Why Is My Cat Overgrooming?

Grooming is an essential part of our feline friends’ behavior, so much so that they spend around half of their waking hours grooming themselves. Grooming not only helps keep them clean and free from parasites and dirt, it also detangles and removes loose fur, helps cool them down in hot weather, and is also a self-soothing behavior. But when felines groom themselves too much, what could it possibly mean?

Cat Overgrooming

Overgrooming in cats happens when a cat licks part/s of their body more than normal. Cats release feel-good endorphins when they groom, so stressed cats may lick for comfort. When they over-groom, it often causes hair loss or bare patches on their body, which can lead to sunburn, skin wounds, infections, and even hairball issues or digestive problems.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the signs, common causes, and how we can stop overgrooming in cats.

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Content:

1. Signs of Overgrooming in Cats
2. Why Is My Cat Overgrooming
3. How to Stop Overgrooming in Cats
4. Conclusion

Signs of Overgrooming in Cats

If your cat is overgrooming, you might spot a patch of sparse or missing fur - oftentimes found on the foreleg, belly, or inner thigh. In more serious cases, the skin may look red, sore, or even damaged. You may catch your cat grooming constantly, or biting and chewing at their fur, and it can be hard to distract them from it.

To help keep your feline friend hydrated and healthy, the Petcube Fountain would be a great addition to their space. It purifies water, preventing harmful elements such as bacteria, parasites, and pathogens. Having it prevents issues such as overgrooming down the line.

Why Is My Cat Overgrooming

Why do cats over-groom?

Over-grooming in cats can be caused by a few main issues:

• Skin issues

Often due to:

• fleas (flea allergy) — may manifest as an irritation at the tail’s base

• ear mites

• scabbing or hair loss at the ears or neck

• food sensitivities

• environmental allergens.

• Pain

According to Tom Kirby, certified animal behaviorist, “a lot of times, they would overgroom in an area where there is internal pain, and it can be a realk indicator as to where the pain is focused.”

Conditions like feline lower urinary tract disease can lead to focused grooming in the areas where it hurts, such as the belly or thighs. Another possible reason is feline hyperesthesia - a rare condition causing twitchy skin and sudden, intense grooming.

• Stress or boredom

Because grooming releases feel good hormones called endorphins, cats have a tendency to groom themselves to self-soothe. If it becomes obsessive, stress or boredom may be the root cause. For instance, if you notice your cat overgrooming when you moved houses or have a new pet perhaps, their behavior may be due to stress. Meanwhile, if your cat is left alone for longh periods of time without stimulation, they may be overgrooming due to boredom.

How to Stop Overgrooming in Cats

On a Reddit discussion under r/CatAdvice, a Redditor with experience in this area due to her anxiety-prone cat shares some tips to help stop overgrooming in cats:

• Puzzle feeders
  She shares that puzzle feeders are a big help for cats who overgroom due to boredom or anxiety since it provides enrichment

• Interactive toys
  Notice what your cat’s prey preference is and choose toys based on this. Providing toys based on your cat’s individual taste are good for mental/physical stimulation.

• Feliway spray
  The Feliway spray can be effective in relieving stress, especially in changes such as moving houses, furniture, or having a new pet or person at home.

Note that treatment would depend on the cause, so consulting with your vet is highly recommended. If it’s medical-related, your vet can provide you with treatment options. If stress is the likely cause, they may suggest ways to help your cat relax and might refer you to a qualified behaviorist to identify and manage the stress triggers.

To ensure that our cats are safe and healthy, monitoring and addressing issues are important. Meanwhile, having an emergency fund such as the Petcube Emergency Fund may go a long way in the event of unexpected emergencies. With a subscription, you can get $3000 in an emergency in a few easy steps.

Conclusion

Grooming in cats is normal, but when done excessively, it may indicate a medical or behavioral issue, When it comes to overgrooming, understanding the cause is the first step. Then, with guidance from your vet and a few positive changes at home, your feline friend can feel better. With the right care and support, most cats can recover from overgrooming and return to their happy, healthy selves.