Reasons Why Cats Overgroom And How To Stop Your Cat
Excessive grooming can respond to changes in your cat’s environment they’re struggling to come to terms with. These are some of the most common causes of cat overgrooming.
Your cat is naturally on a mission to keep their coat clean, sometimes spending up to 50% of their waking time self-grooming. But sometimes, their behavior can take a turn into excessive cat grooming. Find out why this happens and how to help your cat.
What is cat over-grooming?
Cat overgrooming occurs when your kitty starts grooming excessively – licking their fur so much that it causes skin inflammation, sores, or hair loss. In extreme cases, a cat might even begin to bite areas of skin. Sometimes, you will notice your cat overgrooms, damage to the skin, or a patchy coat. Still, in other cases, you may find evidence of overgrooming, such as clumps of hair behind the sofa.
Why Do Cats Over Groom?
The pervasive type of stress that usually causes psychogenic alopecia is likely to be chronic and consists of several combined stressors, such as permanent changes in the routine and environment. This could include the absence of a specific family member because of death, divorce, longer work hours, vacation, or departure for college, in addition to:
The arrival of a new furry or human family member
Moving to a new apartment or house
Rearranging some or all of the furniture
Moving the litter box to another location
Lack of environmental enrichment for the kitty
Living in a chaotic household
Other cats may overgroom because of medical reasons. For example, if something is causing your cat to be itchy, it may overgroom to relieve the itch. If your cat is exhibiting allergic reactions, it could be due to food, fleas, or other environmental factors. Analyze any recent changes in their diet or surroundings that could have caused this behavior. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from allergies, it is advisable to consult a specialized veterinary dermatologist who can conduct tests to identify the root cause of the issue.
How to Stop Your Cat Overgrooming (and Prevent)
When tackling cat overgrooming due to stress-related behaviors, addressing the root causes of stress is essential. Here’s a guide to help you without sounding like AI-generated content:
Identify and Eliminate Stressors:
Take some time to think deeply, as stressors aren’t always obvious. Try to see the world from your cat’s perspective and pinpoint triggers such as environmental factors, interactions with people and other pets, boredom, the presence of outside or stray cats, recent changes, and more.
Offer Environmental Stimulation:
Enhance your cat’s environment with engaging activities like interactive playtime, foraging adventures, food puzzles, comfortable resting spots, hidden nooks, opportunities to climb cat trees, and secure outdoor play areas.
Stick to a Consistent Routine:
Cats thrive on routine, so establish a daily feeding and play session schedule. Consistency provides a sense of security for your feline friend.
Ensure Abundant Resources:
Provide your cat with various resources, including fresh water, food, clean litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, occasional treats, vertical spaces to explore, and cozy sleeping spots.
Introduce Changes Gradually:
When making alterations to your home environment, do so incrementally. For example, if you rearrange furniture, tackle one piece at a time and wait about a week before making the following change. If you’ve moved to a new home, give your cat a week of confinement with all the necessary resources before introducing them to the rest of the house.
Avoid Punishment:
Never punish your cat for overgrooming; it will only increase stress and harm your bond. Instead, redirect their anxious energy with interactive play or mentally stimulating activities.
Leave Your Scent:
If your presence reassures your cat, leave them with an item of clothing that carries your scent when you’re not around. This can help them feel more secure.
Consider Synthetic Pheromones:
Synthetic pheromones mimic cats’ facial pheromones to mark territory and stay calm. Using these products can help reduce anxiety.
Explore Anti-Anxiety Medication:
In cases where behavioral techniques alone are insufficient, consider discussing anti-anxiety medication with a veterinary behaviorist or veterinarian. These medications can complement behavior modification efforts. Once the overgrooming subsides, a gradual weaning-off process may be possible.
It’s important to note that addressing overgrooming rooted in behavioral causes may not guarantee a permanent solution. If the issue resurfaces, it could signal renewed stress, necessitating a reevaluation of potential triggers and treatment adjustments.
If you cannot identify and resolve the overgrooming issue independently, seeking guidance from a certified feline training and behavior consultant or a veterinary behaviorist can be beneficial. They can assist in identifying triggers and developing a comprehensive plan to alleviate your cat’s overall stress and anxiety.
FAQs
Why does my cat overgroom?
There are various reasons your cats overgrooms, including stress, underlying medical conditions, allergies, or skin irritation. To assist with skin irritation, why not try an oatmeal bath for your cat.
How can I tell if my cat is overgrooming?
Cat grooming themselves
Look out for bald patches, thinning fur, or skin irritation on your cat, as these could be signs of overgrooming.
When should I take my cat to the vet for overgrooming?
If you notice excessive hair loss, bald patches, or suspect an underlying medical condition, it's important to consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are some common medical reasons of overgrooming in cats?
Cats can overgroom due to allergies, hyperthyroidism, or other underlying medical conditions, so it's important to have your cat examined by a vet to rule out any health issues.
How can I help soothe my cat's overgrooming behavior?
Using products like Feliway or creating a calm environment can help soothe your cat's stress and reduce overgrooming behavior.
What are some tips to help prevent my cat from overgrooming?
Providing mental and physical stimulation, reducing stress, and ensuring proper grooming habits can help prevent your cat from excessive grooming.
Should I be concerned if my kitty is constantly overgrooming?
Yes, consistent overgrooming could indicate an underlying issue, so it's important to monitor your cat's behavior and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
What can I do if I think my cat's overgrooming is due to stress?
If your cat is stressed, creating a stress-free environment, providing a routine, and using pheromone products can help alleviate your cat's stress and reduce overgrooming.
Can overgrooming in cats lead to hair loss?
Yes, excessive overgrooming can lead to bald patches and hair loss, especially if it's a result of a behavioral or medical issue.
How do I know if my cat needs medical attention for overgrooming?
If you notice bald patches, persistent overgrooming, or suspect an underlying medical condition, it's vital to seek veterinary care to address the issue.
