Cats are natural groomers who love to spend much of their day licking, scratching, biting, and chewing their coats. They brush their coats regularly with their spiky tongues to get rid of loose fur, dirt, and hidden parasites like fleas/ticks. While anything in moderation is fine, the self-grooming affair can become a huge problem when unrestrained.
Cat parents must have a watchful eye on their pet’s coat. It is one way to assess your fur ball’s health. Kitty can have missing strips of fur along their belly, back, or inner legs if they have been excessively licking. Also, your munchkin can be licking too much when affected by skin allergies. If so, it is time to schedule a vet’s appointment to know the underlying cause of the over-the-top licking habit.
Pet insurance for cats covers your feline furry baby for accidents, specific illnesses, dental issues, injuries, non-routine vet visits, prescriptions, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Not all cat insurance plans are made equal, so compare the benefits and affordability while considering your pet’s needs before purchasing a policy.
Pet insurance can provide much financial relief when unanticipated pet health issues crop up. Buy a policy so you can manage your pet expenses efficiently. Nevertheless, read through some tips on ending your feline furry pet’s overgrooming habit.
Address medical issues
Take your furry little one to the vet to uncover potential medical conditions causing uncontrolled licking behavior.
- If your fur baby suffers from allergies or infections, the vet may suggest antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or other appropriate medications for good riddance.
- In case of flea/ear mites’ infestations, your vet may put your kitty on year-round medication.
- Also, suppose your kitty’s compulsive grooming is triggered by pain. In that case, your vet can help you identify the stimulus or medical issues contributing to your munchkin’s discomfort and suggest ways to manage the problem.
Maintain consistent routines
Stress can play a vital part in your kitty’s uncurbed licking behavior and consequent hair loss. In such a case, ensure your fur baby has a safe haven to unwind.
- Provide your furball a comfortable, clean, cat-worthy environment to live in.
- Keep your furry pet’s schedule more predictable with little change day after day.
- Feeding your fluffy friend more or less at the same time every day can also come as a relief to them.
- Help your cat adapt to new living situations like the addition of a new family member or another pet gradually.
Provide stimulation
Enrich your fur baby’s life with ample cat trees, ladders, pet gym, scratching posts, wall perches, puzzle toys, treat dispensers, laser toys, fur toys, etc. Ensure your furball gets their daily dose of mental/physical stimulation, so they don’t get bored and resort to prolonged grooming activity. Offer your pet enough distractions and interactive playtime to tire them out.
Cultivate patience
Interfering with your cat’s business head-on can only worsen the grooming scenario. Please don’t rely on punishing them for their negative behavior. Instead, be calm, listen to your vet, follow their advice, and care for your kitty cat accordingly. Slowly, your furball may overcome the overgrooming habit.Your vet can be your best guide when you aren’t too sure about what is transpiring with your pet. Pet insurance for cats can sort you on unscheduled vet visits, medications, diagnosis, treatment for particular illnesses, and more, depending on your chosen plan. Purchase a cat insurance plan to reduce your overall pet health expenses for covered medical conditions.
