Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My long-haired kitten gets poop stuck in her fur. How can I help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 5 months old | 5 lbs

Hi, My cat is a 5 months old Ragdoll. I don't know why she sometimes gets poop stuck in her fur or tail. I tried to get as much of it out with toilet paper, then a wet rag, but I couldn't get it all, and she was getting pretty upset. Is there anyway I can help her doing this? Is it because she gets loose stools? Should I change her food and litter box? Thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 23rd, 2017

A little added fiber or a daily pet probiotic can help firm up loose stools, however bringing a stool sample into the vet to rule out anything such as parasites or an underlying illness causing it is a good idea. In some cases, even normal stools can sometimes get stuck on long-haired cats. Gently trimming the area to make it less easy for stool to stick, or using a pet wipe after Pockey gets out of the litter box before the stool can dry may help make it easier to clean.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 13th, 2017
Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Most cats should groom themselves clean, but some cats can struggle to do so, especially if they are overweight (and may have trouble reaching their hind end), if they have very long hair, or if they're struggling with diarrhea. If Snow has very long hair, you could ask the vet or a groomer to clip her hind end a little bit so it's easier to keep clean. You can then keep baby wipes around and wipe her hind end whenever you notice she needs help staying clean. Keep an eye on her litterbox, and if her stools seem softer than usual then it's worth having a vet take a look at her to make sure she doesn't have a medical issue that needs to be addressed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bosie. I recommend that she has a sanitary clip. This is where the hair is shaved around her back end to prevent feces from becoming stuck in her long hair. This is a common problem with long haired cats. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

How to stop poop from sticking to my long-haired Persian cat's fur?

This is common in Persians and other long haired cats. You will need to keep her in a sanitary clip to prevent the stool from sticking to her hair. A groomer or vet can do the clip for your or you can learn to do it yourself. A sanitary clip is where you shave the hair around the anus and down both the back legs. I don't think she has an underlying medical issue with her balance but if you are worried you should have your vet check her.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My long-haired cat's hairball poops are loose and hard to pass. Help!

He could be having difficult defecating due to the extra hair around his anus. You can use grooming clippers (not scissors!) to trim the hair on his backside and under the tail, or find a groomer for a sanitary clip. I recommend a supplement for hairballs, like Laxatone, that will help bind hairballs so they can pass. You may also consider daily brushing, as this will help Mr. Josie get rid of loose hair so that he doesn't ingest as much. However, what you have described could be a sign of constipation. Often times loose stool will move around the harder stool in the colon, and this fluid can have a very foul odor. Mr. Josie may need to see the vet to confirm constipation and receive appropriate treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My long-haired cat has poop stuck under tail. Should I be concerned?

HI there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is otherwise able to pass feces and you have removed some of it, he is most likely going to be just fine. It sounds like you have already done the best you can so please try to avoid getting scratched further. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My senior cat's poop gets stuck. What diet changes can help her?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend switching to a different food such as Science Diet or Royal Canin and see if a diet change makes a difference. You may even consider adding in a fiber supplement to help bulk up her stool so that it passes without getting stuck. A probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora may also be a good idea, which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has dried poop stuck to her bottom. How can I safely clean it?

Once the stool is dried and stuck to the skin, it can be difficult and painful to remove. Clipping or shaving it is not recommended as your cat could react negatively and you may accidentally cause injury. If your cat will allow, apply a warm compress to the area for 10-15 minutes. Once the stool has softened, you should be able to safely remove it. If not, consider a visit to your veterinarian for additional assistance. There could be an underlying medical condition for [soft stool](https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-real-scoop-what-is-your-cat-s-poop-telling-you/), if present, or [lack of grooming](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-has-my-cat-stopped-grooming) which may be contributing to the issue.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat's poop stuck with hair coming out of his anus?

Thank you for submitting your question Bosbos. He appears to have eaten a hair or thread. You can try to remove it with very gentle pressure. If it does not does come out, do not pull harder. It could be stuck to his intestines. If you cannot easily remove it, then he should see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my fluffy kitten get poop on her? How to keep her clean?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Coco. I recommend that she has what is known as a sanitary clip. This is when the veterinarian or groomer shaves her hind end. She can be shaved under and around her tail and the back of her legs. This will help to keep her clean. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share