Why is my cat scooting?
A cat dragging its bottom along the floor is telling you something back there is uncomfortable, itchy or sore. It is far less common in cats than in dogs, and because cats groom obsessively, persistent scooting or excessive licking under the tail is worth taking seriously rather than putting down to a 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 scooting usually means
Scooting is a cat dragging its rear along the ground, floor or carpet, usually with the back legs braced and the tail lifted slightly. It is a sign the anal area is uncomfortable, not a diagnosis in itself, and the cause can be anything from full anal glands to a skin irritation to worms.
Cats scoot far less often than dogs do, which is partly why owners notice it quickly when it happens and partly why it is worth paying attention to. A cat that groom themselves this thoroughly and still cannot resolve the itch by licking is usually dealing with something the tongue cannot reach or fix.
The common causes
Anal gland problems are one of the more frequent causes, though they affect cats less often than dogs. The two small glands either side of the anus can become full, irritated or occasionally infected, and a cat may scoot or over-groom the area in response.
Worms are another genuine possibility, particularly tapeworm segments, which can be visibly itchy around the anus as they pass. Skin irritation from litter, a recent change of litter brand, or an allergic reaction can also cause scooting, as can diarrhoea or loose stools leaving the fur soiled and sore.
Less commonly, a cat with matted fur around the back end, especially long-haired breeds, can scoot simply because the mats are pulling and uncomfortable. Checking for visible matting or soiling is one of the easiest things to rule in or out at home.
What you can check yourself
Look at the area under the tail for redness, swelling, discharge, matted fur or anything that looks like small pale segments near the fur, which can be a sign of tapeworm. A quick, gentle look is usually enough; there is no need to handle the area more than that.
Check your cat's most recent stools for looseness, and think back over the last few weeks to whether their diet, litter or environment has changed. A new litter brand or a recent bout of diarrhoea are both common, ordinary explanations that do not need anything more than monitoring in a cat who is otherwise well.
When to see a vet
Ring your vet if the scooting continues for more than a couple of days, if you see swelling, discharge, bleeding or a strong smell from the area, or if your cat is licking or biting at their back end enough to cause soreness or hair loss.
Also get it checked if your cat seems generally unwell, is straining to pass stools or urine, or if you have seen anything that looks like worm segments in their fur or bedding. A vet can check the anal glands properly and treat them safely, which is not something to attempt at home — never try to express a cat's anal glands yourself.
What helps day to day
Keeping worming up to date is the single most useful preventive step, since it removes one of the most common causes outright. Speak to your vet about a suitable product and schedule for your cat rather than guessing at one, since indoor and outdoor cats often need different approaches.
Regular grooming, particularly for long-haired cats, keeps the area under the tail free of matting and makes any soreness easier to spot early. A clean, appealing litter tray also reduces the chance of skin irritation from sitting in a soiled tray for longer than necessary, and scooping it at least once a day is worth doing for this reason alone as well as for general hygiene.
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£7.99
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
3M Synthetic Under Bandage Padding for Pets
A soft, breathable non-woven polyester padding layer designed to protect and cushion beneath bandages on dogs and cats.
From£9.49
ANIGENE Pet Urine Eliminator 750ml – Citrus Fragrance
Breaks down urine crystals at the source rather than masking the smell — helps fully eliminate odours and reduce repeat marking behaviour.
£12.99
Common questions
- Is scooting always a sign of worms in cats?
- No. Worms are one possible cause but far from the only one — full anal glands, skin irritation, litter allergies and soiled fur from loose stools can all cause the same behaviour. Checking your cat's fur and stools for signs of worms is worthwhile, but a vet visit is the only way to know for certain.
- Can I express my cat's anal glands myself?
- It is best left to a vet or veterinary nurse. Cat anal glands are small and easily missed compared with a dog's, and doing it incorrectly can cause pain or injury. If your vet thinks the glands need attention, they can do this safely and show you what to watch for afterwards.
- My cat scooted once and hasn't done it since — should I worry?
- A single episode in an otherwise well cat is usually nothing to worry about and may simply be a one-off itch or a slightly soiled bottom after a loose stool. Keep an eye on things over the next few days, and see a vet if it happens again or if you notice any other symptoms.
- Does diet affect scooting in cats?
- It can, indirectly. A sudden diet change, a food that does not agree with your cat, or anything that causes loose stools can leave the fur under the tail soiled and irritated, which may trigger scooting. If you have recently changed food and this started around the same time, mention it to your vet.
Related
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.