DOES YOUR CAT

OVER-GROOM?

DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A BALD PATCH?

Why is your cat overgrooming?

  1. Check your cat's health

    • Medical conditions, in particular skin diseases, can cause excessive grooming and hair loss. It's best to check with your vet first

  2. Help your cat feel good with FELIWAY Optimum

    • Releases “serenity messages”’ to create an environment where your cat feels safe and secure
    • Results seen visibly within the first 7 days of use
    • Use FELIWAY Optimum continuously for at least 30 days

  3. Follow our “Tips for happy indoor cats”

We recommend:

FELIWAY Optimum Starter Kit
The most advanced FELIWAY solution, proven to work in scientific studies and veterinary recommended to help solve the common signs of stress in cats, such as: Scratching Urine spraying Tension & conflict in multi-cat households Hiding & fears Reactions to changes...
FELIWAY Optimum Refill
Prolong your cat's enhanced serenity. Continue to solve common signs of feline stress: Scratching Urine spraying Tension and conflict between cats Hiding Reactions to changes

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  • Recommended by vets

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TESTIMONIALS

Discover how FELIWAY helped these cats groom less

Risotto
cat not eating

Risotto

Risotto has been an anxious little cat since Martin, our son, was born. Risotto meowed every night. Risotto would wake the baby up at 6am, and stop as soon...
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FELIWAY Optimum Starter Kit
Mewsli
cat hiding cat scratching

Mewsli

Mewsli was an abandoned cat. The first time we met him, he was tiny and scared. But I fell in love with him. He was very stressed and had...
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FELIWAY Classic Diffuser
Gomette
cat scratching

Gomette

This is Gomette. She is 3 years old and very playful and cuddly. I have a new job and I have to spend more time away. I think she...
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FELIWAY Classic Diffuser
Adopting Cassius: Navigating Transitions and Tensions
cat scratching

Adopting Cassius: Navigating Transitions and Tensions

Cassius Disco was a stray cat. When we adopted him, we quickly became attached to him. But when we moved house, he was very upset by all the construction....
Read more
FELIWAY Classic Diffuser

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CAT OVERGROOMING

WHY DO CATS OVER-GROOM?

Cats are natural self-groomers. In fact, they spend up to 25% of their lives grooming themselves.

Over-grooming can have either a medical or an emotional cause. If your cat has chronic skin issues, or if you recently changed your cat’s food, this excessive grooming may be an indication of underlying medical issues. We recommend a vet check to rule out medical causes.

Over-grooming might also be caused by emotional distress. Many things can lead to your cat feeling less secure in their environment, such as:

  • Recent changes at home: moving, adding new furniture, remodelling, new baby in the family.
  • Another pet in the home or nearby: cats don’t like sharing resources like litter box, food bowls, etc…
  • Recent changes in your routine: has your usual schedule changed leading you to be busier and less available?
  • Using FELIWAY helps your cat feel secure and happy, and regaining their natural beauty and maintaining their well-being.

WHAT DOES OVER GROOMING IN CATS LOOK LIKE?

Over-grooming in cats can be visible as excessive licking, chewing, or pulling out fur from a particular part of the body. For instance, this may be most noticeable in a specific area, such as on the belly, legs, or on their side or flank.

Over-grooming can lead to bald patches, damaged skin, or thinning hair, and you can often feel if a cat has been over-grooming as their fur will feel spiky, brought about by broken hairs.

Observing your cat’s grooming habits and looking for changes in their coat or skin condition is important for looking after their overall well-being. If you notice any changes in their grooming habits, consulting a veterinarian is essential to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Where over-grooming is stress-related, FELIWAY® Optimum can be an effective solution, helping your cat to feel safe and secure.

HOW CAN I STOP MY CAT FROM OVER GROOMING?

To stop a cat from over-grooming, it’s important to first identify and address the underlying cause.

Take your cat to a veterinarian so they can be checked for any medical reasons for over-grooming, such as parasites or skin discomfort. If your cat’s over-grooming is stress-related, this could be due to a change in their routine.

Try to revert to a consistent routine as much as possible, for instance with a regular feeding schedule and playtime.

Creating a calm and secure environment – assisted by FELIWAY® Optimum – can also help.

DO CATS OVERGROOM WHEN STRESSED?

Yes, cats can often over-groom when stressed, using grooming as a self-soothing behaviour to cope with their anxiety. Causes for this stress can often include changes in the environment, such as new furniture, moving to a new home, the addition of a new pet or family member, or changes in the household routine.

Identifying and reducing these stressors, providing a stable environment, and offering plenty of enrichment activities can all help alleviate over-grooming behaviour.

This being said, parasites, skin conditions, and pain may all be more common reasons for cats to over-groom. It’s important to speak to a veterinarian to establish the underlying cause and to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

IS OVERGROOMING A SIGN MY CAT IS SICK?

Over-grooming can be a common sign that a cat has a skin problem, a parasite, or is experiencing discomfort, but this is not necessarily always the cause of over-grooming.

Other causes can include emotional distress brought on by changes in the home or in their routine or having another pet nearby. If you are concerned your cat is over-grooming, whether due to sickness or otherwise, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. A professional assessment can help identify any medical or emotional issues, allowing for appropriate treatment to address your cat’s specific needs.