Why is my cat licking his fur off his belly?

A: “Fur mowing,” as this behavior is sometimes called, is usually caused by an underlying health condition such as hyperthyroidism, allergies (or some other itchy skin disease) or parasites. The licking behavior may cause the brain to release natural painkillers called endorphins that relieve the cat’s anxiety.

How do you stop a cat from licking it’s fur off?

In most cases without a medical diagnosis, excessive licking behaviors require anti-anxiety drug therapy prescribed by a vet to break the licking cycle. 2 Typically the cat does not have to be on these medications its entire life, just for a period of time to help the animal deal with stress.

Why do cats lick their fur?

To Groom and Lubricate the Coat and Skin When cats groom, their barb-like tongues stimulate the sebaceous glands at the base of their hairs and spread the resultant sebum throughout the hairs. Their self-grooming also helps rid the coat of dirt and parasites such as fleas.

Why does my female cat keep cleaning herself?

Cats groom themselves to remove debris off the fur and to help regulate their body temperature. Grooming may also be a self-soothing behavior for some cats and a sign that they are feeling comfortable in their environments.

Why is my elderly cat losing fur?

Nervous disorders (e.g., over-grooming) can also cause hair loss in cats. Hormonal imbalances, specifically too much thyroid or increased levels of steroids in the body, may lead to cat hair loss. Another less common factor is heredity. Cat alopecia is common in older cats that are diagnosed with some types of cancer.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats?

The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is weight loss despite an increased appetite. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat. Because the disease develops gradually, signs are often easy to miss at first.

Why is my cat licking bald spots on himself?

While grooming is a natural part of cats’ natural cleaning, sometimes they over-groom, causing bald spots to appear. This compulsive licking can be caused by different factors including allergic reactions, injury, stress, fleas or other health problems.

Why is my cat licking himself so much?

If you notice your cat licking or biting at the same spot over and over again, it could be that they are experiencing pain or discomfort in that area. Boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder. Compulsive cat chewing, scratching, or licking behaviors often develop in cats who are bored, stressed, or anxious.

How do I know if my cat has a thyroid problem?

The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1).