Has your cat been licking her fur more than usual? Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, with frequent licking and grooming throughout the day. But if you have noticed your cat overgrooming, you may be concerned that an underlying condition has caused this new behavior.
Cats can begin overgrooming for several reasons, including physical and psychological ones. If you’re concerned, or if your cat’s overgrooming is accompanied by other new behaviors, it may be worth a trip to the vet.
What Is Considered Overgrooming in Cats?
Grooming is a normal and healthy behavior in cats. Felines lick their fur to remove dirt and debris, regulate their body temperature, and spread natural oils across the skin. Some reports estimate that cats spend as much as 50% of their awake time grooming themselves.
Keeping an eye on your cat’s grooming habits is a good way to understand their overall health. For example, when a cat does not feel well, they may stop grooming as often as normal. But overgrooming can also be a sign that something is wrong.
“Overgrooming” is the term for excessive self-grooming or self-bathing in cats. If your cat has started overgrooming, you may notice signs like:
- Bald spots or visible hair loss
- Scabs, sores, or other skin issues
- Increased hairballs
- Non-stop licking or scratching
You may also simply see them licking themself more often than normal. They may be sleeping less because they spend more time grooming.
Common Causes of Cats Overgrooming
Cats have excellent hygiene, and bathing a cat yourself is rarely necessary. But in some cases, a cat’s grooming behaviors can be cause for concern.
Why is your cat overgrooming? These are a few potential causes.
1. Stress or Changes to the Environment
The most common reason cats overgroom themselves is in response to stress. They may not actually feel that their fur is dirty or that they need to clean themselves. Instead, the behavior is compulsory due to stress in their lives. Licking and grooming can release endorphins for cats, which helps relieve anxiety.
Cats often become stressed due to changes in their environment. Consider whether any of these changes recently occurred in your household:
- You brought home a new pet.
- You moved your cat’s litter box or changed the type of box or litter.
- You added or lost a household member.
- You rearranged the furniture.
Cats can become stressed by seemingly small changes to their environment. In many cases, their stress will subside with time as they adapt to the change. But if your cat continues to show signs of anxiety, you may want to speak with your vet about your options.
Other signs that your cat is stressed may include:
- Hiding
- Excessive vocalizing
- Changes in appetite
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Aggression
2. Allergies or Excessive Itching
Another reason why cats overgroom is that their skin is itchy or irritated. This is sometimes due to allergies.
Cats can experience allergic dermatitis due to a wide range of irritants, including food, fleas, and environmental factors. They can even develop allergies late in life to irritants they were not previously allergic to.
Your vet may recommend testing to determine whether your cat has developed a new allergy. This can help them determine the right treatment to stop your cat’s overgrooming.
3. Skin Conditions
Cats can experience intense itching and irritation due to several skin conditions aside from allergic dermatitis. If you have noticed your kitty overgrooming, their skin may be irritated due to a condition like:
- Ringworm
- A wound on the skin
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Fleas
A vet visit is necessary to determine whether a skin condition is irritating your cat and, if so, identify the correct treatment.
4. Hyperthyroidism
In some cases, overgrooming may be due to hyperthyroidism. This is a hormonal disorder caused by an overactive thyroid gland, usually from a benign tumor. It affects older cats more often than younger ones, and genetics may also play a role in its development.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to hyperactivity in cats, which may include eating, sleeping, playing, and grooming more than usual. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss despite always acting hungry
- Unexplained vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased urination
If your cat is experiencing hyperthyroidism, you will likely notice more symptoms than just overgrooming. Vets diagnose this condition through a physical exam and blood tests.
5. Boredom
Finally, cats can sometimes begin overgrooming if they are bored or do not receive enough stimulation from their environment. This may be more likely in younger cats with higher energy levels. Providing your cat with plenty of play time and stimulating activities can help them avoid overgrooming due to boredom.
How Veterinary Care Helps Your Furry Friend Keep Their Tail Wagging
Your pet is a valued member of your family, and their health and well-being are of the utmost importance. Both dogs and cats can experience a wide range of health concerns throughout their lifespans, even if you do everything right. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted Manhattan veterinarian on call when your pet isn’t feeling like themself.
A veterinarian in Manhattan can diagnose the reason behind new symptoms or behaviors in your pet, such as excessive grooming, potty accidents, or lethargy. They can create a treatment plan that considers your pet’s overall health, breed, and other important factors, giving your furry friend the best chance of returning to their happy, tail-wagging self.
Schedule an Appointment With Hudson Animal Hospital Today
If you have noticed your cat overgrooming, this is likely not the only new behavior they are exhibiting. Looking for other symptoms or signs your cat may be sick can help you nail down the reason for the excessive grooming behavior. But it’s also important to take your cat to a vet to rule out more serious concerns and determine the right course of action.
Hudson Animal Hospital provides compassionate animal care in the Manhattan area. Whether you need help addressing excessive grooming in cats or hot spots on your dog’s paws, give us a call today at 212-706-4088 to schedule an appointment.