Cats and Overgrooming: Signs, Causes and Care Tips

Cats are naturally fastidious creatures, dedicating a significant portion of their waking hours to grooming their coats meticulously. On average, they may spend up to half of their awake time licking and caring for their fur, which is a normal and essential behaviour for maintaining cleanliness and skin health.

However, when grooming becomes excessive beyond this typical behaviour, it may signal overgrooming, a condition that can lead to hair loss, skin irritation, and underlying health or behavioural issues that require attention.

Because cats groom so often as a normal habit, recognising when your cat crosses into overgrooming territory can be challenging. This article explores how to identify overgrooming and outlines common causes, helping you ensure your cat remains comfortable and healthy.

How much time do cats normally spend grooming themselves?

Cats usually sleep between twelve and sixteen hours a day, splitting the remainder of their time between activity and rest. During their waking hours, some cats may spend several hours each day grooming their fur, although this is generally at the higher end of the spectrum. Many cats groom less, but all spend a significant time maintaining their coats.

So, if it seems like your cat is frequently washing in your presence, it doesn't automatically mean they are overgrooming – it might just be their usual routine.

Recognising signs of overgrooming in cats

Overgrooming often manifests through several noticeable signs, especially when they appear together. If your cat suddenly starts intensively grooming a particular spot or appears to be pulling out tufts of fur, these are clear warning signs. You might also observe bald or thinning patches in their coat.

Other indicators include:

• Fur damp from excessive licking
• Clusters of hairballs due to frequent grooming
• Restlessness or sudden grooming bouts suggesting skin irritation
• Changes in skin appearance such as redness, irritation, or sores

Spotting these early allows for timely intervention to prevent discomfort or further health issues.

Common causes of excessive grooming

Understanding why your cat is overgrooming is crucial to addressing the problem effectively. Here are the main reasons:

1. Parasitic infections

Fleas are a frequent culprit causing itching and irritation. Cats can develop a hypersensitivity to flea bites, resulting in intense itching and excessive licking. Other pests like ear mites may similarly provoke discomfort and overgrooming.

2. Reactions to topical medications

Flea treatments such as spot-ons, sprays, or powders sometimes irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions, leading your cat to lick and groom excessively to remove the substance.

3. Dermatitis and other skin conditions

Sores, inflammation, or infections caused by dermatitis or fungal infections can result in itchy, sore skin, prompting persistent grooming. Regular skin checks can help catch these early.

4. Allergies

Allergies to food ingredients, environmental allergens such as pollen or dust, or contact allergens can cause skin irritation, prompting overgrooming.

5. Alopecia and hair loss conditions

Medical conditions causing painless hair loss, including alopecia, lead to bald patches and shedding. This loose hair can irritate the cat’s skin, resulting in more grooming.

6. Immune and hormonal disorders

Certain health issues affecting the immune system or hormones can impact skin quality and cause itchiness, leading to overgrooming behaviours.

7. Stress, anxiety and behavioural triggers

Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment or routine. Stress from moving home, new pets or people, lack of stimulation, or anxiety can cause behavioural issues such as overgrooming, often likened to a coping mechanism.

What to do if your cat is overgrooming

If you suspect your cat is overgrooming, a veterinary consultation is essential. The vet may perform physical examinations, skin scrapings, allergy tests, or blood work to identify medical causes. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and relief.

Alongside medical treatment, consider enriching your cat's environment with interactive toys, safe hiding spots, and regular play to reduce anxiety. Pheromone diffusers designed for cats can also help soothe stressed felines.

Responsible pet ownership involves monitoring your cat's grooming habits, responding promptly to changes and working closely with veterinary professionals to ensure your cat's wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat lick itself so much?

Quick Answer: Cats groom to keep clean, but excessive licking can indicate skin irritation, parasites, allergies or stress.

Normal grooming can become excessive due to a medical problem or psychological stress. Identifying the root cause with your vet’s help is important to restore comfort.

How can I stop my cat from overgrooming?

Quick Answer: Address medical issues and provide a stress-free environment with enrichment and veterinary advice.

Treatment may include flea control, allergy management, or behavioural therapy. Environmental enrichment and pheromone products can reduce stress-driven grooming.

When should I worry about my cat’s grooming?

Quick Answer: Worry if there are bald spots, skin sores, excessive hairballs, or if grooming disrupts normal behaviour.

Any sudden increase in grooming frequency or skin damage warrants a vet visit to rule out underlying causes and prevent worsening conditions.

Can stress cause a cat to groom excessively?

Quick Answer: Yes, stress and anxiety are common causes of overgrooming in cats.

Stress factors such as changes in household members, environment, or routine often trigger this behaviour. Reducing stressors and increasing environmental enrichment can help.