Why is my cat's bottom itchy?
A cat scooting, licking at their bottom, or seeming generally uncomfortable back there most commonly points to one of a few common causes — worms, irritated or blocked anal glands, fleas, or general skin irritation. Telling which one it is isn't something to guess at home, and a routine vet appointment is the right next step for anything beyond a single one-off itch.
Usually not urgent
This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.
What commonly causes it
Worms are one of the most familiar causes, and tapeworm segments passed near the tail can look like small moving grains of rice, which is a classic sign owners notice alongside the itching itself.
Anal gland problems are another common cause. These small glands normally empty a little during a cat's usual bowel movements, and if they aren't emptying properly, the resulting discomfort often shows up as scooting or excessive licking at the area.
Fleas and general skin irritation around the tail base and hindquarters can also look like a bottom-specific problem from the outside, even though the underlying cause is really the skin generally rather than anything specific to that one area.
Signs to take seriously
Swelling, redness, an unpleasant smell, visible discharge, blood, or a cat that seems generally unwell, off their food, or repeatedly straining are all reasons to book a vet appointment rather than waiting to see if it settles on its own.
A cat dragging their bottom along the floor repeatedly, rather than an occasional lick or scratch, is also worth getting checked, since it often points to something more than passing irritation.
What a vet visit usually involves
A vet will typically check for worms, examine the anal glands directly, and look over the skin and coat for fleas or irritation before deciding whether anything needs treating, usually as part of one straightforward appointment.
This isn't something to try to diagnose from a description at home, since several different causes can look very similar from the outside, and the right next step depends on which one is actually going on for your particular cat.
What can help day to day
Keeping regular worming and flea prevention up to date as part of routine care, rather than only reaching for it once a problem has already appeared, reduces how often these common causes come up in the first place.
Keeping the fur around the area clean and well-groomed, particularly for longer-haired cats, also helps, though none of this replaces an actual vet check if something is already bothering your cat right now.
Why longer-haired cats need extra attention here
A long or thick coat around the tail and hindquarters can trap moisture, faecal residue and irritants against the skin far more easily than a short coat does, which makes longer-haired cats somewhat more prone to irritation in this area even when the underlying cause — worms, fleas, or anal gland trouble — is exactly the same as it would be for any other cat.
Keeping the fur trimmed short around the area, particularly for an older or less flexible cat who struggles to groom themselves as thoroughly as they used to, is a simple, practical step that reduces how often mess and matting build up there in the first place.
Why this is more common than owners expect
Worms, fleas and anal gland trouble are all genuinely common in cats generally, including indoor cats who never go outside, since fleas can be brought in on shoes or other pets and worms can be picked up through prey, fleas, or simply grooming. An itchy bottom isn't a sign of anything unusual about your cat or your home.
It's also not something to feel embarrassed about mentioning to a vet — it's one of the more frequent, ordinary reasons cats are brought in for a check, and vets see it regularly.
What can help
Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Absorbent Cotton Gauze Swabs for Pets – Pack of 100
Highly absorbent, low-lint cotton gauze swabs produced in clean conditions — a practical first-aid essential available in three size and ply combinations.
From£4.49
MPS Medical PetS Boot – Waterproof Paw Protector
A vet-recommended waterproof boot that keeps bandages, dressings, and casts dry during walks and wet weather.
£30.49
Common questions
- Why does my cat scoot along the floor?
- Scooting usually points to discomfort around the bottom, most commonly from worms, irritated anal glands, or skin irritation. It's worth a vet visit to work out which one is actually causing it, rather than guessing from the behaviour alone.
- Can worms cause an itchy bottom in cats?
- Yes, worms are one of the most common causes, and tapeworm segments passed near the tail can look like small moving grains of rice. Keeping worming treatment up to date as routine care helps reduce how often this comes up.
- How do I know if my cat's anal glands need attention?
- Scooting, excessive licking at the area, or a strong unpleasant smell can all point to anal gland trouble, but a vet is best placed to check the glands directly and confirm what's actually going on rather than guessing from the symptoms alone.
- When should I take my cat to the vet for an itchy bottom?
- Book a routine appointment for ongoing scooting or licking, and see a vet sooner if you notice swelling, bleeding, discharge, a strong smell, or your cat seeming generally unwell or off their food.
- Can an indoor cat still get worms or fleas?
- Yes. Fleas can be carried indoors on clothing, shoes or other pets, and worms can be picked up through fleas or prey such as insects and mice, so being an indoor cat doesn't rule either one out as a cause.
- Is an itchy bottom something to be embarrassed about mentioning to a vet?
- Not at all — it's one of the more common, ordinary reasons cats are brought in for a check, and vets see it regularly. Mentioning it clearly and early makes it easier to sort out quickly.
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.