[Written by a Veterinarian] Excessive Grooming in Cats: Causes and Treatments—Understanding the Background of the Behavior and How to Address It Correctly

Cats groom themselves to keep their skin clean. However, grooming to the point of hair loss is abnormal. In this article, we will explain excessive grooming in cats in detail.

What is excessive grooming in cats? The difference from normal behavior

What are the standards for grooming frequency and duration?

Cats spend about 30% of their waking hours grooming. Since cats spend one-third of their day active, this means they spend about two hours a day grooming. Cats usually groom after eating or using the litter box, or when they feel their own scent or an external scent is bothersome. They also groom to calm down when overly excited or when feeling slightly anxious.

The physical impact of excessive grooming (hair loss, dermatitis, etc.)

A cat’s tongue has papillae, making it feel rough. While you might notice this when they lick you, prolonged licking can eventually cause pain. Cats groom to remove loose fur and keep their skin clean. If grooming becomes excessive for any reason, they may lick until the hair is gone. Furthermore, cat skin is thinner than human skin, and continuous direct licking can damage the skin, leading to dermatitis. Additionally, because they ingest large amounts of hair, it can cause hairballs to accumulate in the stomach, which may lead to intestinal obstruction.

Main causes and symptoms of excessive grooming

[Stress Factors] Changes in living environment and anxiety

Cats groom when they feel anxious or stressed. It is believed that they do this to try to calm themselves down. Cats are animals that are easily stressed by changes in their environment. Examples of stressors include moving house, a new addition (or loss) in the family, rearranging furniture, or construction in the neighborhood. They may groom excessively in an attempt to alleviate this stress. This often involves licking all over the body, resulting in hair loss in areas other than the face.

[Possible Illnesses] Allergies, skin diseases, external parasites, etc.

Certain illnesses can cause excessive grooming. In particular, external parasites like fleas and mites, as well as allergies and atopic dermatitis, are accompanied by intense itching and eczema. To relieve the itch, the cat grooms excessively, making hair loss and dermatitis noticeable. Because of the itching, they may also scratch with their hind legs, leaving visible scratch marks. In addition to skin conditions, if a cat is in pain due to arthritis, tumors, or cystitis, they may excessively groom the painful area, leading to localized hair loss.

[Stereotypic Disorder] Repeating the same behavior without purpose

Excessive grooming is classified as a "stereotypic behavior," which involves repeating the same action without a specific purpose. Excessive grooming that starts due to stress can continue meaninglessly. If this worsens to the point where they lick until the skin is severely damaged, or if it interferes with their daily life, it becomes a "stereotypic disorder."

Specific countermeasures for excessive grooming

Environmental adjustments to reduce stress (providing new toys, hiding spots, etc.)

The main cause of excessive grooming is stress. Cats may feel stressed if their living environment changes or if they lack exercise. To relieve stress, playing with toys or hiding treats for them to find can help release tension. If they are anxious due to environmental changes, provide a place where the cat can hide. Placing items that smell like you or the cat inside the hide, and covering it with a towel so it isn't visible from the outside, can be very effective.

Veterinary examinations and treatment: When illness is the cause

If the cause is an underlying illness, improving the environment will not resolve the issue. If there are skin symptoms or persistent licking in specific areas, there is a possibility of an underlying medical condition. It is necessary to visit a veterinary clinic for an examination and receive treatment tailored to the cause. Once treated, the excessive grooming should subside.

Additionally, treatment may be necessary even if the excessive grooming is caused by severe stress. After ruling out medical conditions that lead to excessive grooming, if it is determined to be due to psychological factors, medical therapy such as anti-anxiety medication or behavioral therapy will be conducted.

Reviewing how you interact with your cat (avoiding excessive interference and rethinking physical affection)

Excessive grooming can sometimes be improved by increasing physical interaction, such as playing with your cat. As time spent not licking increases, grooming will naturally settle down. It is not good to scold, raise your voice, or forcibly stop the cat when they are grooming excessively. Additionally, calling out to them or petting them while they are grooming is discouraged. When they are licking persistently without purpose, try to distract them by making a sound, then invite them to play with a toy or do some light training to increase their non-licking time.

How to prevent excessive grooming

Key points for creating a cat-friendly environment

Loud noises from appliances or construction can be very unpleasant for cats. An unsettled environment can lead to excessive grooming. Always provide a place in the room where the cat lives for them to hide. It is also important to keep them away from the source of the noise. Cats feel most at ease in dark, narrow, quiet, and familiar-smelling places. Having such a spot allows them to rest with peace of mind.

The importance of daily observation and early detection

Since cats spend 30% of their waking time grooming, you will see them doing it frequently. In cases of excessive grooming, the duration increases even further. The fur may break or fall out due to the grooming. Check to see if there are any thin patches of hair or red skin. If they are persistently licking the same spot, it could be an illness; if you notice anything unusual, consult a veterinary clinic immediately.

How to incorporate moderate exercise

Lack of exercise in cats can lead to stress. It is important for them to get moderate exercise to help release that stress. Try changing up their play with new toys, or increase the time and frequency of play. If your cat loves treats, throwing food for them to fetch can also be a great form of exercise.

Common misunderstandings and precautions

Counterproductive responses owners often make (excessive scolding, etc.)

You might be tempted to scold them or raise your voice to stop them from licking. Such actions are counterproductive. This will only add to their stress and make the situation worse. Also, avoid petting or speaking to them gently while they are grooming. Sometimes, ignoring them during the grooming session is necessary. If they are licking continuously for too long, try to distract them by tossing a toy or making an unrelated sound.

Why the easy use of over-the-counter medications or sprays is dangerous

Beyond psychological factors, there may be an underlying medical condition causing excessive grooming. Using over-the-counter medications or hair-loss sprays without identifying the cause may be ineffective or even make the condition worse. Always consult a veterinary clinic to receive appropriate treatment.

Expert Advice: What you can do for your cat's health management

Regular checkups and their benefits

Owners often cannot determine whether grooming is excessive or not. Even if there is hair loss, they may not take the cat to the vet. While grooming is a normal behavior, excessive grooming has a cause and often means the cat is feeling distressed. I have encountered cases of abdominal hair loss during health checkups that turned out to be excessive grooming caused by cystitis. In this way, excessive grooming can be a sign of illness. During a health checkup, the entire body is observed, which allows for the discovery of skin problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. Skin problems, including those linked to excessive grooming, can sometimes be contagious to humans or other cats. Regular health checkups enable early detection and early treatment of diseases.

Checklist for early detection of diseases

Excessive grooming can be caused by various diseases. If you see any of the following symptoms, it could indicate an underlying medical condition:

• Licking the same spot constantly
• Presence of dandruff, flea feces, skin eczema, redness, or bleeding in addition to hair loss
• Scratching with feet or rubbing the body against objects, in addition to grooming
• Symptoms other than grooming, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or elimination problems
• If you notice these symptoms, consult a veterinary clinic immediately.

The importance of coordinating with specialists

In cases of psychologically driven excessive grooming or grooming caused by stereotypic disorders, specialized treatment known as behavioral therapy may be required. Some veterinarians specialize in behavioral therapy. For stubborn cases of excessive grooming, it is sometimes recommended to consult a veterinarian who specializes in behavioral medicine.

Summary

Excessive grooming in cats can be caused not only by stress but also by underlying diseases or stereotypic disorders. Even if your cat is grooming excessively, do not scold them; instead, try to help them release tension through play. It is also important to set up a safe hiding spot where the cat feels secure. Since persistent excessive grooming may not be purely stress-related, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian.