Why Is My Cat Overgrooming?

 

One of the common reasons that cats turn to overgrooming is stress or anxiety. They find relief in licking, and there is a theory that the action provides endorphins that can help your cat’s anxiety. Compulsive grooming or psychogenic alopecia is most likely caused by sudden changes to her environment. She might be triggered by suddenly moving houses or having a new housemate. Those changes would cause stress because cats tend to prefer a predictable day and are not a fan of surprises. 

Another reason your cat might be overgrooming is the lack of mental and physical stimulation. Cats are animals with high intelligence levels and tend to grow bored if you don’t provide them with ways to keep themselves busy. Some cat breeds, like Burmese, Siamese, Abyssinian, Himalayan, and Siamese cats, are more likely to overgroom for this reason because they tend to demand more attention. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, make an appointment with veterinary clinic East Gwillimbury.