Hudson Animal Hospital: Experienced Veterinarian in Manhattan

When Manhattan cat owners notice their feline companions licking themselves more frequently than usual, they may be alarmed. While grooming is natural, excessive grooming can signal underlying health issues, much like yellow teeth in cats may indicate dental problems. Pet owners asking “Why is my cat overgrooming?” should understand the potential causes behind this behavior.

Hudson Animal Hospital helps cat owners in Manhattan recognize the signs of problematic grooming habits so they know when professional intervention becomes necessary.

5 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Overgrooming

Cats typically spend up to 50% of their waking hours grooming, making it challenging to identify when the behavior becomes excessive. Hair loss, bald patches, skin sores, or increased hairballs often indicate overgrooming. Veterinarians in Manhattan identify five primary causes for feline overgrooming. 

1. Feline Stress and Anxiety

Pet owners frequently ask, “Why is my cat overgrooming?” when they notice increased licking following household changes.

This is a common response to the stress and anxiety caused by environmental changes. Moving furniture, introducing new pets, or altering household routines can prompt compulsive grooming behavior. 

Cats release endorphins through licking, making it a self-soothing mechanism when they feel anxious.

2. Skin Allergies and Itching

When cats experience skin allergies, they often respond with increased grooming to relieve discomfort. Allergic dermatitis develops from various irritants, including certain foods, environmental allergens, and flea bites.

3. Parasitic Infestations and Skin Conditions

Parasitic infestations from fleas, mites, or ticks can cause intense itching that leads to overgrooming. Other skin conditions like ringworm, bacterial infections, and fungal infections can also trigger excessive licking. Hudson Animal Hospital‘s veterinarians can diagnose these conditions and recommend appropriate treatments.

4. Hyperthyroidism in Manhattan Cats

Hyperthyroidism, a hormonal disorder from an overactive thyroid gland, causes hyperactivity in multiple behaviors, including grooming, eating, and playing. Additional symptoms include weight loss, unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination.

5. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Younger, high-energy cats in Manhattan may overgroom when they lack adequate mental and physical stimulation. Without sufficient play opportunities or environmental enrichment, cats turn to grooming as an outlet. Providing interactive toys, climbing structures, and regular play sessions helps prevent boredom-related overgrooming.

Recognizing When To Seek Veterinary Care in Manhattan

Pet owners should monitor their cats for signs related to excessive licking that indicate a veterinary visit is necessary. Compulsive grooming behavior accompanied by hiding, changes in appetite, or urinating outside the litter box requires a professional evaluation. When answering “Why is my cat overgrooming?” Manhattan veterinarians perform physical exams, blood tests, and allergy testing to determine the root cause.

Treatment approaches vary depending on the cause of the behavior. Medical issues like parasitic infestations or skin allergies require medications, including antibiotics, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Behavioral causes may require environmental modifications, stress-reduction techniques, and, in some cases, anti-anxiety medications.

About Hudson Animal Hospital

Hudson Animal Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary care for Manhattan pets experiencing excessive grooming, hair loss, and other concerning behaviors. Their team creates individualized treatment plans that consider each pet’s breed, age, and overall health status.

For help with hair loss in cats, overgrooming, or anything else, the veterinarians are ready to help. Manhattan residents can reach Hudson Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment for personalized answers to “Why is my cat overgrooming?” 

Contact Information:

Hudson Animal Hospital

238 W 61st St
New York, NY 10023
United States

Kyoko Yoshida
(212) 706-4088
https://www.hudsonanimalhospitalnyc.com/