---
title: "Feline Over-grooming: Did I Miss a Spot?"
description: "Discover the common causes of feline over-grooming and fur loss, from skin allergies and parasites to stress-induced psychogenic alopecia."
date: "2016-09-29T05:16:35Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/62f36aaf"
canonical: "/feline-over-grooming-did-i-miss-a-spot/"
---

# Feline Over-grooming: Did I Miss a Spot?


Cats are famous for their fastidious grooming rituals, and no cat owner would be surprised to learn that felines spend a
large part of their day cleaning their fur and paws.

Grooming is a sign of a healthy cat and a completely normal activity for most. However, sometimes kitties overdo it,
leading to bald patches or even lesions on the skin under the fur. This behavior is not normal and can be a sign of an
underlying medical condition.

![A cat diligently grooming its fur](/img/62f36aaf)

## What Causes Over-Grooming?

Over-grooming is usually caused by medical or psychological issues.

### What Are the Medical Issues That Cause Over-Grooming?

Because they have long, sharp “fingernails” and short, stubby “fingers,” cats deal with itching and subdermal
pain differently than humans do. Their claws are good for dealing with everyday itches, but they will eventually scratch
up the skin if used too frequently or with too much force. So a cat’s tongue is often used to treat more chronic
itching, and that can lead to over-grooming. Some common causes of chronic itchiness include:

- Parasites: Fleas, the most common culprit, are known for causing itching and discomfort in cats. If you suspect that
  your kitty might have fleas, make sure to check your cat’s tail and back legs, as your feline will tend to
  over-groom those spots when trying to get rid of the tiny insects. Other parasites such as ticks and ringworm can also
  cause itchiness and lead to over-grooming.
- Allergies: Just like humans, cats can be allergic to certain foods or environmental elements. Many of these can cause
  skin irritation and itchiness.
- Dry winter skin: The lack of humidity in the colder months of the year can dry your kitty’s skin out and cause
  chronic itching.
- Inadequate nutrition: This can also cause skin to become dry and flaky.
- Pain: Humans often attempt to soothe subdermal pain by rubbing over the affected area. Though the exact biophysical
  reasons why we do this are the subject of some debate, it is not unreasonable to think that other mammals (such as
  cats) try to alleviate pain via similar mechanisms (such as licking). If the pain does not subside relatively quickly,
  a kitty will tend to over-groom, eventually licking off the fur covering the affected area.

### What Are the Psychological Issues That Cause Over-Grooming?

![Close-up of a cat grooming its paw](/img/807462f7)

If you believe that your cat is over-grooming, the first step is to consult your vet and rule out any medical causes. If
you and your vet rule out medical causes and the behavior continues, then the cause might be psychological in nature.
For example, your cat may be engaging in a stress-related compulsive behavior. Cats sometimes respond to changes in
their living environment, such as a new pet, a baby, or a move to a new house, by engaging in repetitive actions that
decrease their stress levels.

Excessive grooming can also linger in response to a medical problem and can continue even after the health issue
resolves.

## What Should You Do If Your Cat Is Over-Grooming?

Regardless of whether the over-grooming is caused by medical or psychological issues, make an appointment to have your
cat seen. At Just Cats, we’ll help you figure out the best treatment plan for your kitty.