Introduction: When Cat Grooming Goes Wrong
Most of the time, watching a cat groom herself is one of the most peaceful sights you’ll see—rhythmic licks, calm eyes, and a perfectly flexed paw cleaning her face. But like anything in life, too much (or too little) of a good thing can signal that something’s off.
At SnuggleSouls, we often remind cat parents: normal grooming is healthy, but when it becomes obsessive or stops altogether, it’s a red flag. In this post, we’ll help you spot the warning signs of overgrooming and undergrooming, and offer practical tips on what to do next.
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👉Why Do Cats Lick Themselves? Decode Your Cat’s Grooming Habits
In this post, we’re zooming in on a specific but critical issue: when grooming behavior becomes abnormal—either excessive or insufficient—and how to recognize and respond before it becomes a bigger health or emotional issue.
When Grooming Becomes a Problem
Like anything in life, moderation is key. Healthy cats groom often, but there’s a normal range. When a cat grooms far beyond that (to the point of harming herself), or stops grooming almost entirely, it’s a red flag for caregivers. Here we’ll discuss two opposite issues – overgrooming and undergrooming – and how to recognize them.
Signs of Overgrooming (Excessive Licking)
Bald Patches or Thinning Fur
One of the clearest signs is visible hair loss in areas your cat obsessively licks. You might notice thinning fur on the belly, inner thighs, or along the legs – common spots for a “fur mower,” as vets humorously call cats who mow off their fur with their tongues. A bald belly, for instance, often suggests the cat has been over-licking there. Over time, the rough tongue can actually pluck hair out, leaving bare skin.
Red or Irritated Skin, Sores or Scabs
If grooming crosses into the realm of obsession, a cat may lick so much that she irritates or even breaks the skin. You might see red, raw areas or scabs forming. In severe cases, constant licking and chewing can create open sores or infections. The cycle is vicious: irritated skin makes the cat lick more, which further damages the skin. Any noticeable skin lesions from grooming are a sign something’s wrong.
More than Half the Day Spent Grooming
We noted cats can normally spend up to 50% of their awake time grooming. If it feels like your cat is licking nearly all the time or if she’s choosing grooming over other activities (like eating or playing), take note. For example, if your cat is grooming more than 5 hours a day or to the point of skipping meals or playtime because she’s busy licking, that’s excessive.
Focus on One Body Area
Pay attention where your cat licks. If she is constantly nursing one spot (e.g., licking the base of her tail over and over), it often indicates a specific issue in that area (like fleas at the tail base, or anal gland discomfort). Cats with arthritis might repeatedly lick at a particular joint that hurts, such as an elbow or hip. Overgrooming one area can be a cat’s way of pointing to pain or itch that needs addressing.
Hairballs or Vomiting More Frequently
An overgrooming cat ingests a lot of fur. You might notice increased hairball episodes or even vomiting clear froth due to constant licking. While hairballs now and then are normal, frequent ones could mean Kitty is overdoing the self-bathing.
Why it happens
Overgrooming can have medical or psychological causes (or both). Many medical issues make a cat’s skin or body feel uncomfortable, prompting excessive licking. Fleas are a top culprit – a single flea bite can trigger intense itching (flea allergy dermatitis) and cats will lick or chew their fur off in response.
Other parasites like mites, or skin infections like ringworm or bacterial infections, also cause itchiness leading to overgrooming. Allergies (to food, pollen, dust, etc.) can make the skin itchy everywhere, so the cat might overgroom large swaths of her body.
Pain is another factor: a cat with bladder pain from a urinary infection may lick her belly incessantly, or a cat with arthritis might lick at a sore joint. Essentially, the cat is trying to soothe the pain/itch with her tongue. We can think of overgrooming as a kitty form of us rubbing a sore muscle – except cats don’t know when to stop.
After medical causes, the other big category is stress or anxiety. Some cats develop a habit of licking themselves as a nervous tic, akin to a person biting their nails. If a cat is stressed by changes (new home, new pet, loss of a companion, boredom), she may overgroom to cope. This is often called psychogenic alopecia – hair loss due to psychological causes. It usually arises when all medical causes are ruled out and grooming is deemed a stress-relief behavior.
In many cases, overgrooming might start due to a medical issue (like fleas) but continue as a habit even after the fleas are gone, because the act of grooming became self-soothing.
Signs of Undergrooming (Poor Grooming or No Grooming)
Greasy, Unkempt Fur
A healthy cat’s coat is soft and relatively clean/odorless. If you notice your cat’s fur looking oily, clumpy, or dirty, it could be that she’s not grooming enough. Cats have a tendency to look a bit ragged if they haven’t been washing themselves – the hair may lay flat or be stuck together in greasy spikes, especially along the back. You might see patches of dandruff or flaky skin because the cat isn’t distributing oils properly or removing dead skin.
