Why is my cat licking fur off her inner thighs and groin area?

There are a number of reasons that a cat will overgroom themselves, but one of the most common reasons that we will see a cat overgroom the inside or back of the thighs is a flea allergy. If a cat has a flea allergy, it only takes 1 flea bite a week to keep them itchy and cats are such good groomers that you will often never see fleas. So, it is always recommended to have all animals in the house on a monthly flea preventative if any animal in the house has allergies or skin problems. I have attached a handout below on allergies and itching in cats. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2607 If Voltaire is already on a regular flea preventative, the next step would be to have your veterinarian examine him and determine if he has any evidence of secondary bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. If not, then you can discuss using anti-itching medications such as anti-histamines or steroids short term to resolve the itching and licking. And if those techniques are unsuccessful, then the final step might be a diet change. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Since you are noticing multiple locations affected, I recommend to have her examined by her veterinarian and checked for external parasites. Allergies or anxiety could also cause similar symptoms. Anxiety licking tends to be on the lower legs and the belly. They generally don’t scratch more due to anxiety. If the doctor thinks it is more related to anxiety, there are some things you can do at home. Please repost if you have any additional questions and best of luck.

Hello! Cats can start this behavior which we call barbering or over grooming. To my knowledge there is no specific known cause but it has been linked to stress and allergies. Since this is thought to be more of a behavioral issue the options for treatment are centered around environmental enrichment and/or behavior modifying medications. I would recommend discussing this further with your regular veterinarian so they can also evaluate Tess' to rule out things like a primary dermatological problem. Some have discussed switching to a hypoallergenic food to see if that helps. I have also met many owners who choose not to do anything because like Tess they aren't causing trauma to themselves. Hopefully this information is helpful and best of luck to you and Tess.

If there is no medical reason such as fleas or food allergy and it is behavioral there is medication to help. She may notice another animal or cat outside that is new that is stressing her out and causing her to do this more, There may be a new neighbor with a dog that she smells passing by the door increasing her anxiety. You can start with feliway diffusers and sprays to help in side the apartment. You can also talk to your vet about anxiety medication to start her on to decrease this behavior.

Excessive grooming can sometimes be linked to a behavioral issues (IE stress, or even becoming a habit after a stressful event) rather than a health one. If all tests have ruled out issues (including samples of the affected area sent to a lab), looking to behavioral ones may be beneficial. Trying to reduce any stressors in Belle's life such as making sure she has access to her own food, water, litter, places to sleep and hide, etc may help. Using a soft brush if she is regularly groomed may help as well. Pheromone diffusers such as comfort zone can also help with stress related issues. An Elizabethan (cone) collar or a T-shirt covering the area that is excessively groomed can also help break the habit. Here are some articles that may be useful for you as well on the topic: https://www.petcoach.co/article/psychogenic-alopecia-in-cats/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/excessive-grooming-in-cats-what-it-means-and-how-to-help/

This is usually from overgrooming due to stress. In the photo the skin looks normal and you are correct there isn’t any evidence of fleas. Often this starts with a change in the household from a new pet, new person or moving. You can try using a pheromone diffuser like Feliway to help her relax and there are calming supplements like Solliquin that can reduce her anxiety as well. Make sure she has a quiet, private place so she can escape any commotion in your house. As far as treatment goes giving an anti inflammation injection or pills will let the fur grow back but unless the reason is addressed this may recur. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lola.

That is a simple answer. Stress licking does not typically cause redness of the skin, just hair loss and patchy bald areas. However, a flea allergy will cause redness, bumps and hair thinning typically on the lower back or lower belly. I hope that this helps! Best of luck and take care.