Why does my cat groom itself excessively?

Does your cat lick itself continually? Does your cat have patches of fur lacking or hair loss? If that’s the case, your cat could be grooming excessively. Right here we’ll talk about the way to spot indicators of extreme grooming, what could be inflicting your cat to over groom itself and the way to cease it.

Indicators to look out for

There are a number of key indicators to look out for when you suspect your cat is over-grooming. Make sure to observe your cat and see:

• Any hair loss or patches of fur lacking?
• Is any space of your cat’s pores and skin uncooked or irritated?
• Are they licking, biting or scratching a selected space of their physique obsessively?

For those who discover any of those indicators, it’s essential to schedule a visit to the vet to rule out any well being situations. Extreme self-grooming, often known as hyperesthesia or psychogenic alopecia, is usually a signal of hysteria or stress in cats. Now let’s assist your cat out!

The way to cease extreme grooming in cats

Extreme grooming is usually a results of a wide range of points however is often related to pores and skin situations, underlying well being issues and nervousness or stress.

Overgrooming attributable to a pores and skin situation

Pores and skin situations can lead to fixed scratching, licking, biting and overgrooming. Begin with a visit to the vet for remedy. In some instances, extreme grooming is usually a signal of an underlying well being situation. Your veterinarian might prescribe medicine or suggest a change in food regimen. In case your veterinarian determines that your cat is wholesome, then think about behavioral causes in your cat’s grooming obsession.

Over grooming attributable to nervousness/stress

For those who suppose extreme grooming is because of nervousness or stress, there are some things you are able to do to assist your cat and scale back stress the place attainable. Begin by analyzing your atmosphere. Is it loud and hectic? Does your cat have locations to cover if they need? Are there different animals within the residence? Has something modified, like a brand new home, new child, new important different? If that’s the case, your cat could also be wired in regards to the atmosphere.

Begin by making a serene atmosphere in your cat. Ensure your cat has locations the place they’ll disguise, like a closet or spare bed room. Preserve the noises down. By no means punish your cat as this might make the issue worse (and it doesn’t work!) – you’ll simply trigger extra stress and break the bond you’ve got together with your cat.

In some instances, boredom in cats could cause nervousness and stress. Take into account whether or not or not your cat is bored or affected by separation nervousness. Make sure that they’ve loads of toys and play time with you to launch pent up vitality. Playtime is a superb bonding expertise for you and your cat.

Grooming is a vital a part of cats’ lives, but when it turns into extreme, it needs to be addressed together with your veterinarian first. If well being points are dominated out, think about your pet’s psychological well being and take the required step as outlined above to right the conduct. In case your cat continues to be having points, think about consulting with a cat behavioral therapist.