TOP TIPS FOR OVERGROOMING

Overgrooming in cats can be visible as excessive licking, chewing, or pulling out fur from a particular part of the body. For instance, this may be most noticeable in a specific area, such as on the belly, legs, or on their side or flank. Overgrooming can lead to bald patches, damaged skin, or thinning hair, and you can often feel if a cat has been overgrooming as their fur will feel spiky, brought about by broken hairs.

Observing your cat’s grooming habits and looking for changes in their coat or skin condition is important for looking after their overall well-being. If you notice any changes in their grooming habits, consulting a veterinarian is essential to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Where overgrooming is stress-related, a FELIWAY® Diffuser can be an effective solution, helping your cat to feel safe and secure.

To stop a cat from overgrooming, it’s important to first identify and address the underlying cause. Take your cat to a veterinarian so they can be checked for any medical reasons for overgrooming, such as parasites or skin discomfort. If your cat’s overgrooming is stress-related, this could be due to a change in their routine. Try to revert to a consistent routine as much as possible, for instance with a regular feeding schedule and playtime. Creating a calm and secure environment – assisted by a FELIWAY® Diffuser– can also help.

Yes, cats can often overgroom when stressed, using grooming as a self-soothing behaviour to cope with their anxiety. Causes for this stress can often include changes in the environment, such as new furniture, moving to a new home, the addition of a new pet or family member, or changes in the household routine. Identifying and reducing these stressors, providing a stable environment, and offering plenty of enrichment activities can all help alleviate overgrooming behaviour.

This being said, parasites, skin conditions, and pain may all be more common reasons for cats to overgroom. It’s important to speak to a veterinarian to establish the underlying cause and to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

Overgrooming can be a common sign that a cat has a skin problem, a parasite, or is experiencing discomfort, but this is not necessarily always the cause of overgrooming. Other causes can include emotional distress brought on by changes in the home or in their routine or having another pet nearby. If you are concerned your cat is overgrooming, whether due to sickness or otherwise, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. A professional assessment can help identify any medical or emotional issues, allowing for appropriate treatment to address your cat’s specific needs.