Signs Your Cat May Be a Compulsive Groomer

Yes, cats are clean animals. Most of them will spend a large amount of time grooming themselves. Yet, there are some cats who may suffer from a disorder known as a neurodematis or psychogenic alopecia. This is a condition that causes compulsive grooming.

Why would a cat become a compulsive groomer? The cat could be simply bored. They cat could be bored while be hospitalized or sick. The cat may have excessive energy and no way to expel this energy.

When a cat is a compulsive groomer, she may begin grooming an area where a cut or rash is. She may also begin grooming an area that is painful to her. Of course, if the cat happens to have fleas this can cause her to begin to compulsively groom herself, too.

Since there are a number of reasons for a cat to begin groomer herself in a compulsive manner, you, her owner, may want to examine why she has begun this behavior before taking her to the vet. First, you should examine her physically. Look for signs of fleas, or other parasites. Look for redness on her skin or rashness. Slowly run your hand over her body. Do you notice any signs that she is in pain? Finally, consider if there have been any changes in the home that may be causing your cat stress.

If you can't pinpoint the cause for this compulsion or if the cause is something you cannot fix on your own, now is the time to consult with the vet. Tell her everything you have noticed about your cat and see what she thinks may be the cause of her behavior.

The number one cause of compulsive grooming in cats is basic allergies. These allergies can be caused by fleas or any other objects your cat has been in contact. The vet may need to run an allergy test if there is not a clear solution as what is causing the compulsion. Yes, there are medications that can help this type of behavior if an allergy is not the cause.

If your cat continues to lick and groom herself excessively, don't put this down as normal behavior. Take your cat to her vet and help her find some peace. Remember this excessive grooming is hard on her nerves, her hair and her skin.