Cats are inherently clean animals, but they are also very sensitive to changes in their environment.
When a kitty feels stressed, the first thing she usually does is begin over-grooming, which is a habit that is hard to break. There are many reasons why cats over-groom. Stress, boredom, and anxiety are common reasons. It’s also common to see seasonal changes also contribute to over-groom. Let’s look at the reasons why cats over-groom and what we can do to help our cats.
Signs of Over Grooming
Hair loss and skin irritation are the most typical indicators of overgrooming. The abdomen, legs, flank, and chest are the most commonly affected areas since they are the easiest to access.
Causes
Cats may groom excessively due to medical reasons. Food allergies and other aspects of their environment can cause allergies in cats. Take into account any recent dietary or environmental changes that may have influenced your cat’s behaviour. If you suspect your cat has an allergy, schedule an appointment with a qualified veterinary dermatologist.
Psychological Reasons
If your veterinarian can’t uncover an underlying medical or environmental cause, your cat could be diagnosed with psychogenic alopecia, a compulsive disorder caused by stress or worry. Self-grooming is incredibly relaxing for cats.
How you can help your cat
Never punish your cat
Never punish your cat for their misbehaviour, since this will only add to your stress and harm your relationship. If you observe your cat grooming excessively, try to divert their attention by encouraging them to play with you. This can help reduce any tension they may be experiencing while also strengthening your bond. When you’re around, your cat is less likely to overgroom. So when you’re leaving them alone, make sure they have their favourite toys around.
Remove the source of stress
Did you know that cats aren’t fond of change? Moving, decorating, or introducing a new pet or family member, as well as being alone at home with nothing to do, can all cause stress for your cat. If you’re making modifications around your house, start small and work your way up. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s best to confine your cat to a single room for a while. Slowly introduce them to other parts of the house.
Cat food
The placement of our cat’s resources might sometimes be stressful. If your cat’s feeding bowl is in a common area, your cat may become too anxious when visitors come over. If your cat’s litter box is near the dryer or washer, he or she may be scared to use it. All of your cat’s essential supplies should ideally be kept in quiet, easy-to-reach locations.
Medications
There are a variety of non-medication solutions for relaxing your cat and reducing overgrooming. Medication, on the other hand, is occasionally required. This is especially true in instances where there is no way to prevent stress, such as a new infant in the house or an inevitable shift in routine. Your cat may need medical attention.