What do I do about a cat with a stinky butt?

Question

I have 2 kittens (about 5 months) who won't clean their butts. I thought this stuff was supposed to come naturally to them. I tryed using baby wipes but I want them to do this on their own. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Your kittens were taken away from their mother too soon! You need to wash your kittens in the sink (or tub if they're too big for the sink) with warm water (to get the smell off of them) and then with a damp warm rag wrapped around your finger, brush it over them all over in short strokes. This will make them feel like another cat is grooming themselves, and will hopefully get them to realize they need to lick themselves clean. Hope it works, I had a kitten with the same problem and she learned to wash herself, or I would do it, which she hated! Good luck!

Answer 2

Is the mommy cat still around? Maybe she is still cleaning them (although not too well, apparently), and they aren't independent yet? If the kittens have long-ish fur around their heinies, try trimming it carefully with a small scissors. I had to do this with a puppy whose fur was too long there and kept getting poops stuck in it. Don't mean to sound gross, but, some babies just need a little extra help in that area. They'll get the hang of it - it does come naturally. I wouldn't use wipes, as I don't think it would be good for the kitties to lick the wipe's residue. If anything, use a washcloth dampened with warm water.

Answer 3

I do feel like you do. I have a domestic kitten age 7 months and he always has a stinky butt. I have found out it's because his tail is so long, when in the covered litter box he doesn't cover up his poop always and his tail collects into the poop. I have a female Calico in the same family as Torte's and she is 9 months old and is the cleanest kitten. Question: Does your Tortie's have long tails as compared to a regular cat? If so, then that may be your problem. I really don't think it has to do with Tortie's. Check out their tails and as I'm thinking take off the hood of the litter box. Also, I clean out the litter box twice sometimes three times per day and that has really helped the poop smell.

Answer 4

They will probably start this soon, my kitty just started doing it for herself too. I used to do it for her and it was horrible. My vet said that kittens that were taken from their mothers too soon, don't develop the instinct to clean themselves right away. I brought Gracie home ay 6 weeks of age and she wasn't doing alot of what she was supposed to be doing and now that she is almost 5 months old, she just started cleaning her own butt. So hold on tight, I am sure they will start soon. Good luck!

Answer 5

OKay when you say clean their butt do you mean they have poop on it often? If its like runny or sludges thats a bad sign, like maybe first signs of worms or other sickness they are open to being as young as they are, and the fact that you said you have two cats with the same problem I would make a vet appointment!! I have never really heard of a cat not cleaning itself, its ushally instinct.

Answer 6

wel their mum should hav showed them how to clean themselves. the best thing is call ur vet and ask him/her if they kno any trainers that might be able to help u out.
try a little spray bottle with water in it, and sray it on the butt, not alot , but euff to bother the cat, the cat should clean the water off itself. wen it cleans itself make sure u reward it.

Answer 7

I'd say your kittens may have a health issue going on. I'd contact a vet that you trust.

Answer 8

Get a dog.