Overgrooming caused by skin issues
Young cats who have itchy skin conditions, such as a flea infestation or skin allergies, may overgroom themselves, leading to bald patches. You’ll often see red or inflamed skin in these areas and may also notice small red bumps, sores or pustules. The affected area often varies depending on the underlying condition. For example, cats with fleas will often overgroom their rump or tail base. Cats or kittens with ear mites might scratch at their ears, causing scarring and balding behind the ear flaps.Overgrooming caused by pain
Some cats may overgroom an area that’s painful. For example, a sore wrist joint may lose hair over time if the cat is repeatedly licking at the painful joint. If you’re noticing a small focal area of hair loss that your cat’s been licking, especially if it’s over a joint or near a wound, consider pain as a potential cause.Overgrooming caused by anxiety
Overgrooming can occur in cats due to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These cats will have hair thinning on their sides, tummy, inside their legs and/or their back without any apparent underlying skin inflammation. You may also notice an increase in hairballs.
Anxiety causing overgrooming in young cats can be brought on by a variety of causes, such as:
- Moving to a new home
- Owners being away on vacation for an extended time
- New baby, partner or roommate in the home
- Adoption of a new animal
- Outdoor cats
- Maintenance work in the home
- Rearrangement of furniture
- Underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism (rare in young cats)
Management of overgrooming in young cats
The following tips will help you prevent or manage your cat’s overgrooming.
- Keep your cat on year-round flea and tick prevention to prevent overgrooming due to parasitic infestations or parasite allergies
- Seek veterinary attention to get treatment for underlying skin conditions, allergies or pain that could be contributing to overgrooming
- Make changes in the home slowly, when possible, to avoid stress to your cat
- Speak with your veterinarian about anxiety medications for your young cat during stressful changes
- Consider antianxiety supplements for your cat
- Try pheromone diffusers and pheromone sprays to help your cat feel more comfortable in their environment
- Keep a safe space for your young cat where they can get away from dogs and children
Most kittens will regrow their fur once the underlying cause of their overgrooming, whether its stress, pain or a skin condition, is under control. Contact your VCA care team for an evaluation if you’re concerned your cat may be overgrooming.
Find veterinarian-approved supplements and pheromone diffusers that may help with feline anxiety.
