Can You Wipe a Cat’s Bottom, and How Should You Do It?

1 When and How to Wipe a Cat’s Bottom

I. Should You Wipe a Cat’s Bottom?

You may clean a cat’s bottom if it is dirty, but do not do it often.

First, cats are very clean and will lick themselves clean when soiled.

Second, a cat’s bottom rarely gets dirty—as strict carnivores eating mainly kibble and meat, they avoid high-fiber foods, so stools are dry with little residue, and you need not bother wiping.

Finally, cats dislike having their bottom touched and the skin there is sensitive; frequent wiping can cause redness, swelling, and pain.

II. When Does a Cat Need Wiping?

Cats that cannot clean themselves need help: very young kittens without a mother, obese cats that cannot reach, disabled or mobility-limited cats, long-haired cats, older cats, or cats sick with diarrhea.

If you do not help, bacteria grow on the skin and cause infection, hair loss, redness and inflammation, or blisters.

III. What to Watch When Wiping

1. Do not wipe a healthy cat’s bottom casually, or he may feel invaded and turn aggressive.

2. If it is dirty, trim some fur around the area, then gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth.

3. If much moisture remains, pat it dry with a tissue to avoid bacterial infection.

Whether to wipe depends on your intent—do it for the cat’s health, not just because you find him unclean. For more cat-care basics, read up on first-time pet ownership; for other health questions, consult an online vet.