Dealing With Stubborn Stuck Poop On Your Cat's Bum

Oh no, not again! You notice your cat straining in the litter box and discover a large, hard stuck poop stuck to his bottom. Poor kitty tries desperately to kick it off but it won’t budge. His little bum is caked with dried poop and he can’t get relief.

As a dutiful cat parent, you know you have to step in and help but you cringe at the thought. This is going to be gross! Don’t worry, dealing with stuck-on poop is an icky but necessary part of caring for feline friends. Your cat is counting on you to clean him up gently without causing pain or stress. Relax, you’ve got this!

With some warm water, cotton pads, and a delicate touch, you can swiftly free the offending poop from your cat’s hindquarters. It may take some wiggling and patience on both ends but that rock-hard poop doesn’t stand a chance against your cat-cleaning prowess. Just be sure to wear gloves and watch out for claws! If it’s really wedged on, you may need to use scissors or try a warm water enema.

Getting to the bottom of this issue will make your cat’s day. Let’s dive in to the nitty gritty details on how to safely and effectively remove stubborn stuck poop from a cat’s behind. Your kitty will thank you for this stinky act of love!

How to Tell Kitty Has a Stuck Poop Problem

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so clues your cat has a stuck poop issue include:

Straining or spending a long time in the litter box without results
Excessive licking or biting at their hind end
Scooting their bottom along the floor
A crusty, dried lump of poop adhered to their fur around the anus
A foul odor emanating from their behind
Difficulty defecating or small amounts of loose stool with constipation

If you inspect under their tail and find a piece of poop stuck to their bum, it’s time to help your cat by safely removing it.

Supplies You’ll Need

Arm yourself with these supplies before tackling stuck-on cat poop:

Cotton pads, balls, or soft washcloths
Warm water
Mild, pet-safe soap
Lubricant like petroleum jelly or coconut oil
Disposable non-latex gloves
Scissors (blunt tip)
Cat treats

Avoid harsh chemicals which could irritate your cat’s sensitive skin. Be sure to have a purrito blanket or towel on hand to wrap kitty in case they resist.

Step-By-Step Removal Process

Follow these steps to gently remove stubborn poop from your cat’s behind:

1. Loosen the Poop

Place your cat on your lap, rear end accessible. Have an assistant help restrain them gently if needed.
Dip a cotton pad or cloth in warm water and gently wipe your cat’s anus area to loosen and soften the stuck poop.
You can also apply a little lubricant like petroleum jelly to help loosen the poop’s grip.

2. Gently Pull Off What You Can

With gloved hands, carefully attempt to peel and pull the poop directly away from your cat’s fur using your fingers.
Go slowly and be extremely gentle. Stop if your cat shows signs of distress.
Praise your cat with treats for tolerating this icky process!

3. Remove Remaining Poop

If poop remains stuck on, use scissors to carefully trim away soiled fur around the area. Never pull fur.
You can also use scissors to cut the poop itself into smaller pieces before pulling off.
Alternatively, apply a warm, moist cotton pad to the area for several minutes to further loosen poop.
Use fresh cotton and water to gently wipe clean the area once the poop is removed.
Be sure to get any remaining poop out of kitty’s fur folds around their bottom.

4. Clean and Dry

Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean the area once clear of poop, preventing infection. Avoid getting soap inside your cat’s anus.
Thoroughly yet gently dry your cat’s behind with a fresh towel.
Offer treats and calming praise throughout! Your cat will remember the indignity but appreciate the relief.

5. Monitor Your Cat Afterwards

Keep an eye on kitty after the process:

Make sure they are defecating normally and watch for signs of constipation.
Check that the area remains clean with no irritation or infection.
If problems persist, call your veterinarian promptly. Recurring stuck poop may indicate an underlying issue.

Tips for a Less-Stressful Poop Removal

Here are some added pointers for removing stubborn poop from your cat while minimizing stress:

Remain calm and patient. Your cat can sense frustration.
Work in an enclosed space your cat feels safe in with few distractions.
Have an assistant gently wrap kitty in a purrito towel to constrain them if needed.
Offer high-value treats like tuna or chicken continuously throughout.
Start the process after your cat has worn themselves out from playtime.
Trim fur around your cat’s hind end regularly to prevent future stick-ons.
Introduce grooming routines young to get cats comfortable with handling.

Natural Remedies for Constipation Relief

To help your cat avoid future stuck poop incidents, try these home remedies to ease constipation:

Add more wet food or water to their diet to increase hydration.
Switch to a high-fiber cat food formula.
Encourage exercise and play daily.
Massage your cat’s abdomen gently using circular motions.
Use a warm, moist compress on their belly.
Ask your vet about lactulose syrup to help loosen stool.
Try a cat-safe laxative like miralax with a vet’s guidance.

If natural approaches don’t offer constipation relief within 24 hours, make a vet appointment to address the issue promptly.

When to Call the Vet About Stuck Poop

Consult your veterinarian right away if:

The poop is adhered too tightly to remove yourself without hurting kitty.
Your cat stops eating, vomits, or shows signs of extreme distress.
The area appears irritated, swollen, or infected after cleaning.
Your cat is unable to pass stool or continues straining despite removed poop.
Home remedies and laxatives fail to resolve recurring constipation.

Vets have the proper equipment and training to remove stuck poop from a cat’s rear end safely. They can also diagnose and treat any underlying condition causing chronic constipation in cats. Though expensive, it’s worth it to prevent your cat from suffering with stuck poop.

Poopy Problems Solved!

As unpleasant as dealing with stuck-on poop may be, take comfort in knowing it will quickly be over and relief provided to your cat. With some warm water, cotton pads, and a gentle approach, you can clean even the most stuck-on poop from your feline’s rear. Avoid pulling hair, stop if your cat protests, and offer lots of praise. Working together, you and kitty can put this poopy problem behind you in no time! Just be sure to watch for future constipation signs.