Mats Forming in the Coat
Small matts or tangles of fur, particularly in areas that a cat would normally clean (like along the spine, behind the ears, or on the chest), are a warning sign of undergrooming. Mats form when shed fur isn’t licked away and begins to tangle with the remaining coat. Even short-haired cats can get little clumps of fur if they never groom. If you suddenly find mats on a cat who previously had none, it means she’s neglecting her “beauty routine.”
Stains or Residue on Fur (Lack of Cleaning)
You might notice your cat has yellow or brownish staining on her paws or underside from urine, or food stuck on her face/chin after meals that she hasn’t cleaned off. A foul odor can also develop if the genital area isn’t being kept clean, or if the coat has accumulated dirt. Basically, if she’s not washing herself, she’s going to start smelling or looking dirty in spots.
Appearance of “Dandruff” or Skin Issues
Cats that don’t groom may suffer skin consequences. Without regular licking to stimulate circulation and oil distribution, the skin can become dry. You might see flaky patches of skin, or even redness from underlying skin problems that the cat isn’t addressing by grooming. Over time, lack of grooming can lead to worse skin infections because the normal cleaning mechanism is gone.
Behavioral Changes
Often an undergrooming cat looks lazy or listless. You may notice she no longer does the cute yoga poses to clean herself, or she might try to lick and then give up quickly. If a normally tidy cat stops grooming, it can even be a sign of depression. Some cats, when ill or in pain, simply lose interest in grooming – much like a person who is sick might not shower.
Why it happens
Undergrooming usually indicates an underlying problem that is preventing the cat from grooming normally. Illness or pain is a common cause. Cats that are sick (with anything from a fever to chronic kidney disease) often have low energy and may neglect grooming.
Painful conditions like arthritis make it hard for a cat to twist or reach certain spots, so grooming drops off. A cat with dental pain or a mouth injury might find licking too painful.
Obesity is another big factor – an overweight cat physically can’t reach all the areas to groom, especially around the rear end, so the coat in those spots becomes dirty or matted. Older cats may groom less due to a combination of stiffness, dental issues, or simply cognitive decline.
Additionally, cats that were orphaned or separated from their mother too early might never have properly learned how to groom (mom teaches a lot of that in the first weeks), so they may have a lifelong tendency for poorer grooming.
Lastly, severe stress or apathy (like a very depressed or anxious cat) might lead to ignoring grooming – essentially the opposite of the stress overgroomer. In any case, a cat who isn’t keeping herself clean is likely in need of some help or a vet checkup.
Helping Your Cat with Healthy Grooming
As pet parents, it’s our job to keep an eye on our cats’ grooming habits and step in with help or care when needed. Here are some practical ways to support your cat’s grooming needs and ensure she stays comfortable and healthy:
Regular Brushing and Coat Care
Regardless of your cat’s coat type, regular brushing or combing can greatly assist her grooming routine. Brushing mimics some of the effects of licking – it removes loose hair, stimulates the skin, and distributes oils. Many cats absolutely love being brushed once they’re used to it; it can become a wonderful bonding time.
For long-haired cats or those prone to hairballs, daily or frequent brushing is essential to get rid of excess fur before your cat swallows it.
For short-haired cats, a quick brush a few times a week can help keep that shine and reduce shedding.
If your cat is older or has arthritis, brushing is more than just vanity – you’re helping her reach spots she can’t due to stiffness. Likewise, overweight cats often can’t clean their rear half well, so gentle brushing or even wiping with a damp cloth in those areas keeps them from getting dirty or irritated skin.
Regular coat checks and grooming by you will also alert you to any issues like fleas, ticks, or lumps on the skin. And a bonus: less cat hair on your furniture!
Start slow and make brushing positive with treats or gentle praise. Grooming your cat yourself not only keeps her coat in top shape but strengthens the bond between you (it’s basically allogrooming across species).
Provide a Healthy Diet and Hydration
It might not be obvious, but nutrition plays a role in coat health. Feeding a high-quality diet recommended by your vet ensures your cat’s skin and fur have the nutrients they need (like fatty acids) to stay healthy.
A cat with a nutritious diet will have a healthier coat that’s easier to groom and less prone to matting or dandruff. Hydration also matters – well-hydrated skin is less itchy and flaky. Encourage your cat to drink water (through fountains or wet food) to keep her skin supple.
When coat and skin are healthy, grooming is more effective and pleasant for the cat.
