Cats are known for their rigorous grooming habits, and they spend a large amount of time licking, scratching, and cleaning themselves. Compulsive scratching, licking, or chewing can be more than just a grooming habit; it may indicate allergies, skin discomfort, stress, or even parasites.

If you own a cat, you've certainly observed that your feline buddy spends a large amount of time grooming. This might be problematic, especially if it results in skin irritation, hair loss, or open sores. But why do cats show compulsive behaviour? 

Understanding these behaviours is important for addressing the underlying reason and ensuring their health. In this blog, we'll look at the causes of cat overgrooming and how you can help your kitty buddy get relief.

Cat Skin Irritation: Skin irritation is one of the most common causes of cat excessive grooming. Flea infestations, mites, and fungal illnesses are all potential triggers. When cats experience discomfort on their skin, they immediately try to relieve it by licking, scratching, or gnawing the affected area. However, this can lead to a vicious cycle, with continual grooming aggravating the irritation and causing additional discomfort.

How to identify: Look for redness, lumps, or hair loss on your cat's skin. Additionally, you may observe that your cat keeps focusing on one particular spot.

Solution: To find the underlying problem, a veterinary visit is necessary. They may recommend flea treatments, medicated shampoos, or topical ointments to alleviate cat skin irritation.

Cat Allergies Scratching: Cats, like humans, can develop allergies. These allergies can be induced by certain foods, environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites, or even substances found in grooming products. When cats are exposed to an allergen, their skin may become itchy, resulting in excessive scratching or licking to relieve the itch.

How to identify: If your cat's symptoms appear to be seasonal or after consuming a specific type of food, allergies may be to blame. Excessive scratching on the face, neck, or paws is frequently indicative of allergic reactions.

Solution: To help kittens with allergies, see your veterinarian to determine the allergen. This could include food experiments or allergy testing. Once diagnosed, limiting exposure to the allergen and utilizing hypoallergenic items can help minimize cat allergies scratching.

Pain or discomfort: If your cat is constantly licking, chewing, or clawing at a specific location, it may suggest underlying pain. Arthritis, wounds, or internal discomfort could all be the source of their pain. Cats with arthritis frequently lick their joints or chew on regions of discomfort caused by internal disorders.

How to identify: Keep an eye out for hesitation to move or jump, stiffness, or limping. Your cat may be more focused on one area than others.

Solution: A thorough examination by your veterinarian will assist in determining the source of pain. Medication, dietary changes, and supplements such as glucosamine may be prescribed for pain relief.

Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites are known for causing severe itching in cats. Even if you don't see them, these little pests could be the core cause of your cat's excessive scratching or licking. A single flea bite can cause severe agony, prompting your cat to scratch or groom excessively.

How to identify: Check for fleas in your cat's fur, such as small black specks (flea dirt), or observe if your cat scratches after going outside.

Solution: Regular flea preventive treatments can help prevent parasite-related problems. If your cat already has fleas, your veterinarian can offer effective tick and flea shampoo to get rid of the infestation.

Conclusion
If your cat is scratching, licking, or eating compulsively, it is essential to determine the source as soon as possible. Whether it's cat skin irritation, allergies, or emotional stress, addressing the problem will help prevent subsequent difficulties and keep your feline buddy healthy. Always check with your veterinarian to decide the best therapy for your cat and to keep his or her grooming habits healthy.

Paying close attention to your cat's behaviour and acting quickly when something is amiss will help your pet live a happy, itch-free life!

Disclaimer - The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and the readers may use or apply the same at their will. We believe in the uniqueness of every pet and its parent. Therefore not every piece of information and idea presented here may be suited to all.