🐾 6 Reasons Why Cats Overlick Their Fur・Detailed Introduction

Hey everyone~ Have you ever noticed your cat licking their fur constantly, even getting soaked? 😿 My cat used to lick excessively, even going so far as to develop a bald patch. It was so frightening that I immediately went on a frantic internet search and took him to the vet. Licking is a natural behavior for cats , a way to cleanse and relax, but if it becomes excessive, it can be a sign of health or psychological problems.

Below, the editor has sorted out 6 common reasons for you, and detailed the causes behind them, so that you can clearly know how to identify and deal with them.

🐱 Reason 1: Skin problems, parasites or allergies

✨ Editor's Note

One time, my cat was licking its back like crazy. At first I thought it was because it wanted to be clean, but it turned out to be fleas!

💡 Detailed explanation

• Fleas, ticks, and mites : They can cause intense itching, causing cats to lick and bite constantly.
• Food or environmental allergies : e.g. dust mites, pollen, specific proteins.
• Dermatitis or infection : causes redness, swelling, and itching.

🐾 Master's Points

• Deworm regularly and keep the environment clean.
• If allergy is suspected, change the food gradually and observe.
• If red spots or hair loss occur, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis immediately.

😿 Reason 2: Anxiety or stress・Psychological licking

✨ Editor's Note

When cats are upset, they will lick their fur to "self-soothe."

💡 Detailed explanation

• Moving house, getting new furniture, or having a new family member (human or pet) can all trigger stress.
• Prolonged loneliness and boredom can lead to compulsive fur licking.
• In some cases, licking may even cause skin injuries, which is called "psychogenic dermatitis."

🐾 Master's Points

• Observe environmental changes and try to provide a stable and regular life.
• Add interactive games to distract attention.
• Consider using a pheromone product like Feliway to help soothe.

🐟 Reason 3: Malnutrition and lack of essential elements

✨ Editor's Note

Unbalanced nutrition will be reflected in the skin and fur, and cats will naturally lick their fur more frequently.

💡 Detailed explanation

• Lack of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can easily lead to dry and itchy skin.
• Insufficient protein leads to poor hair quality and increased frequency of hair loss and licking.
• Lack of taurine and vitamin A will affect hair health.

🐾 Master's Points

• Choose high-quality staple foods to ensure they contain balanced nutrition.
• Add fish oil or nutritional supplements as needed (as recommended by your veterinarian).
• Check weight and coat quality regularly to ensure normal nutrient absorption.

😷 Reason 4: Pain or underlying illness

✨ Editor's Note

Some cats lick their fur in a fixed area, which may mean that there is pain there.

💡 Detailed explanation

• Arthritis : This is common in older cats, who will constantly lick the same joint.
• Urinary tract problems : Cats may lick near their genitals to try to relieve discomfort.
• Visceral pain : Sometimes manifested as excessive licking of the fur in specific areas.

🐾 Master's Points

• If your cat focuses on licking one area, pay special attention.
• It should be taken to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible to rule out internal diseases.
• Don't just think you are "clean" and miss the opportunity to seek treatment.

💤 Reason 5: Boredom or lack of stimulation・Behavioral licking

✨ Editor's Note

Cats spend most of their time at home. If they don’t have anything to play with, they will really get bored and lick their fur.

💡 Detailed explanation

• Lack of activity or interaction can lead to repetitive behaviors.
• Some owners think that it is "let your pet play by itself", but it is actually an outlet for stress.
• This is especially true for cats living alone.

🐾 Master's Points

• Schedule at least 15-20 minutes of interactive play every day.
• Provide educational toys and cat climbing frames to increase the richness of the environment.
• You can consider getting a companion cat, but introduce it gradually.

💉 Reason 6: Hormonal or physiological factors

✨ Editor's Note

Some licking behaviors are directly related to the cat's physiological state.

💡 Detailed explanation

• Unneutered male/female cats : Due to hormonal influences, they will frequently lick their genitals or bodies.
• Pregnant or lactating cats will clean themselves and their kittens more frequently.
• Endocrine diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) can cause abnormal hair licking.

🐾 Master's Points

• It is recommended to sterilize at the appropriate age to reduce unnecessary behavior and health risks.
• Observe whether there is any correlation between the frequency of licking hair and the menstrual cycle.
• Get regular blood tests to monitor for hormone-related disorders.

🐾 Editor's summary

Licking is normal behavior, but excessive licking is a warning sign . Common causes include skin problems, psychological stress, nutritional deficiencies, pain, boredom, and hormonal influences . Your servants should observe, record, and seek medical attention promptly . Never take this issue lightly.

👉 Editor's note: If your cat develops hair loss, redness, swelling, or wounds from licking, be sure to take it to the vet. Don't just rely on your own guesswork. Early treatment can help your cat experience less pain and more joy. 🐱💕