It can be quite alarming to find clumps of your cat’s fur scattered around the house or to see her grooming so intensely that she leaves a bald patch. While cats are famous for their fastidious grooming habits, pulling hair out crosses a line from normal cleaning into a potential health issue. This behavior, known as psychogenic alopecia, is a sign that something is wrong.
Your cat isn’t doing this to be difficult. She is likely experiencing genuine discomfort or distress. Figuring out the root cause is the first and most important step toward helping her feel comfortable in her own skin again.
Could It Be an Itchy Skin Problem?
One of the most common reasons for over-grooming is simple itchiness. Just like we might scratch a persistent itch, your cat might lick and pull to find relief. Common culprits include flea allergies, even if you only see one flea. Other environmental or food allergies can also make her skin feel irritated and uncomfortable. Sometimes, fungal infections like ringworm or bacterial infections can be the source of the problem, requiring specific medication from your vet.
When Pain Leads to Over-grooming
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on the skin’s surface but underneath it. If your cat is focusing her grooming on a specific area, like a leg or her lower back, she might be trying to soothe an ache. Conditions like arthritis, a bladder infection, or even a subtle injury can cause a cat to persistently lick at the painful region. It’s her way of dealing with the discomfort she can’t otherwise communicate.
Is Stress a Factor for Your Cat?
Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in their environment can cause significant stress. Over-grooming can become a compulsive behavior, a way for your cat to self-soothe when she feels anxious. Think about any recent changes in your home—a new pet, a new baby, construction noise, or even a different daily schedule. These can all be triggers. The grooming releases endorphins that temporarily calm her, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
How You Can Help Your Furry Friend
The most critical action you can take is to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. They can perform tests to rule out medical causes like allergies, parasites, or pain. If a medical issue is found, treating it will often resolve the hair pulling. If the vet determines it’s likely behavioral, you can work on reducing your cat’s stress. Provide safe, quiet spaces for her to retreat to, engage her with interactive toys, and try to maintain a consistent routine. In some cases, your vet might recommend supplements or other strategies to promote calmness.
Seeing your cat pull her hair out is worrying, but with patience and a methodical approach, you can get to the bottom of it. By partnering with your vet and creating a peaceful home, you can help your cat feel secure and stop the cycle of over-grooming for good.