Cats love grooming, and they do it regularly. They repeatedly make sure their coat is free from parasites, dirt, and loose fur. If you survey their grooming behaviour, you will understand that they spend much of their waking hours keeping themselves neat and clean.
Still, to make sure the grooming is normal you need to be wary about your furry family member biting, chewing, licking, or scratching specific areas excessively. It may mean your kitty is harbouring a discomfort that you are not aware of yet. Check for any strips of lost fur on her body (on the back, inner legs, or belly) or a peculiarly large number of hairballs.
Taking her to the vet can solve a lot of problems for your munchkin at such times. Cat insurance NZ helps your furry pet with the best medical care in needy times. You should research some insurance for pets online and buy a policy so your kitty is assured quality health care at affordable prices. Have a health backup, but learn why kitty may be inclined to over-groom herself.
Reasons for your kitty’s overgrooming habits
Infection/Allergy
Your fur baby may experience skin irritation due to an infection or consuming an allergic food item or parasites, or external environmental factors. Analyse your kitty’s pattern of fur loss to understand the issue. For example, if she has troubles at the tail base region, it may be a flea allergy. Hair loss, wounds, sores, or crusting on the ears and neck may point to the presence of ear mites. Or it may be a simple allergic reaction because of exposure to pollen.
Pain
Kitty may develop an urge to over-groom when she is experiencing much discomfort or pain. Check if she is engaged in scratching or licking particular places on her body. For instance, disc disease may induce back pain, and the kitty may be prone to grooming more on her back. If she is suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may often find her excessively grooming her genitals or perianal area.
Stress
Over-grooming is one way feline pets cope with pressure. Researchers believe that licking activity releases happy hormones or endorphins that help your munchkin in managing anxiety troubles. Gradually, an anxious cat will learn to lick as a brilliant way to seek relief and could very well become a chronic groomer.
Sometimes factors like moving to a new place, adding a new family member, or any changes in the daily schedule or environment may make your kitty pal a compulsive groomer.
Boredom
One more reason for your kitty to groom herself. If your kitty doesn’t have adequate physical or mental stimulation, your kitty may give in to the over-grooming habit. It is essentially the case of living indoors with little to do when humans are busy with their monotonous lives. Ensure you enrich your kitty’s life with activities and exercise, so she doesn’t adopt negative behaviours.
Create a haven for your fluffy friend while you are away from home. Take care of her basic living needs and never neglect her physical and emotional needs. Along with preventive measures, look up insurance for pets online and purchase cat insurance in NZ, so your fur baby’s health is covered on all fronts.
