Anal gland disease

This is the most common reason why cats lick their butts. Cats have an anal gland on each side of the anus. When the anal glands are swollen, they will feel uncomfortable. The cat will lick the area near the butt to relieve the discomfort of the swollen anal glands.

Reproductive tract diseases and discharge

Female animals usually lick their external genitalia when they are in estrus. Of course, cats will also lick their external genitalia if secretions appear due to reproductive tract diseases. In addition, when female cats have vaginitis or during the season of giving birth, their external genitalia may be itchy and intolerable, leading to licking of the external genitalia. ​​​​​​

　Flea

Fleas like to bite or hide at the base of a cat’s tail, so when there are fleas on a cat, the cat will lick or bite the base of the tail near the butt.

　Parasite

Sometimes, when a cat has intestinal parasites, it may feel itchy and lick it. However, it does not mean that cats that do not lick their butts do not have intestinal parasites! Because most cats with intestinal parasites do not necessarily lick their butts. If there are parasites, they still need to take their poop with them. For testing by doctors.

Normal grooming

Licking the butt or tail may also be just a process in which the cat is grooming its fur. But when you feel that your cat is licking too frequently or severely, it may be a sign of disease, so please take it to the doctor as soon as possible.