Noticing black spots on your cat’s bum can be a bit worrying. You might wonder what’s going on with your furry friend.
Let’s explore the common causes, symptoms and treatment options to ensure your cat stays happy and healthy
1. Anal Glands Disease
Many pet owners think that only dogs are prone to anal gland problems but cats are at risk too.
Cats have glands on both sides of the rectal region that produce anal gland secretions for marking territory. They are located at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions from the center of the cat’s anus.
Dried-up anal gland fluid can look like black spots on your cat’s bum.
This could just be due to normal anal gland leakage or blocked anal sacs.
The majority of cats will empty or express their anal glands naturally when they defecate. However, underlying conditions such as obesity, parasites or irritable bowel syndrome can result in the glands becoming clogged or infected.
Treatment For Anal Gland Issues
If the material in the anal glands becomes too full or blocked, your cat will need its anal glands expressed or released by a veterinarian if you are not familiar with the process.
This is to remove the excess fluid in the anal sacs before it gets too full and causes an infection.
Symptoms of an anal gland infection are:
- Dragging its back end on the ground
- Excessive vocalization due to pain
- Bloody discharge
- Struggling to defecate or defecating outside the litter box
- Foul odor
- Constant biting and itching at the rear end
If your cat has an impacted anal gland, it will need antibiotics to recover or even surgery for severe cases.
2. Dried Fecal Matter
Finding hard, darkened bits stuck to your cat’s fur or skin around their bum could also be a case of dried fecal matter.
I noticed that my cat has this issue if the stools are too dry or soft.
Most cats do a good job of licking themselves clean but they tend to have an ‘off day’ now and then.
It could also be a sign that your cat isn’t grooming themselves as well as they should be. This could be due to an underlying health issue such as obesity or joint pain.
Treatment For Dried Fecal Matter
The easiest way to resolve this problem is to give your cat’s bum a good wipe after it poops. You can use a pet wet wipe or a damp cloth.
Do not use any other cleaning solution for such a delicate area. Especially if you have a long-haired cat, be sure there is no matted fur getting in the way and have your vet or groomer perform a sanitary trim around the bum if needed.
If this problem is caused by a health issue such as frequent constipation, diarrhea or unable to groom itself properly, take your cat to the vet for an examination.
Doing a diet review for your cat can help with its bowel movements as well.
Dry food or low-quality cat food in general can lead to many health issues over time.
3. Flea Dirt
When you spot small black specks on your cat’s bum that look a lot like pepper, it’s likely flea dirt.
Flea dirt is a nicer name for flea feces.
Fleas are considered parasites as they feed on your cat’s blood for food. And when they digest and pass out the blood, it is called flea dirt.
These blood-sucking parasites like to set up camp near the base of your cat’s tail. They might be actively feeding around that area and your cat’s bum.
Symptoms of a flea infestation include:
- Moving small black dots in your cat’s fur
- Increased scratching
- Loss of fur
- Skin lesions
- Anemia in kittens
Treatment Options For Fleas
To get rid of flea dirt on your cat, you need to get rid of the fleas. Get your cat to the vet for a check and medication.
Your vet will prescribe topical drops, oral tablets and medicated shampoos to combat fleas. You can use a flea comb to remove as many fleas as possible on your cat.
Don’t forget to treat other pets in the home too, as well as the environment your cat lives in, or the fleas will persist.
4. Hyperpigmented Spots
When you notice darkened patches of skin on your cat, it might be a case of hyperpigmentation.
This condition is caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This leads to darker areas on your cat’s body.
Many orange cats have a skin discoloration called Lentigo which can cause black spots to form on their gums, nose and eyelids, kind of like freckles.
Hyperpigmentation can be due to the natural aging process, prolonged exposure to the sun or as a symptom of underlying health issues.
Treatment For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation itself may not require direct treatment as it is mainly an aesthetic condition. But if your cat is showing any signs of discomfort, or if these areas become raised or oddly shaped, it would be better to consult your vet.
This is to ascertain if the change in skin color could be due to an underlying health issue.
What Should I Do If I Notice Black Spots On My Cat’s Anus?
I know it is easier said than done but try not to worry. Not every health issue that your cat has is life-threatening.
We tend to make it a lot worse than it is.
- How has your cat been behaving? Is everything still business as usual for your cat? Has it been eating less? Any changes to its litter box habits?
- Take a closer look Try to take a closer look at the black spots to try and ascertain what it is. Use a torchlight if you have to.
- Try cleaning it If the area doesn’t look inflamed or swollen, gently wipe or clean the area with pet wipes to see if it comes off.
- Call the vet Once you have done all the above, give your vet a call and explain the symptoms and what you have done.
Why Is There Black Crust Around My Cat’s Anus?
The black crust that you are seeing could be an extension of the above problems.
Apply a damp compress to your cat’s bum a few times a day. Look out for any signs of inflammation which can mean an infection.
Ensure that your cat is eating well and pooping regularly.
If the crust doesn’t clear up in a few days, I suggest taking your cat to a vet for a check.
Iggy Thorne, also known as ‘Iggy the Explorer,’ is a seasoned writer with a flair for adventure and a deep love for animals.
Not only does he craft captivating stories often set in the great outdoors, but he’s also a dedicated pet owner who has owned and fostered both dogs and cats.
His expertise in animal care extends to volunteering at local shelters, making him a credible voice in pet ownership.
With a unique blend of humor and adventure, Iggy’s writing is as engaging as it is informative.