Cat constantly grooming...

[carreauchompeur]

Folks,

I have a medium-haired rescue muggy. He is an indoor cat so fur generally in good condition,comb him once a week and he generally doesn't get too many knots, etc. the odd fur ball...

Over the last couple of weeks he seems to constantly be grooming himself. No signs of inflamed patches etc.

Any ideas why? He's due his boosters soon so vet may be next call!

[LeftMuffin]

Keep a close eye on it.

Our tabby started off like this 3 years ago, she would lick the backs of legs red raw. Numerous vet visits and she has skin dermatits, no one particular thing causes it so is/was a pain to treat.

Nothing seemed to work but she now has a steroid injection every 4-5 weeks and she is fine.

[Efbe]

probably got a date.


though seriously, something will be irritating the skin. fleas, rash, something.

[Mobile Chicane]

I'd say stress/boredom if an indoor cat.

[digger the goat]

Mine did this for no apparent reason other than we had our back door changed and he had to ask to go out, rather than use the cat flap.

We put an collar on him for a week and it stopped.

Seemed to be a stress thing. Has anything changed in your house ??

[carreauchompeur]

Hmm, don't think much has changed around the house but he does seem to be a bit 'needy' of late. May see if a Feliway diffuser might help...

[Mobile Chicane]

Are you working longer hours / leaving him alone / not playing with him as much?

[Jasandjules]

Fleas?

[carreauchompeur]

No particular change in contact. I'm working fairly friendly hours at the moment but am spending the occasional night away which might not help. I don't think my new flat mate interacts with him much...

Must get some new fluffy toys for him to chase!

[Mobile Chicane]

Cats are very sensitive to changes which might seem unnoticeable to humans. A new person in the house would certainly do it.

Try getting your flat mate to bribe him with steak. There is no feline unhappiness which cannot be soothed with... Mmmmm... Steak!

[carreauchompeur]

Haha, thanks. He generally seems quite content when he's curled up on/next to me, but maybe a bit 'flat' the rest of the time...

[Dromedary66]

Mobile Chicane said:

I'd say stress/boredom if an indoor cat.

This. Also to the OP cats that have the liberty of being able to go outside if they wish also have good fur. It's not as though being able to go outside, lie on the lawn and enjoy the sun, climb a tree or chase some birds means their fur automatically becomes mangey.