Some cats are naturally more fastidious groomers than others, but when excessive licking becomes a persistent behavior, it signals an underlying issue that requires attention. This obsessive grooming can lead to significant hair loss and skin problems, impacting your feline friend’s well-being. This article explores the common reasons behind excessive licking in cats and provides actionable solutions for concerned owners.
Cats dedicate a substantial portion of their day, typically 30 to 50 percent, to grooming. This natural behavior is essential for maintaining coat health, regulating body temperature, and self-soothing. However, what might seem like normal grooming can escalate into an obsessive urge, crossing the line into problematic behavior. Owners often don’t notice a problem until they observe significant hair loss or visible skin lesions, as the act of licking itself can be quite subtle. If your cat’s licking seems excessive in frequency or duration, it’s crucial to investigate further.
Why Cats May Lick Excessively
Excessive licking in cats can stem from two primary categories of causes: physical discomfort (itchiness or pain) and psychological distress.
Physical Causes of Licking
When a cat licks an area of its body, it’s often a response to localized itchiness or pain. If pain is the culprit, the licking will typically be concentrated on the specific painful area. For instance, a cat experiencing disc disease or anal sac impaction might lick the affected region. In cases of itchy diseases, however, the licking tends to be more widespread across the body.
Veterinarians refer to cats that excessively “mow” their fur as “fur mowers,” a common issue in felines. The location of this “mowing” can provide clues to the cause, which can range from parasites in kittens to neurological diseases in older cats. However, there can be significant overlap in symptoms. For example, compulsive licking focused on the tail base might indicate a flea infestation, while cats suffering from pollen or food allergies may lick their backs, abdomens, or other parts of their bodies.
Licking that results in an excessive number of hairballs or noticeable hair loss is considered abnormal. Bald skin is more vulnerable to environmental insults like sunburn or frostbite. As long as the licking doesn’t break the skin’s surface, an infection is unlikely to occur. However, if the cat’s rough tongue abrades the skin, infection can set in. This infection can then intensify the licking, creating a vicious cycle that leads to a serious health problem.
The solution for “fur mowing” lies in identifying and correcting the underlying cause. While owners can check for external signs like fleas, lice, and fur mats, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Psychological Causes of Licking
Beyond physical health issues, “over-the-top” licking can occasionally have a psychological origin. Cats thrive on consistency and predictability, and changes in their environment or routine can be highly stressful. Factors such as a recent move, the introduction or loss of another pet, or even a shift in their owner’s schedule can trigger anxiety in cats. In such cases, licking is considered a “displacement behavior” – an action that helps to calm and comfort the cat. However, if the source of the stress isn’t properly identified and addressed, this behavior can become habitual.
If all medical problems have been ruled out by a veterinarian, excessive grooming is typically treated as a result of stress. To help alleviate stress, consider making gradual changes or introductions when adding new elements to your cat’s life. Incorporating familiar items, like bedding, into a new environment can provide comfort. Adding cat-friendly vertical spaces, such as shelves or perches, allows cats to retreat and feel secure. Maintaining a stimulating environment through daily play sessions, even just ten to fifteen minutes, can also significantly reduce stress.
Most cats genuinely enjoy interaction. Identifying what your cat finds enjoyable, whether it’s cuddle time or a favorite toy that acts as a security blanket, can help relieve stress. For severe cases of stress, your veterinarian may prescribe temporary anti-anxiety medication.
Furthermore, similar to humans who bite their nails when stressed, the repetitive act of licking can offer a stress-relieving pleasure component that reinforces the behavior. Consequently, feline licking can become a habit that persists even after the original stressor is resolved. While it may take time, the behavior often diminishes naturally or with the help of medication within approximately a month.
Whether the cause is physiological or psychological, addressing an over-grooming problem requires significant time and patience from the owner. For cats like Nellie, who recently experienced the loss of a companion animal, the solution involved consistent attention, affection, and a stable routine. While it took a few months, her hair has regrown, and her life has returned to a healthy balance. If you notice your cat exhibits cat excessive meowing, it might also be linked to underlying stress or a desire for attention, similar to excessive grooming. Sometimes, my kitten is always hungry and meowing can be a sign of behavioral issues. It’s also important to address other common kitten behaviors like kitten scratching and understand why my kitten won’t stop meowing. Be aware of behavioral nuances such as petting aggression with cats, as these can also indicate underlying stress or anxiety.
Conclusion
Resolving excessive licking in cats is a journey that demands owner involvement, understanding, and often, veterinary guidance. By identifying the root cause, whether it’s a physical ailment or a psychological stressor, you can implement the appropriate strategies to help your feline companion find relief. Patience, consistent positive reinforcement, and a commitment to providing a stable, enriching environment are key to restoring your cat’s well-being and bringing an end to their obsessive grooming habits. If you suspect your cat is struggling, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
