My cat is losing fur on his belly. Is it stress-related overgrooming?

Hello, and thank you for your question. Overgrooming may be a cat's way of exhibiting stress, even if he is not showing any other signs. Overgrooming of the belly and inner thighs is a common presentation. Alternatively, this may be related to dryness as you suggested, or allergies, or infection. You can start by using a humidifier in the house to combat dryness, and trying out an omega 3 fatty acid supplement in his food. I would also think of any possible sources of stress, such as frequent visitors, loud construction noises, other pets in the house, long absences by yourself, etc. Feliway is a feline pheromone spray that you can look into, as it can help to reduce stress in indoor cats. If these have been ruled out and Dimitri is still overgrooming, I would take him to a vet to assess for a medical issue such as infection or allergies. I hope this helps, and that Dimitri is feeling better soon!

Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent excessive grooming. This may be enough to allow for healing. A pheromone product such as Feliway spray or plug in diffuser may decrease any anxiety. If the behavior persists, have Cina examined by your veterinarian or a certified veterinary behaviorist. Prescription anxiety medication may be indicated along with behavioral modification.

Hello! Cats commonly cope with anxiety by over-grooming themselves, usually in their belly region. I think you are exactly right that she has licked the fur off. In a fungal infection, I would expect to see redness of the skin, crusting, or discharge. The first thing I'd recommend for anxious kitties is a product called Feliway. It's a feline pheromone product that helps naturally calm cats. It can come in diffuser, spray, and collar forms. Cats also find great comfort in height. If she doesn't have many high places to perch around the house, that can be something that helps her interact more. There are also options of anxiolytic drugs, such as Prozac, that can help if you don't find success in the other options. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Such overgrooming in cats can be related to allergies or anxiety - feeding a calming food such as royal canin calm or adding a claming supplement containing b vitamins, tryptophan and casein can also help. Occasionally antiinflammatory medications may need to be prescribed by your vet in order to break the recurrent itch-scratch/groom cycle and allow the skin to heal

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be related to stress after you lost your dog. Please, try Feliway diffuser for 5-7 days. If this does not make any difference, you should take Jessica to your local vets for an appointment. Your vet will check her for skin allergy and anal glands impactation and if necessary, prescribe treatment for that.

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.

Yes, over-grooming can be from stress but it could also be an allergy or any number of other underlying reasons. I suggest you refer to the link below for more information about this problem in cats. I would also recommend you get some Feliway Friends diffusers for your house if you think there is some animosity between the cats. https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/overgrooming-cats/ https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-FRIENDS-Diffuser