Overgrooming cat

[WhoLettheCatOut]

We adopted 2 new cats about 6 weeks ago. They seem to have settled really well, but 1 came to us having overgroomed one patch, reason unknown, she saw the vet and got it treated, no signs of fleas. She had a good check up a couple of weeks later when she had her vaccinations. They're lovely cats and seem really well adjusted but about a week ago the cat who had previously had an issue seemed to have been in a fight as she had a scab on the back of her hear that didn't look self inflicted. Then yesterday I spotted a patch of over grooming, by today she had 4 patches and is starting to make herself sore. Again no obvious causes so possibly stress. I have ordered a Feliway and am keeping her in because of the cone, but I appreciate that is actually stressing her more as they are very outdoor cats. Obviously we will keep investigating any other causes with the vet but if anyone has had similar and can advise on how to break the over grooming cycle or lower stress levels advice would be appreciated. I must admit she doesn't look stressed, eats well, very active, likes to snuggle and no accidents but I appreciate she's had a big life upheaval and is now in a new environment.

[jmh740]

My cat over grooms when she gets stressed, we have feliway I usually take her to the vet and he gives her an injection cant remember if its steroid or antibiotics sorry

[WhoLettheCatOut]

Thank you it's good to hear she's not the only one! It's steroids, I think it will be a possibility for her but we need to try the feliway first. I am sad she's stuck indoors for a week until she heels as I think it will stress her more!

[Allergictoironing]

Try Zylkene, that may help with her stress a bit.

[BovaryX]

I think it's almost a form of compulsive behaviour caused by stress. Do they get on well together? Hopefully the feliway will help. Does she have a cat basket? I have a nervous cat, but his basket makes him feel very comforted and it relaxes him.

[WhoLettheCatOut]

Thank you, It does seem compulsive. The feliway arrived yesterday so I tried that overnight as they are confined to the kitchen over night so easier to put near her! They seem to get on well but I noticed she's got a scratch on her ear today and lost a chunk of fur from somewhere she can't reach so I'm pretty sure she's falling out with another cat from the area unfortunately. Hoping it will pass and she can settle. She doesn't really have a bed (well she has 3 but doesn't use them).

[BovaryX]

but I noticed she's got a scratch on her ear today and lost a chunk of fur from somewhere she can't reach so I'm pretty sure she's falling out with another cat from the area unfortunately

Are you sure this isn't being caused by your other resident cat? She is being attacked and her over grooming is probably stress related. You need to give her spaces where she feels safe. Climbing ledges, baskets etc. If she is locked in a kitchen with a cat who is attacking her and has no escape? That will cause her stress. I am not saying this is happening, but it would explain her stress.

[WhoLettheCatOut]

I'm going to close this as sadly she died today :(

[Hamsterian]

Oh no! What happened?

[pinkhousesarebest]

Oh no, what happened ? I was just reading it as we also have an overgroomer. So sorry...

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Vets as a group are re-evaluating over grooming it would seem that a significant number have an allergy and a structured approach to this can resolve the overgrooming. Another significant population actually chronic low grade pain and treatment with painkillers resolves the over grooming. I would encourage you to see your vet when possible they maybe able to arrange a phone with photos or video consult to get started on management.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I am sorry I just saw your update.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Oh no, I’m so sorry I know what it’s like to lose them unexpectedly.

I hope you’ve got people with you.