Stinky cute with a stinky butt

[Shellbell1613]

Hi!
My 6 month old Maine Coon mix doesn’t seem to be very good at grooming her rear end.
We have tried using a warm wash cloth but she fights us so intensely to the point that trying to hold her to clean her feels like we’re going to hurt her.
One thing we have noticed if we’re able to get a little bit of water into the area she will then start cleaning. I’m wondering if anyone knows of a spray you can just use there to get them to start cleaning or any other tips.
Thank you

 

[maggie101]

No sprays unless it's water. I don't have a main coon but if I did just water. How old is she?

How To Keep A Maine Coon Clean? - 21Cats.org

Do you have the privilege of being a Maine Coon parent? These majestic felines are known for their luxurious, fluffy coats, which require regular maintenance

www.21cats.org

 

[tabbytom]

Hi!
My 6 month old Maine Coon mix doesn’t seem to be very good at grooming her rear end.
We have tried using a warm wash cloth but she fights us so intensely to the point that trying to hold her to clean her feels like we’re going to hurt her.
One thing we have noticed if we’re able to get a little bit of water into the area she will then start cleaning. I’m wondering if anyone knows of a spray you can just use there to get them to start cleaning or any other tips.
Thank you

and welcome to TCS!

Stinky butts can sometimes be due to Anal Gland issues which is quite a bit of factors regarding it. When anal glands are working properly, they secrete a fluid when they poop. That's why sometimes you get a stink butt.

Get a soft spray bottle and fill it with normal water and spray on her but so that she'll groom her butt.

I always clean my boy's butt after he poops with some disposable wet towels that is non perfumed, non alcohol and no preservatives or parabens.

 

[Kwik]

Welcome to TCS

As tabbytom mentioned it is likely this can be due to her anal glands but have you discussed this with your Vet ,you always want to properly assess any issues before coming to your own conclusions such as " she's not grooming herself properly "- does she scoot along the ground? Perhaps shes not grooming well because of discomfort or perhaps she is grooming herself well but there's an underlying issue causing an odor

She's so young to be fussing so badly and I would not be going crazy cleaning back there to have her associate being groomed in such a negative way- it takes time and patience to get her accustomed to this type of grooming without it being so stressful because at this rate it will only get worse- she's a baby,it's frightening,it's probably causing discomfort- I'd suggest ( if I may) being a little tolerant of the smell and help her to associate being groomed as something pleasurable- especially a Maine Coone ,they do require more maintenance than a short haired cat does.... many people shave a little area around the rear end so it's easier for them(& you) to clean and access

Gentle brushing and combing starting around the face ,neck and head areas for a while and gradually moving further and further back towards her rear,giving lots of praise & treats and before you know it you'll just say" brush " and shell come running

That's the great part of having kittens and young ones so they can associate EVERYTHING you do with something good- you don't push it to the point of what she cannot handle - the wet cloth is not encouraging her to groom- she does not like the wet feeling- like a cat that got caught in the rain,they want the water off - its all they can do to get that moisture OFF

There's great products for the anal glands if in fact there is an issue,like Glandex,adding fiber( supplements) to her diet etc... So if you've not spoken to your Vet about this then I encourage you to do so....there are so many nerves back there and all around the base of the tail and it's a least favorite place they want anyone fiddling around so please keep her level of comfort in mind and go slow with her so she won't mind at all

My Graycie is prone to impacted anal glands so I do what I can to prevent it and avoid having to manually express ( which can be counter productive if done more than need be) She's a Russian Blue with that thick double coat so she gets brushed alot and with a fine comb and clipping I keep her anal area easy for her to groom - if not it doesn't smell good ,Graycie was petrified of getting cleaned back there when I first adopted her but by going very gently and patiently she learned there's nothing to fear and she loves being groomed,washed,wiped ..... they don't smell bad to themselves but to us it's a different story ,lol So I understand,I really do--- I highly recommend Glandex if your Vet approves,confirms the diagnosis and there's no underlying heath issues

 

[Shellbell1613]

Thanks everyone!! Really appreciate the replies