Cats are very clean creatures, which means they're constantly grooming themselves to keep their pristine coats. However, if you notice your cat grooming themselves more than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying physical or psychological issue. Our Powder Springs vets explain why cats overgroom and what you can do to stop it.
What Is Overgrooming in Cats?
Overgrooming is when cats spend an unusually large amount of time grooming themselves. When cats groom themselves too much, it can lead to fur loss and skin sores.
When cats lick themselves, natural neurotransmitters (endorphins) made by the brain get released. These endorphins make the self-grooming sensation feel comforting to your cat. Therefore, if your kitty is stressed, they may try to comfort themselves by grooming.
Lots of cat owners say they don't catch their cats excessively grooming, but this could be because their cats feel comfortable with them there and don't feel the need to obsessively groom. However, when the owners leave the room the cat may start grooming again.
If you catch your kitty overgrooming, don't punish them, this will only make your cat feel more stressed and could make the issue worse.
Causes of Overgrooming in Cats
Cats may overgroom for both physiological and medical reasons.
Stress is the most common cause of overgrooming in cats. The type of stress that results in psychogenic alopecia is most likely chronic and caused by various stressors like a permanent change in your cat's environment and routine. Other stressors that could be triggering your cat's excessive grooming include:
- Being in a chaotic household
- The rearrangement of furniture
- A family member moving away or being gone for longer hours
- Kitty litter being moved
- A new animal in the home
- Moving to a new home
- A death in the family
Your kitty may also be overgrooming for medical reasons such as:
- Trying to relieve an itch
- An allergy to their food, fleas, or something in their environment
- A wound on their skin
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Ringworm
- Hyperthyroidism
Try to evaluate any changes you have made to your cat's food or environment to determine why they may be overgrooming. If you think their increase in grooming is the result of an allergy, contact your vet or a veterinary dermatologist who will be able to test your cat for any allergies.
Signs Your Cat is Overgrooming
If your cat is excessively grooming, you will notice a stripe or line that resembles a cat buzzcut on your cat's body. However, these overgrooming marks are most often found on a cat's belly, at the base of their tail, on the foreleg, and inner thigh. If your cat's grooming habit is serious, its skin may also be sore, red, or/and damaged.
How To Stop Your Cat From Overgrooming
Prioritize taking your cat to the vet for an examination if they overgroom. At your cat's appointment, your vet may conduct a series of tests to find the source of your pet's grooming, such as a complete physical examination, a skin biopsy, or other laboratory tests. The treatment your vet prescribes will depend on your pet's specific condition.
While you wait for your appointment, try to figure out if there is anything that could be making your cat anxious and eliminate the stressor. If you find the stressor, remove it from your cat's environment, and your kitty's excessive grooming may gradually go away. Your veterinarian can offer tips on how you can eliminate the source of your cat's stress.
It's also vital to know that this is not always a permanent cure. Your cat's overgrooming habits could resurface at any time, this could be a sign that your kitty is stressed again. Try to be attentive to your cat's surroundings and what comforts they need to live happy and content lives.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.