Why is my cat licking his back legs?
Fleas are often the culprits behind compulsive cat scratching or cat licking behaviors. Because cats are excellent groomers, they may actually remove all traces of fleas. If you notice your cat licking their lower back obsessively, with or without scabs on the neck, it is a sign that fleas might be causing the problem.
Why is my cat licking her belly so much?
This condition, known as psychogenic alopecia — or more simply, overgrooming — can be a kind of compulsive disorder. The licking behavior may cause the brain to release natural painkillers called endorphins that relieve the cat’s anxiety.
Why is my cat licking her tummy and hind legs?
Over the course of the past few months, my cat has had three cortisone injections. She does fine while they work, no licking or scratching, hair even starts to grow back, but as soon as the medicine starts to wear off, she is right back to licking her tummy and hind legs.
What kind of cat licks its belly all the time?
Nellie, a seven-year-old female spayed tortoiseshell, rolled over on her back and revealed a bald belly. That’s when her owner suddenly noticed she had a cat that licked too much. Licking comes naturally to cats, but sometimes this normal grooming urge crosses the line into obsessive behavior.
What does it mean when your cat licks your fur off?
Excessive grooming is commonly referred to as psychogenic alopecia. Clients will notice their cat licking fur off their abdomens, chest, backs or legs. Some cats will pull the hair out with their teeth and create skin wounds and ulcerations.
Why does my cat lose fur on her back legs?
I have a nine year old Turkish Van mix who began losing the fur on her belly and the inner thighs of her hind legs about six months ago. I have taken her to the vet twice. The first time she was given an antibiotic that did not help. Then she was given a steroid shot that was very effective for about a month.
What happens if a cat licks its belly too much?
If your cat is licking too much, they can lose fur in strips along their back, belly, or inner legs. The affected areas may be completely bare or have very short stubble.
Why does my cat lick her tail so much?
For example, compulsive licking at the tail head may indicate a flea infestation, while cats with pollen or food allergies may lick their backs, abdomens or other areas of the body. Licking that causes excessive numbers of hairballs or hair loss is abnormal, Dr. Miller notes.
Excessive grooming is commonly referred to as psychogenic alopecia. Clients will notice their cat licking fur off their abdomens, chest, backs or legs. Some cats will pull the hair out with their teeth and create skin wounds and ulcerations.
I have a nine year old Turkish Van mix who began losing the fur on her belly and the inner thighs of her hind legs about six months ago. I have taken her to the vet twice. The first time she was given an antibiotic that did not help. Then she was given a steroid shot that was very effective for about a month.