, will NOT let me wipe it.

I wouldn't do anything if he is an outside cat, he will eventually clean himself. if not, a lot of times we just have to wait until they decide to clean or it wears off. If he is trusting to a certain degree, what I have done is to take a small scissors and quickly, gently, cut off the poopy parts of hair around the back end. I have had to do this for stickers too. It will be gross but you may have to grab the dried part so as not to get too close and cut him. If you are quick this can be done, on one cat I could only get one cut in before he took off, so it took several days, The good thing about doing it this way is then the hair is shorter back there and doesn't get so dirty. I hope someone has some other good ideas!

A small tip that's worked for me when I had to clean my long haired cat's butt every now and then: rub at the base of the cat's tail and she'll lift her butt and tail up, giving you better access. It'll also feel good for her. If you have help, having someone else rub her spine will give you both hands to work.

Clean her in small intervals, giving her treats and plenty of praise. Let her go before she gets too agitated and try again.

I'd suggest focusing your efforts on trimming the hair on her bottom, so even if you have to scruff her and take someone else's help, get it done.

You said your cat bites, so I don't know if it'll help but, could someone hold her up while you clean/trim her butt? It'll be easier for you and harder for her to squirm.

If all else fails and you have to give her bath, you don't have to bathe her whole body. You could submerge her butt in lukewarm water for a few seconds and then wipe off the poop quickly.