Feces belong in the litter box, not on your cat’s behind. However, in longer-haired cats, matted bottom fur creates a stinky, smelly mess. Give your kitty the grooming she deserves and keep her bottom fresh and pet-worthy.
Step 1
Clean the litter box on a daily basis. If the litter box is dirty, your cat may try to potty in the corner of the box and push feces into her fur. A quick scoop is all it takes to keep the box clean and appealing.
Step 2
Brush the matted hair away from the cat’s anus. Lift the tail with one hand and run the brush gently over the mats, pulling as much loose hair out of the clump as possible. Some mats may loosen with a few strokes, but stop brushing if the hair doesn’t move or the cat seems uncomfortable.
Step 3
Place the kitty in a sink filled with warm water. Hold the cat so his behind is fully submerged in the water, and allow him to soak for five minutes. This loosens dried feces and breaks up painful mats. Add a dime-sized drop of cat shampoo to the mat and massage it with your fingers to remove all traces of feces.
Step 4
Dry the cat with a soft towel. Most cats don’t like water and may try to escape, so cradle him in your arms as you dry. Brush the cat’s fur as he dries to prevent further mats.
Step 5
Trim the hair under the cat’s tail with a pair of small, round-tipped scissors. Lift the tail and snip the hair away in a 1-inch radius around the anus. Cut the hair carefully to avoid nicking the kitty’s skin.
References
Tips
- If your cat is severely matted, take her to a professional groomer. The groomer will shave the cat’s bottom to remove feces and stop future mats.
Writer Bio
Louise Lawson has been a published author and editor for more than 10 years. Lawson specializes in pet and food-related articles, utilizing her 15 years as a sous chef and as a dog breeder, handler and trainer to produce pieces for online and print publications.