scooting and tearing up the carpet

I have a cat that is about 5 years old and she scoots alot to clean her butt. I try to comb anything that is stuck to it, but she still scoots.  Another thing I found her doing this week is tearing up the carpet in just on place. I didn't notice this until yesterday but she has almost scratched the one spot bare. Any ideas and what the problem could be.

Thanks, Dove

[Savas]

Scooting refers to the act of rubbing or dragging the anal area or perineum (the area between the anus and genitals) on the ground. Typically, the hind legs are extended in front of the animal as the pet drags herself forward. Dogs will scoot much more commonly than cats. Anything that causes an irritation or itching to the area under the tail may cause an animal to scoot.

The most common cause of scooting is anal gland disease. Diseases of the anal gland include impacted anal glands (by far the most common cause), infected or abscessed anal glands and anal gland tumors. Other causes of scooting include allergic dermatitis (allergies), acute moist dermatitis (hot spots), abnormal materials adhered to the anal area (hair mats or fecal material), tapeworms, skin parasites (fleas or ticks), and perianal fistulas.

[I_LOVE_LUCY]

For the tearing up of the carpet get one of those cardboard scratchers. I use the Alpine Scratcher from Petco but if you don't want something just temporary they have smaller flat ones that you can just put over the spot. Keep it there until she gets used to it, then move it to another spot and she should follow.

[Savas]

Thanks, I forgot that part. :) Also, you can get one off the "off!" products and use it in that corner. The two together (scratching post and off) will hopefully change this behaviour. If kitty isn't crazy about the scratching post, use a little catnip on it. This will get kitty stoned and make kitty go crazy on the post, but what's wrong with a little Cheech & Chong between our fuzzy friends?