Cats are well known for being clean creatures, but when does healthy grooming become excessive? Let’s take a look at the signs of overgrooming in cats.
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How much grooming is normal?
How much grooming is ‘normal’ will vary from cat to cat. Some cats prefer to groom in private, so the amount of grooming each owner witnesses will also vary. All cats groom daily, to keep their coats clean and healthy, and to distribute scent. Cats also use grooming to relax or soothe themselves, as grooming releases endorphins (or happy chemicals) in the body.
Grooming becomes excessive when these needs are met, and yet the cat keeps grooming. You may notice your cat constantly licking, nibbling or biting at themselves; or more often than usual.
What are the signs of over-grooming in cats?
So, how can you tell if your cat is over-grooming? The most obvious sign is to actually see them grooming excessively. The other symptoms of over-grooming will vary, depending on the severity. You may notice a combination of:
- Bald patches
- Areas of broken, or sparse, hair
- Saliva staining on the fur (usually a pink or brown tinge)
- Bringing up fur balls
- Sore patches of skin (red and/or moist)
The signs will also depend on the underlying cause for the over-grooming.
Why is my cat over-grooming?
There are many possible reasons for over-grooming in cats, some more serious than others. Possible causes of over-grooming in cats include:
Itchy skin
Due to parasites (fleas or mites) or skin allergies. In fact, an allergy to flea bites (the flea’s saliva to be precise) is probably the most common cause of overgrooming in cats.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
This is a painful condition where the bladder becomes inflamed. Cats with FLUTD will often overgroom their belly, over their bladder area, in an attempt to soothe the discomfort.
Pain
For example, from arthritis. Cats will often groom over a particular joint or area of discomfort. If they can’t reach the area, they may over-groom elsewhere instead.
Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome
This is a fairly rare condition causing a variety of symptoms such as twitching, strange behaviours and self-harm.
Stress
Such as a new baby, building work, moving house, or even a simple change in routine can cause some cats to experience stress.
It’s important that you take your cat to a vet if they are over-grooming, so they can diagnose the problem and tailor an appropriate treatment plan for your pet. After performing a physical exam, they may suggest trialling some treatment initially, or they may advise further testing. This could include skin scrapes or a urine sample.
How do I get my cat to stop over-grooming?
If your cat is grooming a little more than usual and they aren’t up-to-date with their flea preventatives, then you could try using a
However, if the self-grooming continues, is more than very mild, or if you can see any bald patches or red/sore skin, then you should always take your cat to a vet for diagnosis and treatment. It is not appropriate to try to stop your cat from over-grooming without seeking the advice of your vet, since you won’t be treating the underlying cause.
Treatment for over-grooming can include:
- Flea/mite treatment
- Medicine to reduce the itch and inflammation
- Allergy treatment
- Treatment for FLUTD
- An Elizabethan collar
- Stress management or medication
- Referral to a clinical behaviourist.
Your vet will tailor a treatment plan to your cat’s diagnosis and symptoms.
Over-grooming is common in cats and is usually easy to treat, if it is caught early
The more your cat grooms, the itchier their skin actually becomes, and so begins a vicious cycle! Your cat may also become poorly over time, if there is actually an underlying medical cause for the overgrooming which goes untreated. So, if you have any concerns about your cat’s skin, you should book a consult with your vet as soon as possible!
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