Overgrooming

Is your cat licking so much that fur is falling out or skin is broken?

Edited by MaxTeng · Educational content, not reviewed by a veterinarian · 2026-10-27

Grooming is part of daily feline behavior. Look for changes from the cat's usual pattern, repeated licking or biting of one area, hair loss, skin damage, and other discomfort; a fixed proportion of time cannot establish what is normal for an individual cat. Itch, pain, and stress can be involved. Have a veterinarian assess physical causes first.

Possible medical causes

Flea, food or environmental allergies and other skin problems can cause itching; history and examination are needed.
Pain can cause repeated licking; location offers clues but cannot diagnose urinary or joint disease.
Describe sudden intense licking, self-biting or skin twitching without diagnosing a neurologic or hyperesthesia syndrome yourself.
Senior cats: neurological disease can also cause abnormal licking

Possible behavioral causes

Stress/anxiety-driven displacement behavior: triggered by moves, new pets, or schedule changes — over time it can turn into a compulsive habit

Skin, pain and stress factors can overlap. Assess physical causes before behavior; shape or location cannot separate causes.

Initial at-home suggestions

Check first for visible external issues like fleas, lice, or matted fur
Record site, side and licking/biting/scratching, with a safe photo; do not diagnose from the pattern.
Think back on whether anything has changed at home recently to assess whether stress is the trigger
Take your cat for a full veterinary exam to rule out medical causes first, before addressing behavior