I noticed this morning one of my two 1 1/2 yr MC brothers, Sherman, rubbing his butt along the floor briefly. He hasn't shown this behavior again today but I'm certain it's a sign of a problem. His brother Peabody is not exhibiting this behavior. Does this merit running to the vet or should I wait to see if it happens again. I examined his hind quarters (much to Sherman's embarrassment) and nothing looks amiss. Can anyone help?

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Answers

I think that your cat is experiencing a parazite problem. If not this it is still a matter for vet. I would at least call a pro and seek advice.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2000

When my male Maine Coon was about a year old he exhibited the same behavior. I was worried; his stools became slightly loose with more odor than normal and he was "out of sorts" socially. I took him immediately to my vet who found a blocked anal gland. After expressing it (my cat was obviously relieved) she put him on antibiotics to clear the infection and told me I needed to be observant because this condition could become chronic if not looked after. My cat has never had the problem again and no longer "scoots" across my floors. My vet did say that this is an often overlooked problem because it occurs rarely and vets don't see it too often. She knew what to look for because her roommate in vet school had a cat that had this problem. Of course, parasites could also be the problem but then both your cats would have them, not just one of them although they might bother one cat more than the other. Good luck and get him to the vet.

-- Anonymous, July 21, 2000

sometimes "scooting" can be fun and very entertaining! i encourage my cats to scoot by putting hot peppetr on their aSS.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2000

oops....i meant "pepper" & "ass". sorry for the mis-spellinks

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2000

HEY "POPEYE," YOU'RE OBVIOUSLY SOME KIND OF SICK-O AND YOU BETTER GET OFF OF THIS BOARD BEFORE YOU'RE FORCED TO GET OFF. HOW NICE IF SOMEONE WOULD PUT HOT PEPPER SOMEWHERE ON YOU......YOU NEED TURNED IN FOR ABUSE.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000