What is
over-grooming in cats?
Over-grooming is a
stress-related disorder, and can be classified as obsessive
compulsive behavior. Self grooming is relaxing to the
cat, so it seems quite natural that when the cat becomes
stressed it attempts to calm itself down by pursuing a relaxing
activity such as grooming. Over-grooming may start out as a result of an
environmental change (new member to the household, moved house
etc.,) but over time this behavior becomes compulsive, even if
the original cause of the stress is no longer around.
This behavior may
take the form of excessive licking at the fur or pulling out
tufts of fur. The most commonly affected areas are the inside of
the thighs, and nearby abdomen and groin.
What should I
do if my cat has bald patches?
The first thing
you should do is take your cat to the veterinarian. It is
important to rule out a medical reason causing either the over
grooming or the baldness. There are several medical
conditions which can also result in bald patches, such as; hyperthyroidism,
allergies (food or
inhalant allergies), bacterial pyoderma, fleas
or flea
bite hypersensitivity, mites, Eosinophilic
granuloma complex & feline
ringworm.
How is it
diagnosed?
Your veterinarian
may take
skin scrapings from the damaged area(s) to rule out
skin parasites & fungal infections, flea comb the coat &
may perform complete blood testing.
How is
over-grooming in cats treated?
-
Your cat may
be put on a trial diet to rule out
food allergies.
-
If the cause
is an underlying medical condition or parasitic infection,
treatment will hopefully result in the behaviour
stopping.
-
Finding the cause of the stress & eliminating where
possible. This may not always be possible, as has been stated
above, the behavior may have started in reaction to a stress,
however it has become compulsive behavior now, even though the
reason for the original stress may have been resolved.
-
Keep your cat's day as routine as possible. Make sure you feed,
play, exercise your cat at the same time daily. Cats like
routine.
-
Provide your cat a rich & stimulating environment. If you
are out for long periods of time you could consider a cat video
or a fish tank for your cat's viewing pleasure. When you are
home, set aside a play date with your cat every day.
-
Drug
therapy: If it isn't possible to bring the cat's behavior
under control by changing the stress & environment then
it may be necessary to try medications such as anti-depressants
or anti-anxiety medications. The goal is usually to
give this medication until the behavior decreases, and then
gradually taper off the medication.
-
If you do see your cat engaging in over-grooming behavior don't
punish him/her, rewarding this behavior should also be avoided.
Both punishing & rewarding can quite possibly make the
problem worse.
