This article was written by Zera’s Family Practice Veterinarian, Dr. Angie Krause, who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Certified Veterinarian (DVM), and Certified Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) credentials.
Sometimes cats get tired of our nonsense and start pulling out their own fur. Just kidding – sort of. Cats sometimes become overwhelmed and keep grooming until certain areas become bald. The most common reason for this? Stress. In this article, I’m going to show you the ways I help these “fed up” kittens.
What to do if your cat is overgroomed
First, it’s important to rule out any underlying health issues. When I see a cat that is grooming excessively, I will first run some basic blood and urine tests to make sure everything is okay. If these tests come back normal, I will focus on the location of the baldness. My analysis is as follows:
- Stomach or flanks: If the excessive grooming is focused on these areas, I would recommend an abdominal ultrasound. Cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often present with an upset stomach and may self-soothe by excessive grooming.
- Extremities or joints: If bald spots are near extremities or joints, x-rays can help determine arthritis or other causes of pain. Physical discomfort is a common trigger for excessive grooming.
If all of these tests come back normal, I would turn my attention to my diet. Sometimes subtle stomach problems can’t be detected by ultrasound, so I recommend switching to a single, novel protein diet. This means feeding your cat a protein source they’ve never eaten before, such as venison, rabbit or duck. If necessary, I also try to relieve the underlying pain through acupuncture, chiropractic care, CBD or medication.
If none of these methods solve the problem, then I believe stress is the root cause. While I can’t teach your cat yoga or meditation, I do recommend the following methods:
- Cannabis-derived CBD: This is my go-to. It’s easy to use and works wonders in my practice. Increase playtime: cats need to release energy just as much as people do. I like to engage my cats before meals with interactive toys like Da Bird. This mimics the natural hunting cycle and helps them release excess tension.
- Increase playtime: cats, like people, need to release energy. I like interactive toys, like Da Bird, to engage cats before meals. This simulates the natural hunting cycle and helps them release excess tension.
- Resolve conflict between cats: If you have multiple cats, tension between them can be a source of stress. This may require a customized plan to help your cats coexist peacefully. Consider medication: sometimes, medications such as Prozac can make a big difference. Consult your veterinarian to see if this medication is right for your cat. If it doesn’t work after 4-6 weeks, you can stop using it.
- Consider medication: Sometimes, medications such as Prozac can have an immediate effect. Consult your veterinarian to see if this medication is right for your cat. If it is not working after 4-6 weeks, you can stop the treatment under your veterinarian’s supervision.
- Create a Safe Space: Changes in the home, such as new pets, babies, renovations, and even changes in daily routines, can be stressful for cats. Make sure they have a quiet, safe and secure haven. An elevated ledge is a peaceful haven for cats.
If you’re curious about your pet’s reaction to certain plants, read “Pinkies and Cats: Are They Dangerous? for more information on how to keep your feline safe.
Your cat is lucky to have you to take care of it! Keep up the good work.
Hugs.
Dr. Angie.