Watch for Changes in Grooming Habits
You know your cat’s routines best. If you notice sudden changes – like a big increase or decrease in grooming – take note. Often, the earliest sign of a health problem is a shift in grooming behavior.
For instance, if your cat starts fixating on licking one spot repeatedly, inspect that area for wounds, rashes, or pain. She might be trying to tell you something hurts or itches there (cats have been known to lick over an arthritis site, or near an infected kidney, as a way to localize their discomfort).
On the other hand, if a usually sleek cat starts looking messy and isn’t grooming much, consider that she may be ill or in pain (common causes include dental pain, kidney issues, arthritis, obesity, etc.). Early intervention is key – a vet visit can uncover if there’s an underlying issue like fleas, allergies, or a sore tooth.
Keep a casual grooming log in your mind: “Is Fluffy grooming normally this week?” If something seems off for more than a day or two, it’s worth investigating.
Address Underlying Medical Issues
If your vet finds a medical reason for abnormal grooming, treating that issue should help return your cat to normal habits. Parasites like fleas or mites should be treated promptly with vet-recommended medications – once the itch is gone, the overgrooming often stops. Skin infections or allergies might require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
Pain management for conditions like arthritis can greatly improve an older cat’s ability to groom (your vet might prescribe joint supplements, pain relievers, or recommend environmental changes to help your cat move comfortably).
For overweight cats, consulting with your vet on a weight loss plan will not only improve grooming ability but overall quality of life.
If dental disease is present, addressing it via a dental cleaning or extractions can remove the pain that’s preventing your cat from grooming. Always follow your vet’s guidance on how to handle these issues – clearing the root cause can often magically resolve the grooming problem.
Reduce Stress and Enrich Your Cat’s Environment
For cats that are anxious or bored (hence overgrooming to cope), it’s crucial to work on stress reduction and enrichment. Identify possible stressors in the home.
Have you moved furniture, introduced a new pet, or changed your schedule drastically? Even subtle changes can upset sensitive cats. Whenever possible, remove or mitigate stress triggers.
For example, if indoor cats are stressed by stray cats outside, block the view or use motion-activated deterrents to keep strays away. If a new baby or pet is causing anxiety, make sure to give your cat quiet safe spaces (like a separate room or high perches) and reintroduce them gradually with positive reinforcement.
Increasing environmental enrichment can do wonders: provide scratching posts, puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and regular play sessions to keep your cat mentally stimulated. A busy, happy cat has less time or need to overgroom out of boredom. Also maintain routines – feed and play at roughly the same times each day if you can, as cats find comfort in predictability.
You can try feline pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) which dispense calming scents, or even special calming treats/supplements if your vet approves. In some cases of extreme anxiety-driven grooming, the vet may suggest a short course of anti-anxiety medication to break the cycle while you implement long-term changes.
Always use medication as directed by a veterinarian. Overall, a stress-free cat in a stimulating environment is far less likely to lick herself raw. Sometimes just a new tall cat tree by the window or an extra 15 minutes of play a day can channel a cat’s energy away from overgrooming.
Assist with Grooming for Special Needs
Some cats will need lifelong human help with grooming. Senior cats, arthritic cats, or those with disabilities might benefit from a regular grooming routine provided by you or a professional.
This can include brushing, gentle bathing (only if necessary and if the cat tolerates it), trimming long fur to prevent mats (some owners of longhaired cats get a “sanitary trim” for the hindquarters to help keep that area clean), and keeping nails trimmed (overgrown nails can curve into the paw pads, causing pain that makes grooming uncomfortable).
If your cat has a hard time reaching her back, you can use a warm damp cloth to simulate the cat’s tongue and wipe down those areas occasionally. Always be gentle and make it a positive experience – offer treats or pats. If you’re unsure how to groom or your cat is very uncooperative, consider using a professional groomer (ideally one experienced with cats) or asking your vet techs for help during vet visits.
Groomers can do things like lion cuts (for extreme cases of matting) or routine brush-outs. However, if stress is a factor, forcing grooming can backfire – so gauge your cat’s tolerance. The goal is to support your cat, not stress her out further. Even a few minutes of helping with grooming each day can make a big difference for a cat who struggles to do it on her own.
Know When to See the Veterinarian
Perhaps the most important advice: if you suspect your cat’s grooming is outside the norm, consult your veterinarian. It’s always better to catch a problem early. Go to the vet if you observe any of the signs of overgrooming or undergrooming mentioned above, such as bald spots, skin wounds, dramatic increases in licking, or a suddenly unkempt coat.
Also, if you’re not sure whether the grooming is too much, a vet can help determine that. The vet will likely do a thorough exam, check for fleas or skin issues, possibly run tests (skin scrapes, blood work) or imaging to identify pain sources. This medical sleuthing is important; never just assume it’s “behavioral” without ruling out medical causes.
