My cat has a sore, inflamed butt and is scooting. Can I use Cortizone?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 8 months old | 10 lbs
I took my cat, Sammy, to a vet for a sore butt. his stool is runny & sticks to his fur. His butt smells & is inflamed. I am going to try to bath him today & I would like to know if I can use cortizone 10 cream on his butt to keep him from sliding his butt accross the living room rug?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 30th, 2019
You can use cortisine cream twice daily for a week as long as the skin around his anus is not raw/bleeding. I do recommend bringing Sampson back to your vet to have his anal glands expressed as cats usually do not drag their butts across the rug unless their anal glands are full/impacted. Anal gland issues happen more frequently in dogs than cats but can definitely occur in cats as well. After an anal gland expression, your vet can also prescribe a topical steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as Dermavet which would be much more effective than cortisone cream. An e-collar, fecal exam, probiotics, prescription intestinal diet, subcutaneous fluids for dehydration/possible pancreatitis and metronidazole may be indicated as well. Good luck!
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 29th, 2019
The photo is blurry when I enlarge it but yes, this appears to be an anal gland abscess. You can do warm compresses if he will allow you to do that (5 minutes, 3 times per day). You can also apply a thin layer of Neosporin after compresses. If he is licking his anus it is best to get him a cone collar (you can buy at Petco) to stop him. If he continues to lick it will not heal. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 13th, 2017
It looks like this may be a ruptured anal sac abscess. A warm compress to the area can help with comfort. I would definitely encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as these require antibiotics and sometimes manual removal of anal sac material to heal. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 3rd, 2016
Your cat could have a ruptured anal gland. She should be seen before Wed as she would need an antibiotic. If your vet can't see her then you should call around and see if you can find one that will. She shouldnt have to wait 6 days before treatment is started.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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