How to Get Rid of Waste on My Long-Haired Kitten's Bottom

Caring for a long-haired kitten provides grooming challenges, especially if the kitten is taken away from or loses its mother before the normal age of weaning. Urine and fecal matter may collect and become stuck in the fur near your kitten's bottom. The mother cat typically cleans this for her litter, but you may have to assist -- especially if the mother is not available. Even older long-haired kittens and cats occasionally need assistance with this problem when excrement becomes trapped in the long fur.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth, cotton balls/pads or paper towels
  • Warm water
  • Warm towel
  • Basin (optional)
  • Cup or bowl (optional)
  • Pet shampoo (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      A warm towel keeps the kitten comfortable.

      Prepare to clean your kitten by warming up the towel. Dampen the washcloth, paper towels or cotton balls/pads with warm water; do not use soap. Place your kitten on the warm towel for the cleaning.

    • 2
      A warm, damp washcloth without soap is ideal.

      Simulate a mother cat's grooming by using the damp cloth or cotton all over the kitten's fur. Use short, gentle strokes like the mother cat would do with her tongue. Apply a similar motion for about 60 seconds to the kitten's bottom to clean away urine or fecal matter.

    • 3

      Clean stuck-on excrement from an older kitten's bottom using a warm, damp paper towel or cloth to gently remove the waste.

    • 4

      Prepare a bath for your kitten if the matter is not easily removed. Add a couple of inches of warm water to a small basin or bowl. Pour warm water over your kitten from a cup or bowl, avoiding the ears and face. Use an additive-free pet shampoo if your kitten is older than 8 weeks, washing the dirty areas gently and rinsing with fresh water from a bowl or hand-shower. Pat her dry with a towel and keep her in a warm area until her fur is totally dry.