Stray cat won't clean himself?

Question

I was watching my cats. They're both males, fixed, about 2 years old.

They clean themselves a lot. They even clean each other.

This stray I found, I assume about a year old and male. I got him fixed last thursday. He NEVER grooms himself. Even when he's horribly dirty, he just lays in it.

Will he start now that he's neutered? or is this just something that some cats...don't do?

Answer 1

this can be indicative of thyroid problems, get his blood tested at the vet when you neuter him. Do not wash the cat so the vet can see his condition and fur quality to make an accurate diagnosis.

All cats should groom themselves - cats that dont usually have fairly big problems going on.

Answer 2

Well if you provide him with a little more soap, he may get up and do it.

Answer 3

he probly dont care that hes dirty i mean maybe he dont know hes dirty...

kinda like a bum ya know they dont know n if they do thy dont care

Answer 4

not sure... maybe he just has personality?

Answer 5

my male cat wont clean himself either, i just continue bathing him.

i think its because he was taken from his mother to young so he wasn't taught to clean himself.

could be the same reason for your cat.

Answer 6

well, aside from bathing him regularly yourself, your only real hope is that once he's become friends with the others, he'll join in on mutual grooming!

perhaps get some fishpaste, and put a small amount in different spots on his fur for a little rewarding self grooming action! LOL, I don't know if it'll work, but it can't hurt!

At the very least, it should assist him in becoming friends with the other two!

Answer 7

Cats stop grooming themselves when something is wrong (illness) or they are quite old.  Did your vet say how old the cat may be?  Maybe the cat has worms or some other problem that needs veterinary attention.  You may just have a cat that needs you to do the combing and  cleaning for him but please check out the cat's health, first.

Answer 8

it is just something some cats dont do i guess lol..