Excessive Grooming In Cats

Excessive grooming in cats is something that may seem harmless at first but in fact is very bad for the cat. It is a stress-related condition that is a little like self-mutilation or obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans. It can result in physical problems such as skin disorders but primarily it is a sign that the cat needs help and you should talk to your vet right away to see what can be done for your pet.

As you might expect, over-grooming usually starts with a stressful event, which is often a big change in your life too. This may be something like a new pet in the household, a move, a new baby, or something that means that you are around a lot less than you used to be. Normal grooming is pleasant and relaxing for the cat, like a massage. So when they feel stressed about anything, cats will tend to perform this activity to excess, constantly licking or pulling out fur, resulting in bald patches on the legs.

Sometimes over-grooming is not caused by stress but by skin irritations, allergies, ringworm or parasites such as fleas and mites. Either way, you should see your vet right away because either the physical cause or the stress will need to be treated. The longer the habit of over-grooming continues, the harder it will be for the cat to stop. Also, the constant licking at fur is very likely to cause hairballs in the cat’s stomach which can interfere with digestion and cause discomfort for the cat.

If your cat’s constant grooming is caused by stress, there are several things that you can do to help your pet get over it. You may be able to make changes in the house or in your life that will put things back to normal for your cat. Spending more time with the cat will help him adjust to most of the major changes that may have happened. When you see him licking and biting at his fur, don’t scold him but stroke him or talk gently to him.

Playing with the cat and encouraging him to take an interest in toys instead of in his own coat can help too. Take him with you when you go someplace if you can. If you have to leave him in the house when you are not home, think about leaving a cat video playing, put him in a room where he can easily watch out the window, or get a fish tank to keep him entertained.

Your veterinarian may also recommend medications to help relieve your cat’s stress and help him get over the constant grooming. It is possible to get anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds for pets and a course of these will help your cat to break his self-destructive habit. Excessive grooming in cats should not be ignored so do not hesitate about seeking treatment for your pet.

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