Some cats can start to over groom, which is one of the most frequent behaviors of a cat.If you suspect your cat is over grooming, you can check their body for signs, or watch their behavior to determine if they are doing what cats do or not.Take your cat to the vet if you find they are over grooming.
Step 1: You should look for missing fur.
The fur on your cat's body will be missing if it grooms over.Most of the missing strips are on your cat's back or belly.Your cat's fur might be shorter in some areas at this time of year because some cats will groom at the change of seasons.Bald spots can be a result of over grooming.
Step 2: You should look for hot spots.
Your cat's skin can become red if they are over-grooming.These areas are called hot spots by the vets.They can show up on cats as well as dogs.There are spots on your cat's body.
Step 3: You should check for strips of short fur.
If your cat has been grooming for a long time, they won't have bald spots.The fur from the hair shaft will break when they lick it too much.It will not feel like the rest of their fur.Your cat is likely over grooming if you see strips like this.
Step 4: There are patches of fur that are asymmetrical.
Your cat will focus on one or two areas if they are over grooming.This will make their fur asymmetrical.One half of the fur on their back might look good, while the other half is short.This is a sign that your cat is tired.
Step 5: They should pay attention to their grooming times.
30 to 50 percent of the time cats are awake, they are grooming.You will know more about your cat's behavior than anyone else.Your cat is probably over grooming if they seem to be grooming more than usual.
Step 6: Pay attention to the location of the groom.
Cats who over groom focus on the same spot.These spots are not usually used for grooming cats.If your cat is spending a lot of time grooming its belly, back or rear legs, it is probably over grooming.Cats tend to groom certain areas more often.They might spend a bit of time on their front paws, neck, chest, and shoulders after they eat.
Step 7: Check the genital area for excessive grooming.
Cats don't need to clean themselves, but if they spend a lot of time grooming their genital area, it could be a sign of a urinary infection, which can be fatal to cats.Take your cat to the vet if you notice this behavior.
Step 8: Pay attention to the behavior of the cat.
There are other symptoms of over grooming that aren't related to grooming practices.Check your cat's body to see if there are signs of over grooming.If your cat is withdrawn or overly clingy, there might be something else going on.If you tried to discourage your cat from licking in the past, they may hide to groom.
Step 9: If your cat is making more hairballs, check it.
Long-haired cats will probably produce more hairballs than usual because they'll be getting more grooming products.Your cat might be over grooming if they bring up more hairballs than they usually do.
Step 10: Check their food.
Over grooming can cause an allergic reaction if you switch your cat's food.If you've recently switched to a different brand of food, this could be the reason.
Step 11: Look at your cat.
Check your cat's skin to see if they are over grooming.Their over grooming may be in response to dry skin that itches.
Step 12: Evaluate environmental issues.
Cats groom as a way to deal with stress.Change their environment if you think your cat is grooming too much.Did you move recently?Did you have a new baby?Is the cat's routine changed?These can cause stress for your cat.
Step 13: Take your cat to the vet.
Take your cat to the vet if you suspect it is grooming too much.The vet can check for certain causes of over grooming, like the presence of parasites or an allergic reaction, better than you can at home.If it's necessary, the vet can prescribe medication.