When your cat lifts her bum and cries, it can be worrying. You might wonder if she is in pain or discomfort. This behavior often signals that your cat is trying to tell you something important about her health or hygiene.

Understanding why your cat behaves this way helps you respond appropriately. We’ll explore common reasons, symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to help your feline friend feel better.

Common Reasons Cats Lift Their Bum and Cry

Cats often lift their bums and vocalize when they experience discomfort or irritation around their rear end. This behavior is a natural way to seek relief or alert you to a problem.

Some causes are minor and easy to fix, while others require veterinary attention. Knowing the possible reasons helps you identify the right course of action.

• Anal gland issues can cause pain and swelling, prompting your cat to lift her bum and cry to relieve pressure or signal distress.

• Constipation or diarrhea may cause discomfort during elimination, making your cat vocalize and change her posture to ease pain.

• Parasites like worms or fleas around the tail and rear can irritate the skin, causing itching and discomfort that leads to this behavior.

• Injuries or infections near the tail or anus can cause pain, making your cat lift her bum and cry as a sign of distress.

Recognizing these common causes helps you decide when to monitor at home or seek veterinary care promptly.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Besides lifting her bum and crying, your cat may show other signs indicating discomfort or illness. Observing these symptoms helps you understand the severity of the issue.

Early detection of symptoms can prevent complications and improve your cat’s comfort and health.

• Excessive licking or biting of the tail or anal area suggests irritation or pain that needs attention to prevent further damage.

• Visible swelling, redness, or discharge near the anus can indicate infection or anal gland problems requiring veterinary treatment.

• Changes in litter box habits, such as straining, frequent attempts, or accidents outside the box, often signal digestive or urinary issues.

• Loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in behavior may accompany physical symptoms, showing your cat is unwell and needs care.

Monitoring these signs alongside the lifting and crying behavior gives a clearer picture of your cat’s health status.

Understanding Anal Gland Problems in Cats

Anal glands are small sacs located near your cat’s anus that can become impacted or infected. This condition is a common cause of discomfort and the lifting-crying behavior.

Knowing how anal gland problems develop and their symptoms helps you identify this issue early and seek proper treatment.

• Impacted anal glands occur when the glands fail to empty naturally, causing swelling and pain that make your cat lift her bum to relieve pressure.

• Infections in the anal glands can cause redness, discharge, and a foul smell, indicating the need for veterinary antibiotics or drainage.

• Cats with anal gland issues often scoot on the floor or rub their rear end against surfaces to ease irritation and discomfort.

• Regular grooming and monitoring can help prevent anal gland problems by keeping the area clean and noticing early signs of trouble.

If you suspect anal gland problems, a vet visit is important to avoid worsening pain or complications like abscesses.

Parasites and Skin Irritations Affecting the Rear End

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, or worms can cause itching and irritation around your cat’s tail and anus. This discomfort often leads to lifting the bum and crying as your cat tries to cope.

Skin irritations from allergies or infections can also cause similar behaviors, requiring careful observation and treatment.

• Fleas cause intense itching and can lead to hair loss or sores around the rear, making your cat vocalize and lift her bum to scratch.

• Worm infestations, especially tapeworms, can cause itching near the anus, prompting scooting and crying behaviors.

• Allergic reactions to food or environmental factors can cause skin redness and itching, leading to discomfort and vocalization.

• Bacterial or fungal infections may develop from scratching or poor hygiene, worsening irritation and causing your cat to cry out.

Regular parasite prevention and prompt treatment of skin issues are key to keeping your cat comfortable and healthy.

How Digestive Issues Can Cause This Behavior

Digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, or painful bowel movements can make your cat lift her bum and cry. These issues cause discomfort during elimination and may indicate underlying health concerns.

Understanding digestive causes helps you manage your cat’s diet and seek veterinary advice when needed.

• Constipation causes straining and pain during bowel movements, making your cat vocalize and lift her rear to ease discomfort.

• Diarrhea can irritate the skin around the anus, causing itching and pain that lead to crying and scooting behaviors.

• Dietary changes or food intolerances often result in digestive upset, which may cause your cat to show signs of distress after eating.

• Serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or infections can cause chronic digestive symptoms, requiring veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring your cat’s elimination habits supports digestive health and comfort.

When to See a Veterinarian

While some causes of lifting the bum and crying are minor, others need prompt veterinary care. Knowing when to seek professional help ensures your cat receives the right treatment.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening pain or complications, so timely vet visits are essential.

• If your cat shows persistent crying, scooting, or lifting her bum for more than a day, a vet visit is necessary to diagnose the cause accurately.

• Visible swelling, bleeding, or discharge near the anus requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent infections or abscesses.

• Changes in appetite, lethargy, or other signs of illness alongside this behavior indicate a more serious health problem needing professional care.

• If home remedies or parasite treatments do not improve symptoms within a few days, consult your vet for further evaluation and treatment.

Early veterinary intervention improves outcomes and helps your cat return to comfort quickly.

Conclusion

Seeing your cat lift her bum and cry can be concerning, but understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps you respond effectively. Common causes include anal gland issues, parasites, digestive problems, and skin irritations.

By watching for additional symptoms and knowing when to seek veterinary care, you can ensure your cat stays healthy and comfortable. Prompt attention to these signs supports your cat’s well-being and strengthens your bond.

FAQs

Why does my cat scoot her bottom on the floor?

Scooting often means your cat has irritation or discomfort around her anus, commonly from anal gland problems, parasites, or skin irritation. It’s a way to relieve itching or pain.

Can constipation cause my cat to cry when lifting her bum?

Yes, constipation can cause pain during bowel movements, making your cat lift her bum and cry due to straining and discomfort.

How can I tell if my cat has an anal gland infection?

Signs include swelling, redness, foul odor, discharge near the anus, scooting, and vocalizing. A vet can confirm and treat the infection properly.

Are parasites a common cause of this behavior?

Yes, fleas, ticks, and worms can irritate the rear area, causing itching and discomfort that leads to lifting the bum and crying.

When should I take my cat to the vet for this issue?

If symptoms persist more than a day, include swelling or discharge, or your cat shows signs of illness, seek veterinary care promptly for diagnosis and treatment.