6 Reasons Why Your Cat Might Not Groom Themselves

Cats are famously fastidious creatures, often spending a large portion of their day grooming to keep their coats clean, healthy, and shiny. Seeing a cat that neglects its grooming is unusual and can be worrying for any owner. In this article, we explore six common reasons why your cat might stop grooming themselves and offer guidance on how to assess and support your feline companion.

1. Your Cat Never Learned Proper Grooming

A kitten’s first weeks with their mother are crucial for learning essential behaviours, including grooming. Usually, a queen (mother cat) grooms her kittens initially and encourages them to groom themselves as they grow. However, kittens weaned too early or hand-reared without feline company may not have learned grooming properly. Some may pick up the habit by observing other cats later, but others struggle to groom effectively.

If you suspect this is the case with your cat, patience and gentle encouragement can help. Using grooming gloves or brushes to assist in regular grooming can compensate for lack of self-grooming skills.

2. Joint Problems and Arthritis

Older cats often develop joint stiffness or arthritis, making movement painful and limiting their flexibility. This discomfort can make it difficult for a cat to reach certain body areas to groom. You might notice your cat becoming less active, moving more cautiously, or showing reluctance to climb or jump, alongside poor grooming.

If you recognise these signs, it is essential to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Treatment options, including pain relief and joint support supplements, can improve your cat’s comfort and encourage grooming.

3. Dental Issues Causing Discomfort

Poor dental health is a frequently overlooked cause of reduced grooming in cats. Conditions like plaque, tartar, tooth decay, or gum disease can cause significant pain, making your cat reluctant to groom, especially around the face and neck.

Common dental signs include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or a preference for softer foods. Regular veterinary dental checks and professional cleanings, alongside at-home dental care, are vital in preventing and managing these issues.

4. Weight Issues Limit Grooming Ability

Obesity in cats can hinder their ability to groom themselves efficiently. Excess weight makes it hard to reach certain body parts, particularly the rear, and can lead to quicker tiredness. Additionally, obesity often worsens joint pain, further discouraging grooming.

Helping an overweight cat through a controlled diet and encouraging gentle exercise not only aids grooming but benefits overall health. Always seek veterinary advice before starting a weight management plan.

5. Longhaired Breeds Require Extra Care

Longhaired cats generally invest more time in grooming than shorthaired cats, but they can still struggle with maintaining their coats. They are prone to hairballs and mats forming in tricky areas such as under the armpits, behind the ears, or around the bottom. These mats can be painful and beyond what a cat can manage alone.

Regular brushing with the right tools and gentle detangling can prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. You may also seek professional grooming help for particularly difficult mats.

6. Age-Related Senility and Behavioural Changes

As cats age, they may suffer from cognitive decline or senility, similar to dementia in humans. This condition can cause behavioural changes including neglect of grooming. Older cats may become forgetful or disoriented, impacting their normal routines.

If you notice sudden changes in your senior cat’s grooming habits along with other behavioural signs such as confusion or odd vocalisation, consult your vet. Some treatments and environmental adjustments can improve quality of life.

Conclusion

When your cat stops grooming themselves, it often signals an underlying issue, ranging from physical ailments like arthritis or dental disease to behavioural or age-related challenges. Observing other symptoms and consulting a veterinarian promptly is crucial to identify and manage these problems. Supporting your cat with appropriate care, grooming assistance, and medical attention promotes their comfort and wellbeing throughout their life.