Why Is My Cat Lifting Her Bum and Crying? Understanding the Underlying Causes
The question of Why is my cat lifting her bum and crying? generally points to discomfort or pain in the anal region; it’s often a sign of anal gland issues or constipation.
This seemingly peculiar behavior – your cat lifting her bum and crying – can be unsettling for any pet owner. It’s crucial to understand the underlying causes so you can provide the appropriate care. The action, often accompanied by vocalization, is usually a sign of discomfort, pain, or an attempt to relieve pressure. Let’s delve into the common reasons behind this behavior and what steps you can take to address the issue.
Anal Gland Issues
One of the most frequent reasons behind a cat lifting her bum and crying is related to anal gland problems. Cats, like dogs, have two small sacs located on either side of their anus. These glands contain a foul-smelling fluid that’s normally expressed during defecation or when the cat is scared. However, several issues can arise:
- Impaction: The glands can become blocked, preventing the fluid from being expressed. This can cause discomfort and pressure.
- Infection: Bacteria can accumulate in the glands, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Abscess: If an infection is left untreated, it can develop into an abscess – a painful pocket of pus.
A cat experiencing these issues might scoot their rear end across the floor, lick the anal area excessively, or vocalize when attempting to defecate.
Constipation
Constipation is another common culprit. If your cat is having difficulty passing stool, she might strain, lift her bum, and cry out in pain. Hard, dry stool can irritate the rectum and cause significant discomfort. Several factors contribute to constipation in cats:
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to hard stool.
- Diet: A diet lacking in fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Hairballs: Excessive grooming can lead to hairballs obstructing the digestive tract.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain health issues, such as kidney disease or megacolon, can cause or exacerbate constipation.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While less common, urinary tract infections can sometimes manifest with similar symptoms. The pain and inflammation associated with a UTI can cause a cat to strain and vocalize when attempting to urinate, which might be mistaken for straining to defecate. Close observation is important to distinguish between these two possibilities.
Other Potential Causes
While the above are the most common reasons, other possibilities should be considered:
- Perianal Fistulas: Abnormal channels or sores around the anus.
- Tumors: Though rare, tumors in the anal region can cause pain and discomfort.
- Parasites: Certain parasites can cause anal irritation.
- Trauma: Injury to the anal area can cause pain and lead to the described behavior.
What to Do If Your Cat Exhibits This Behavior
If you observe your cat lifting her bum and crying, it’s crucial to take action.
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Observe: Note any other accompanying symptoms, such as scooting, excessive licking, changes in stool consistency, or straining to urinate.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: This behavior almost always warrants a vet visit. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause.
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Follow Treatment Recommendations: Depending on the diagnosis, your vet might recommend treatments such as:
- Anal gland expression or treatment for infection/abscess.
- Dietary changes to increase fiber intake.
- Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation.
- Antibiotics for UTI.
- Surgery for tumors or perianal fistulas.
Prevention
Preventing some of these issues can minimize the likelihood of your cat experiencing the behavior.
- Ensure Adequate Hydration: Provide fresh water at all times. Consider adding wet food to your cat’s diet to increase moisture intake.
- Feed a Balanced Diet: Choose a high-quality cat food with appropriate fiber content.
- Regular Grooming: Regularly brush your cat to minimize hairball formation.
- Routine Veterinary Checkups: Regular vet visits can help detect and address underlying health issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my cat lifting her bum and crying after pooping?
This behavior after defecation often indicates pain or discomfort related to anal gland issues or constipation. The act of passing stool might exacerbate the pain, leading to the crying and lifting of the bum. A vet visit is recommended.
Why is my cat scooting her bum on the carpet?
Scooting is a classic sign of anal gland irritation. The cat is attempting to relieve the pressure and itching associated with impacted or infected anal glands.
Is it normal for cats to express their anal glands?
Cats typically express their anal glands naturally during defecation. However, if they are not expressing adequately, it can lead to impaction and subsequent problems.
What does impacted anal glands look like?
You might notice swelling or redness around the anus. Your cat might also lick or bite the area excessively. However, you may not see anything visually without a proper veterinary examination.
How often should I express my cat’s anal glands?
Routine expression of anal glands is generally not recommended unless your veterinarian specifically advises it. Over-expression can irritate the glands and potentially lead to infection.
Can constipation cause my cat to cry?
Yes, constipation can definitely cause a cat to cry. The straining and pain associated with passing hard stool can be very uncomfortable and cause vocalization.
What are the signs of constipation in cats?
Signs of constipation include straining to defecate, passing small, hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, and potentially vomiting or loss of appetite.
How can I help my constipated cat?
You can try adding fiber to your cat’s diet (with vet approval), ensuring they have access to plenty of fresh water, and using a cat-specific stool softener prescribed by your veterinarian.
Are UTIs always accompanied by blood in the urine?
No, blood in the urine is not always present with a UTI. Other symptoms, such as straining to urinate, frequent urination, and vocalization, can indicate a UTI even without visible blood.
Can a poor diet cause anal gland issues?
While diet is not the primary cause of anal gland issues, a poor diet lacking in fiber can contribute to constipation, which can indirectly affect anal gland function.
Is there anything I can do at home to relieve my cat’s discomfort before seeing the vet?
A warm compress applied to the anal area might provide some temporary relief, but it’s essential to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid giving your cat any over-the-counter medications without vet approval.
Why is my cat lifting her bum and crying but acting normal otherwise?
Even if your cat seems otherwise normal, the behavior of lifting her bum and crying suggests an underlying problem. The discomfort might be intermittent or mild, but it’s still important to rule out potential medical issues with a veterinary examination. This behavior points towards discomfort or pain that needs to be addressed. Ignoring this behaviour is not recommended. A vet’s opinion is necessary to address the issue fully.