If everything medical is clear and it’s deemed a behavioral issue, your vet can guide you on next steps (they might refer you to a feline behaviorist or suggest strategies to manage stress).
Remember, your vet is your partner in figuring out why your kitty might be excessively licking or not licking at all.
Don’t be shy about bringing up grooming at your annual appointments too – mention any small changes you’ve noticed. Catching arthritis early, for example, might allow you to start supplements that keep your cat comfortable and grooming normally.
Keeping Primped and Peaceful
Watching a cat meticulously lick and comb her fur can be mesmerizing – and now we know it’s not just about looking pretty. From the tiny kitten washed by her mother’s tongue, to the senior cat who needs a gentle brush from you, grooming is a lifelong language for cats.
It’s how they stay clean, regulate their temperature, heal their wounds, calm their nerves, and show love to those they care about. In essence, when you see your cat licking herself, she’s taking care of both her body and mind.
In a warm, first-person sense, I often tell fellow cat parents: “Let your cat teach you.” When she licks you, she’s showing affection – so enjoy the trust she’s placing in you (even if the tongue feels like sandpaper!).
When she grooms in front of you, it means she feels safe in your presence. And if you ever find yourself worrying that something’s off – maybe she’s looking scruffier or overdoing the licking – trust that instinct and investigate. Our cats might be self-grooming experts, but we’re their backup support team.
By observing and caring for our cats’ grooming habits, we ultimately deepen the bond we share. There’s nothing quite like the sight of a happy, well-groomed cat curled up in a sunbeam, confidently clean and comforted.
It’s the picture of feline well-being. So next time you catch your kitty mid-bath, give her a little nod of approval – she’s doing what nature intended. And if she looks up as if to say, “Am I not the cleanest, most fabulous creature?”, you can wholeheartedly agree. After all, a cat’s grooming is one of the many quirks that make them such endearing, amazing companions.
Conclusion
It’s easy to think a cat licking herself is just a sign of vanity or routine—but as we’ve seen, grooming is so much more than that. It’s how cats stay healthy, regulate their temperature, relieve stress, and even show love.
But when grooming habits change—too much, too little, or focused on one spot—it’s often your cat’s way of waving a quiet red flag.
If your cat’s fur is thinning, if she’s chewing herself raw, or if she’s no longer taking care of her coat at all, don’t wait. Talk to your vet. Rule out the hidden medical or emotional causes that cats so often mask with silence. With the right support, you can stop a small behavior from turning into a bigger problem—and help your cat feel calm, cared for, and seen.
Want the full picture, from grooming tools to medical red flags and proven solutions? Don’t miss our complete guide:
👉Why Do Cats Lick Themselves? Decode Your Cat’s Grooming Habits
Your cat isn’t just keeping clean. She’s communicating—in the only way she knows how. And now, you know how to listen.
FAQ
Is it normal for cats to spend hours grooming themselves?
Yes, it’s normal for cats to spend up to 30–50% of their awake time grooming. However, if your cat seems to be grooming constantly or to the exclusion of other activities like eating or playing, it may indicate overgrooming.
What causes overgrooming in cats?
Overgrooming can be caused by medical conditions like fleas, skin allergies, pain (e.g. arthritis), or psychological stress such as anxiety, boredom, or environmental changes. Sometimes, it’s both.
How can I tell if my cat is undergrooming?
Signs of undergrooming include greasy or matted fur, flakes or dandruff, stains from food or urine, and a generally unkempt appearance. It may indicate pain, obesity, dental issues, or illness.
What should I do if my cat is licking a specific area repeatedly?
Frequent licking of a specific spot may suggest localized pain, itchiness, or irritation. Schedule a vet visit to rule out medical causes such as infection, parasites, or joint problems.
Can stress alone cause a cat to groom too much or too little?
Yes. Stress can trigger compulsive licking (psychogenic alopecia) or, conversely, make a cat so withdrawn that it stops grooming altogether. Identifying stress triggers and improving enrichment can help, but vet guidance is essential.
References
Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Cats That Lick Too Much. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu
Hart, H. (2025, April 2). Why Do Cats Lick Themselves? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com
Hill’s Pet Nutrition. (n.d.). Why Cats Groom and Lick Themselves. Hill’s Pet. https://www.hillspet.com
Zoetis Petcare. (n.d.). Cat Overgrooming: What It Looks Like & How to Help. https://www.zoetispetcare.com
Petfinder. (n.d.). Why Do Cats Lick Themselves? Petfinder. https://www.petfinder.com