Can Cats Groom Themselves Too Much?
When your cat starts licking themselves, it’s easy to brush it off as another grooming session. That’s what cats do. But cat over-grooming is a real thing, and it could be a sign of something besides a little loose fur.
Grooming releases endorphins, so it’s not surprising to see cats practicing self-care often. But if your cat is licking and smoothing their fur every time you see them, it’s worth getting to the bottom of their excessive beauty habits. Here are some possible reasons why a cat is grooming excessively and what you can do about it.
Why Cats Groom Themselves
Grooming is how cats stay clean. They instinctively lick themselves to remove loose fur, dirt, and debris. They take care of bad fur days at the source, which also helps to reduce stress and re-center themselves.
You might also see your cat grooming other cats as a way to show acceptance, friendship, or dominance. It’s a social behavior, and it has a name: allogrooming. It forms bonds and establishes a hierarchy among cats.
How Much Cat Grooming is Normal?
Grooming is normal. Over-grooming is not. So how do you know if your cat is grooming excessively?
According to an expert at Cornell University, cats spend anywhere from 30% to 50% of their day cleaning themselves. That’s a lot of licking. It’s also one reason why it’s hard to spot when a cat has excessive grooming.
If your cat is grooming a lot, it still might be within the normal range. That’s why you should also look for other signs that your cat is over-grooming, which we’ll discuss next.
Why Your Cat is Grooming a Lot
Aside from the instinctual daily bath, your cat might be grooming more than normal for several reasons.
Anxiety
Your cat might be feeling stressed or anxious, especially if they’ve just come back from the vet, groomer, or boarding house. Just like humans often fidget when nervous, cats may seek comfort in their own fur—licking away nerves as they create a familiar sense of calm.
If there have been recent changes in the household, such as moving or new pets, your kitty could be using grooming as a coping mechanism.
Self-Expression
For some cats, grooming isn’t just about cleanliness. It’s a creative outlet. Cats are natural groomers and often use this behavior to express themselves. Every lick is like a paint stroke in their fur.
Boredom
Repetitive grooming might be a sign that a cat needs to get energy out. They’re bored and don’t know what else to do.
Itches or Pains
If your cat is licking the same part of their body constantly, they might not be grooming. Licking can be an act of comfort. It can alleviate dry skin or even pain, in some cases.
Signs Your Cat is Grooming Excessively
No matter the cause of your cat’s grooming, you need to know the difference between what’s normal and what isn’t. Since they tend to groom themselves throughout the day, it’s not always easy to know if they’re doing too much.
Aside from watching your cat lick themselves, you can look for the following signs that their licking habits might need a little more investigation:
- Your cat is losing large amounts of fur, beyond what a normal licking session would shed.
- You can spot visible redness, sores, scabs, or lesions on your cat’s skin, often in bald patches where they’ve lost fur.
- Your cat is coughing up more hairballs than usual.
- Your cat is licking or scratching in one particular spot.
- Your cat appears to be stressed while grooming, such as licking at a faster rate of speed than usual.
If you suspect your cat is a chronic groomer, there are a few things you can do to keep them calm so they can carry on.
My Cat Over Grooms: Now What?
You know why your cat is grooming a lot. You know the signs to look for. Now it’s time to do something to help them keep their fur and make your life—and theirs—a little easier. Let’s review some helpful things you can do for your beauty-obsessed feline.
Keep Them Busy
Cats need stimulation, and activities can help them take their minds off grooming. Shift their focus with fun games, but try to avoid introducing too many new elements, as this may make them feel more stressed.
Give Them Space
If your cat is overgrooming because they’re stressed, they might just need a calm-down period. Give them time to reacclimate themselves before trying anything different. Sometimes the problem will take care of itself.
Make a Visit to the Vet
If you notice bald spots, open sores, or lesions because of excess grooming, have your cat examined by your vet. Make sure the sores aren’t infected and see what your vet recommends to treat them and prevent more sores from occurring.
Get a Professional Grooming
If mats or other cleanliness issues are the problem, enlist the help of a professional. Groomers can remove mats and reach stubborn areas that your cat can’t solve on their own.
Create a Stress-Free Space
Keep your cat calm by decluttering, reducing noise, and dimming lights. A stress-free space can help them reset and prevent your cat from grooming too much.
Stop Overgrooming at the Source
Grooming too much might not seem like a big problem, but it can lead to serious health issues if your cat can’t stop themselves. Keep an eye on their habits, make necessary changes, and take further action if needed.
Our team of Certified Feline Master Groomers can help keep your cat looking their best. Request an appointment today.
