Bubz is always licking her back end

[Millys Mum]

From your other post stress sounds likely.
I have a stress head bladder cat, i feed him mainly wet food, offer a water fountain and give cystaid as a supplement.
I have feliway plug ins and lots of good quality cat nip mice/valerian soaked toys for him to 'relax' with.

Feliway is a synthetic version of cat facial pheromones, it can help them feel relaxed.
Its cheaper online and if you visit vet uk through a rescue link they earn commission on your sale 

Cystitis is often caused by stress, bacterial infection accounts for only 2% so antibiotics rarely do anything, its more likely the painrelief jab they get at the same time

[Helena]

Make sure Bubz gets extra water. Try mixing a desertspoon full into her food. Sometimes cystitis can be stress related, so may be a good idea to get a Feliway plug in. <snip>

What's a Feliway plug?

And yes Bubz is already a lot happier. Got an unbroken night for the first time in about a week, and she surfaced after me at 6.45!

[Desley (booktigger)]

Good luck with her, I agree with wet food only, and it can take a while to clear up.
HK, antibiotics aren't always helpful with cystitis, if Sam is prone to it, you are best off having her on Cystaid all the time, it helps the lining of the bladder (and you dont need a prescription for it - Tom cost me £8 a month for it).

[Hippykitty]

Make sure Bubz gets extra water. Try mixing a desertspoon full into her food. Sometimes cystitis can be stress related, so may be a good idea to get a Feliway plug in. Avoid dry cat food, just give wet.

Sometimes, a cat can be prone to attacks of cystitis and this is best caught sooner than later as it can lead to kidney probs if left. So keep an eye open for these warning signs (the bum licking) in future. Ask the vet for advice about prevention.

I once saw a young vet who claimed that it was self-limiting in cats and needed no treatment. No way would I go with that theory. One of my oldies, Sam, is prone to it, and it's straight to the vet and in with the antibiotics whether she likes it or not! 

[gibraltarcat]

Do hope Bubz is soon feeling better

[Helena]

Just back from vet (& Asda): Bubz has cystitis! Not sure if I've spelt it right, but she has had one jab & is going again tomorrow for another one.

[Helena]

I'll not be asking my PAs to do that then! I'll get the vet to do it instead......

I would guess anal glands too.  They probably just need expressing (which can be somewhat smelly!).

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

I would guess anal glands too.  They probably just need expressing (which can be somewhat smelly!).

[blackcat]

that's OK, I have been hanging around for almost 40 years and the little darlings can still flummox me  at least here on Purrs you have lots of experienced and sensible people who can give you advice and support when you need it.

[Helena]

Thanks Blackcat. I'm sooo new to the world of felines that I sometimes feel so lost !!

[blackcat]

usually they are expressed when the cat passes a stool, but if the cat has had loose motions then they will fill up. If it stays that way a while, then the opening to them gets clogged and so it is difficult for them to clear. This can also get infected, which may be why she is licking so much, as they will start to itch a bit.

[Helena]

I've  been in touch with the shelter and am going to the vets on Monday a.m. Thanks for the support.

Why do anal glands get full, btw?

[Helena]

Thanks - I'll ring the Shelter tomorrow  if I cant get hold of them today.

[Dawn (DiddyDawn)]

I would say Anal Glands, Becky was licking herself all over and she was quite full when Sean checked her 

[Millys Mum]

If a cat has a heavy worm burden it can take several treatments to take effect.
Could also be anal glands.

One way to check for fleas is to comb her through and if you get any dirt put it on a wet tissue. If it turns red its flea poo 

CP often cover things x amount of weeks after homing so it would be worth giving them a call and then pop her down the vets, they are the lucky ones who get to empty anal glands 

[Helena]

She was treated for everything by the Cats Protection shelter vet before I took her home & she's not been interested in going outside since I brought her home 3 weeks tomorrow.

[LesleyW]

Could be a sign fleas or worms.  Has she been treated for either or both recently?

[Helena]

Hi - I dont know a lot about Bubz yet but she's always licking her back end and nibbling the top end of her tail. Should I be worried?

Helen