Post-surgery overgrooming

[Leftbutcameback]

One of my cats had quite big surgery about six weeks ago. During the recovery he was stuck in a large pen wearing a surgical onesie. He really hated that and I could see that he was over grooming at the top of his legs. About two weeks ago he was finally allowed back outside into his normal life. I’ve noticed over the last week especially that he has been significantly over grooming, mainly biting and pulling rather than just licking. It seems to be mainly around his back including the area where the shaved patch meets normal fur. He’s also not washing the rest of himself properly, whereas he used to be fastidious. I’ve tried feliway but not sure what to do next. Any thoughts? Thanks

My darling cat does this. She's so obsessed with grooming she will (if I let her) groom a massive patch of fur off. It's a learnt obsessive behaviour for her afyer her spaying- I think she used it as a comfort. What works for me is distracting her with lots of attention and treats. Unfortunately it doesn't work when she's out of the house for long periods and she knows this

I would up the type of de-stressing things you’re using. You need something stronger than feliway. Dorwest do liquid valerian that’s approved by vets. If he won’t take it directly you can put some drops on a piece of chicken. Pets Remedy is supposed to be better than feliway for a plug in too if you wanted to keep up with something like that at the same time.

Thanks both - I’ve contacted the vets so will ask them if there is a stronger drug they can prescribe. Assume the valerian is over the counter? Thanks very much!

Amazon sell Calm eze and Yu Calm - we were recommended YuCalm by our vet. I'm not sure they have made much difference to be honest though but they've got rave reviews.

You don’t need the vets, you can get it online: www.dorwest.com/product/valerian-compound-for-dogs-and-cats/

Thanks - off to Amazon for shopping now. I’ve already ordered some scent free wipes so I can clean him tomorrow

Thanks very much @JewelleryBox@Calicoqueen@IntemperateSpirits - I’m feeling much more positive now I have some more things to try

I am not sure if it's the same but when my dog had surgery on his hip he was shaved and had to wear doggy shorts ( oh god he looked daft ) and a cone of shame.
When the come and shorts came off he licked himself a lit and scratch his hip on the floor door frame chair us etc
It went in for a few days and started to look sore so we took him back to the vets and the gave him a mind numbing infection to stop the itch - scratch cycle .
That worked for about a day but he went back to scratching, so we went back yo the vets and it turns out he had razor rash and was developing in growing hairs

After a few different creams and keeping it covered and cool he was ok , altogether it probably took about 3 / 4 weeks to settle back down.

Mind numbing infection !!!! Good God no , it should say mild numbing injection

Thanks @AlCalavicci - I wondered if it was something to do with the shaving so that totally makes sense. It’s like he’s itching with his teeth

Can I ask what creams you used @AlCalavicci or were they prescribed?

Yes my dog scratched with his teeth rather than bitting.
Ian sorry I can't recall the name of the cream it was about 5 years ago but it was in a small blue and white tube and the cream was quite thin ( not helpful really ) but it was deffenetly prescribed.

The razor rash produced tiny tiny red bumps that could only be seen with a magnifying glass ( hence them been missed the 1st time )
Try using your phones camara and zoom right in

Zylkene may help too, my pair react very well to it as a de-stresser