My cat's been on zylkene for 2 months, feliway in multiple rooms, plenty to play with, scratchers and high levels but still overgrooms, what can I do?
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Psychogenic alopecia often begins as what’s called a displacement behavior.
Cats need their daily routine to be very predictable and consistent. Some kitties, when they feel stressed by a change in their environment, will start performing a behavior like grooming themselves. This is displacement behavior.
The type of stress that prompts excessive licking tends to be ongoing and is usually a combination of stressors that are cumulative. So… a new family member, a move to a new house, or even the relocation of the litter box can upset the average cat and trigger displacement behaviors.
These behaviors help reduce emotional tension the cat is feeling. Licking releases endorphins, so the behavior makes sense in the context of a cat who is trying to soothe himself. If the anxiety-producing situation continues, the cat may continue the displacement behavior repetitively, until it becomes obsessive.
Females tend to be more prone to psychogenic alopecia than males. The disorder can happen at any age, but is commonly seen about the time of puberty.
The disorder can also occur in kitties who are hospitalized, boarded, bored, deprived of their freedom, or who are generally stressed or have a high-strung disposition.
There are lots of medical reasons cats over-groom. If the problem is generalized itching, the licking is usually widespread.
If there’s a painful area, the licking will be focused there. For example, back pain or anal sac impaction will prompt the cat to lick just that particular area. This behavior is also referred to as fur mowing.
Where a cat focuses her licking can give clues to the root problem, which can be any number of things – fleas, a neurologic problem, a chiropractic problem, parasites, food allergies, or a reaction to dust, pollen, or mold.
I recommend a recheck and further diagnostics to help pinpoint the origin of the problem. A consult with an animal behaviorist may also help.
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