My cat is overgrooming, losing hair, and peeing. Should I see a vet?

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.

Two things you didn't mention: Was Mikimoto-san tested at all for thyroid issues or other metabolic issues? Sometimes thyroid and other issues can present with changes in weight, eating habits, hair loss and more. A full blood panel if you haven't had one done already can help. The other thing to look for is stress over-grooming. Cats can start obsessively licking as a result of stress, and the behavior can become a habit that continues even after the stressor is removed. Making sure Miki-san has his own place to relax, eat, drink, use litter and more can help reduce stress as well as using pheromone diffusing plug-ins or collars. If the stress has been removed but the licking continues, you may need to break the habit by placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt on him to prevent licking until he doesn't feel the urge to continue.

Overgrooming can be caused by a few medical problems, such as fleas, food allergies, mites, or internal medical disease. I would take Milly to a vet to rule out these issues. If the vet can't find anything physically wrong, then it could be behavioral. You can try supplements for stress like Zylkene or Comfort Zone/Feliway. Here is some more information on overgrooming in cats that includes things to discuss with your vet: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2565

The first step to managing Oden's overgrooming and skin irritation involves determining why this is occurring in the first place. Some cats overgroom due to anxiety or stress, while others pull out their hair while itching due to fleas, allergies or skin infections. Until you can get to the vet, I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Oden to prevent him from licking or chewing at his hind end further, as this can only make matters worse. Also be sure that you are using a good quality flea prevention (Advantage is a great option that is available over the counter) on Oden regularly, as some cats are highly allergic to even one or two flea bites. As soon as you are financially able to do so, I recommend taking Oden to the vet. He may need diagnostic testing of his skin, oral antibiotics or oral steroids to manage this condition. Many shelters also offer discounted veterinary services, if needed.

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

It may be excessive grooming, which can be caused by numerous things, including fleas (even if she is an indoor-only cat), stress or anxiety, skin infection, mites, pain, or even urinary discomfort. I would recommend having Izzy checked out by a vet to first rule out common medical issues. Then they can help you determine what could be the cause and start her on an appropriate treatment plan. https://www.petcoach.co/article/excessive-grooming-in-cats-what-it-means-and-how-to-help/ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952646

A general vet visit is always a good idea to rule out any health issues, especially if Simone is overgrooming or is showing symptoms outside the norm. In some cases, cats may develop an overgrooming habit in response to stress, which is usually treated by placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar to prevent the grooming as well as treating the underlying cause of stress. However, it is best to rule out any possible health issues first, and have them treated, before determining this.