Excessive Grooming in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & What You Can Do
Grooming is a natural part of a cat’s daily routine. Most cats spend much time licking and cleaning themselves to stay tidy. However, when grooming becomes obsessive or leads to bald patches, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the reasons behind excessive grooming in cats, highlight key signs to look out for, and share practical tips to help your cat stay comfortable and healthy.
What Is Excessive Grooming?
Excessive grooming, or overgrooming, occurs when cats lick, bite, or scratch themselves more than usual. It can lead to hair loss, skin irritation, and even open wounds. Unlike regular grooming, overgrooming can harm and often point to an underlying issue.
Common Causes of Excessive Grooming in Cats
1. Fleas or Parasites
Fleas, mites, and other parasites are among the most common reasons for overgrooming. Just one flea bite can lead to severe itching, particularly in cats allergic to flea saliva.
2. Skin Allergies
Cats can develop allergies to certain foods, dust, pollen, or cleaning products. These allergies often lead to itchy skin, prompting the cat to groom excessively for relief.
3. Stress or Anxiety
Cats may groom excessively as a coping mechanism for stress. Changes in the environment, such as a new pet, a move, or loud noises, can trigger anxiety, so grooming becomes a way to self-soothe.
4. Boredom
Indoor cats that lack mental and physical stimulation may overgroom simply because they’re bored. Without toys or interaction, grooming can become a repetitive habit.
5. Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, excessive licking occurs near a specific body part where the cat is feeling pain, such as joints or the abdomen. This could be due to arthritis, an injury, or internal discomfort.
6. Medical Conditions
Hormonal imbalances, infections, or other medical issues like hyperthyroidism can also result in overgrooming. A veterinarian should rule these out with a proper exam.
Signs Your Cat Is Overgrooming
Bald patches or thinning fur
Red, irritated, or broken skin
Scabs or sores, especially on the belly, inner thighs, or back
Always start with a veterinary visit to rule out parasites, allergies, or medical issues. Your vet may recommend skin tests, blood work, or diet changes.
Work on recognizing and removing anything in your cat’s environment that may be causing stress. Provide safe hiding spots, use calming diffusers like Feliway, and keep a routine your cat can rely on.
4. Increase Enrichment
Offer toys, scratching posts, puzzle feeders, and climbing trees to keep your cat physically and mentally active.
5. Use a Cone or Recovery Suit (if needed)
If your cat is damaging their skin, your vet may recommend a protective cone or recovery suit to allow healing while you address the root cause.
Final Thoughts
Overgrooming in cats is more than just a quirky habit—it’s often a sign that your cat is physically or emotionally uncomfortable. Identifying the cause early and providing the proper care can help your pet return to their happy, healthy self.
If you're looking for trusted flea control, allergy relief, or calming products for your cat, check out our full range of vet-approved pet supplies at www.79pets.com.
This on-line company is such a good find. They provide quality products at a good price with delivering them efficiently. Definitely recommend purchasing from them.
Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.
As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.
Great price, authentic quality and reliable shipping. Shipping takes a bit longer, since it is being shipped from abroad. But still a reliable service.
After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!
This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.
Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them.
I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions.
After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone.
Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry
P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.
En fait, c'est le seul produit dont mon chat "Winston" ne soufre pas de problèmes cutané et perte de poils, le "Révolution plus" fait très bien le travail, merci.
