Most cat owners may be well aware that their cats love licking
and grooming themselves. But they're so secretive, it may be
difficult to realize the extent to which they groom. Cynthia
McManis, D.V.M., the owner of Just Cats Veterinary Services, told
WebVet that grooming can take up around 50 percent of a cat's
time awake each day.
Why do cats groom themselves so extensively?
The reason that cats spend so much time on their grooming isn't
just to look good for you - it's an important part of their
hygiene. Experts suspect that cats ensure that their bodies are
food- and odor-free by licking themselves to keep potential
predators away. Although indoor cats don't have any reason to
worry about predators sniffing them out, this instinctual habit
has survived.Additionally, grooming and licking help
cats regulate body temperature. McManis explained that when
cats want to cool down, they need to rely on saliva evaporating
from their fur because most of their body doesn't sweat. To
keep warm, they can adjust the amount of natural body oils on
their skin to insulate their natural warmth. Grooming can also
assist blood flow, have medicinal properties, be meditative and
show friendship when done to another cats.
How much is too much?
Even though 50 percent of a cat's day is an enormous chunk of
time, it's only an average. Some cats can go overboard with their
grooming and spend even more time licking their hair.
Overgrooming is a serious concern and can be a sign of several
other conditions.William Miller, V.M.D., a
professor Cornell University's College of Veterinary
Medicine, explained on his school's website that
overgrooming or licking is most
commonly due to itchiness or pain
. While cats can't express their feelings as articulately as
humans, their licking may be revealing how they feel. Miller
advised that concentrated licking, especially around the anus or
spine, may be a sign of pain. On the other hand, itchiness can be
spread throughout more of the body. Allergies, fleas and skin
damage are common causes of feline itchiness.This excessive,
irregular licking may lead to hair loss, which is a clear warning
sign that your cat may need your help. In addition to whatever
issue is leading your cat to lick more, the bald skin leaves your
feline friend in potential danger, Miller explained."Bald skin is
more prone to sunburn, frostbite or other environmental insults,"
Miller said. "As long as the licking doesn't break the skin's
surface, no infection will occur. If the cat gets more passionate
about licking and abrades the skin surface [with its rough
tongue], infection can occur. Infection will intensify the
licking and a vicious cycle will be set up, resulting in a
serious infection."Some cats don't overgroom because of physical
problems, but rather as a way to deal with emotional
issues. Psychogenic alopecia is a feline psychological
disorder where cats lick themselves to the point of baldness due
to stress. Usually, cats feel displacement or stress and develop
psychogenic alopecia because grooming releases endorphins, making
it a soothing, relaxing activity. Moving, getting a new cat,
death of a family member, boring or small environments, and
change in litter box location are all potential causes of this
psychological condition.Some cats can be helped through
environmental enrichment, cat expert Pam Johnson-Bennett
explained on her website. While others may need certain
medications or additional treatments that require a
veterinarian visit.Although it can be hard to keep an eye on your
furry feline friend at all times, if you notice excessive licking
or hair loss, you should consider a veterinary consultation. It
can be a sign of anything from parasites or a urinary infection
to psychological distress.
How to Stop Your Cat From Over-Grooming?
If your cat's in the habit of over-grooming himself, you will
notice patches of sparse or broken hair, complete loss of hair in
certain areas and occasional damage to the skin. In extreme
cases, your cat might bite or chew at its tail or feet, causing
trauma that might necessitate partial amputation. If your cat is
affected, he might pluck, chew or bite areas of skin or hair and
the behavior can be quite difficult to interrupt.
Is it stress
related?
Most of the over-grooming cases in cats are caused by a pain or
skin problem. However, a lot of the cases have a major stress
component. Cats tend to groom themselves to feel better in
anxious or stressful situations. It can become a compulsive
behavior if it is performed frequently and out of context,
disrupting normal activity.A lot of oriental breeds are prone to
developing stress-related problems and end up plucking their fur,
but there has been no conclusive evidence on it so far. Your cat
will groom any part of his body that he can reach with his
tongue. The most commonly affected areas are the belly, the legs,
the inside of the rear legs and across the lower torso.
Could it be a sign of
illness?
There are a lot of diseases that lead to over-grooming, quite
often in response to pain or intense itching. The most common
cause is hypersensitivity to the saliva of fleas. Cats can also
develop skin conditions in response to substances in the
environment or in their diet. If fleas are the problem, use
medication or a topical
cream
to get rid of the fleas.Cats with a urinary tract infection
experience a lot of discomfort and pain in the bladder. They
might end up over-grooming in the area where the pain is
localized. The most common presentation is a bald patch on the
lower belly, around the genitals or on the inside of the
thighs.Hyperaesthesia is another possible cause. This condition
is poorly understood and often manifests itself in a number of
bizarre behaviors like skin twitching and random bouts of
self-mutilation and intense grooming, often of the tail and the
hind feet. There are many other probable causes behind
over-grooming and your vet will be able to carry out the
necessary tests, figure out the underlying cause and prescribe
appropriate treatment.
What should you do if your cat
is over-grooming?
As with any other sign of illness or behavioral problem, you must
consult with your vet as soon as possible. He/she will treat your
cat for the medical condition or refer you to an animal
behaviorist who will be able to identify and address the
stressors that may have exacerbated or triggered the problem.
