Why Has My Cat Stopped Grooming Herself? (Explained)

Does Your Cat Behave Like Phoebes’ ‘Infamous Smelly Cat’?

If you have a cat, chances are you’ve heard of the famous “Smelly Cat” from the hit sitcom Friends. While we all know that cats generally like to groom themselves, what happens when your own feline friend has stopped grooming herself? Cats spend a lot of time grooming, and it’s more than just a habit.

It’s a survival instinct.

What Is The Purpose of Cats Grooming Themselves?

What?! To clean themselves, of course! It’s not that simple. For sure, they tend to themselves because they want to be clean, but there are profound reasons behind their actions.

The first step is understanding why cats stop cleaning themselves. Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t behave bad out of spite; they act out because their needs aren’t met. Interacting more with your furry friends helps with their well-being. And it helps identify potential behavioral issues that need addressing. 

Cats may stop grooming due to various reasons, including health issues, pain, stress, or skin problems. It’s essential to monitor any behavioral changes and consult a veterinarian to ensure your cat’s well-being. Regular grooming is vital for a cat’s health and comfort.

Cat Behavior, Not Just A Habit But A Survival Instinct

Some people think that grooming behavior is a habit of cats and not much more. Well, it’s an instinct and survival instinct at that. As is mentioned in this study.¹ Cats can become very ill in challenging environments due to parasites. Evolution has selected a way that helps cats to keep the invasive critters to a minimum.

Successful cats evolved to be efficient groomers.

It increased longevity and enabled the production of copious offspring. Also, cats that taught their progeny to groom gifted them a great advantage. This is good because we all want healthy cats, and we don’t want to have to use cat surgery or cat medications.  Cat cancer would be more prevalent if nature hadn’t selected the most resilient cats. The ancestors of our domestic cats were wild, and they still are in some parts of the world. For this reason, grooming is an instinctual behavior. It’s survival behavior and one that must be learned by your cat. It’s all about survival!

Ectoparasite Control:

‘ecto’ means external and parasites means well, parasites, and control, means putting a stop to them. Thus, it’s one of the reasons why cats lick themselves profusely. In one study ²on cats they deprived of the ability to clean themselves (via the use of ‘The Cone’).

Also, they placed the cats in an area infested with fleas (kinda mean I know).

The result was a marked increase in the adult flea population on the cats. And a 200% increase in grooming time after removing the annoying cone. Cat overgrooming occurred with or without the presence of critter infestation.

Thermoregulation:

Cats don’t have many sweat glands like humans because, as you may have noticed, cats skin is covered with fur. Part of the role of grooming and licking themselves is that it cools them down. This is especially important in the hot summer. The other part of licking is that it spreads saliva. Saliva contains a lot of enzymes which help break down food and fight off infectious agents. See how important licking is? It’s not just for pleasure!

It Brings Them A Dopamine Rush:

Yes, your cat is an addict! When cats clean themselves, they have a dopamine response which encourages them to keep cleaning. It’s part of the survival instinct, so in a way, cats get kind of high when they groom (well they feel good). An appropriate analogy might be that of a runner’s high, you know that feeling you get after a good long run. It’s the same for the cats after a good grooming session.

On another level we could ask, ‘Are cats proud?’ I don’t know, but if I were to guess I’d say grooming themselves is a sign of self-pride. So they feel good about themselves after grooming, which is why they do it.

How Often Should My Cat Groom Herself?

Grooming is essential to a cat’s life and contributes to its health and well-being. But, many owners must be made aware of how often cats should groom themselves. Regular grooming helps cats stay clean while removing flea dirt, parasites, excess fur or dander from the skin. It’s vital that your cat finds the right balance between playtime and hygiene.

The grooming frequency will depend on several factors, including the type of fur and coat length. This study ³shows that cats sleep and rest about 50 per cent of their lives and 8 per cent of the remaining time is spent grooming.

Which is equal to the same amount of time they spend eating and drinking. It may not sound like a lot, but that amounts to 20% of their waking time, basically licking themselves. So the equivalent of a person who sleeps 8 hours a day would be 3 hours per day in the bathroom. So it’s quite a lot of time for most cats. An impressive amount of self-care!

How Does Cat Grooming Work?

A cat’s tongue is full of tiny spines with a unique hook shape: papillae is the name of these scratchy barbs.

It’s keratin that provides structure to the barbs on the cat’s tongue, giving it a unique rough feeling. Keratin is the same material that your hair and fingernails are made of. The cat’s tongue catches fur like a hairbrush (but way better). Which is then discarded.

And, of course, it’s simple for our furry friends to strip clean the meat of animal bones using their tongues. So the cat’s tongue is multifunctional. It’s the cat’s grooming tool, and it’s also the cat food processor. So from a biological point of view, cats have unique tongues.

That’s why I love the cats tongue because it’s so different from our own.

Is Grooming Good For Cats?

Silly question? That depends. Putting the instinctual aspect aside, it’s fair to say that cats love grooming themselves, and they love grooming each other. And in my experience, they enjoy it when humans do it to them—grooming your cat allows you to spend quality time with them. Hence, it’s much more than just the grooming action. Bonds are built between you and your cats.

And indeed, it removes dust, dead skin, unwanted fur and prevents matting.

Also, it can also help to improve circulation.

A quick check of your cat’s coat can be a good first indicator of where your cat’s health is at. If you have a long haired cat, human grooming may be more pertinent. Tangled or matted fur may lead to skin irritation, can cause discomfort to your cat, and it’s dangerous if the fur acquires an infectious vector such as bacteria.

Cats Grooming Each Other 

When cats groom each other, it’s an expression of their relationship. If your cats do this at home, they may be telling you that they trust and respect one another.

If your cats groom each other in front of you, this may be because they want you to acknowledge their relationship. If the cats know each other very well, they may deeply admire one another and are putting their bond on display.

In contrast, a higher-ranking cat will groom lower-ranking cats and expect a submissive response. In a lion pride, grooming can express dominance. Similar behavior is expressed in domestic cats, but only if three or more cats live together.

Mother cats groom their kittens from their birth. Including cleaning the kitten’s bum to encourage toileting for the first time. The mother cat’s affection will never go away while the kitten is still young. Even after her kittens have grown and left she may well continue to care for cats in her pack. It could also be a sign of community which is why human members of the cat family often get groomed. Often showing they trust family members and perceive no threat.

You’re part of the group!

I remember adopting two cats at separate times; it was a lovely sight to see when they started grooming each other. So, it’s very typical for cats to groom each other.

Signs Of Under-Grooming

You may need to find out if your cat is grooming correctly. I understand for some people, especially if new to cats, it’s challenging to know what good grooming looks like. Grooming is an integral part of a healthy cat’s life. While it might be difficult for some pet parents to know if their cats are getting enough grooming.

There are sure signs you can easily spot to make sure kitty is paying attention to her self-care. One sign of under-grooming is the presence of mats or tangles in your cat’s fur. If left untreated, these can become painful and hard to remove. You should also check for excess shedding or bald patches. It could indicate they aren’t cleaning themselves properly. Additionally, if their claws are overgrown, that could be another sign they struggle to maintain hygiene habits. What signs might you see if your cat is under-grooming?

• Greasy coat
• Tufts of fur on the cat that are hard to get out
• Smells bad
• Covered in bits of food
• Paws are stained (often this is because of standing in urine)

Why Cats Clean Their Paws After Using The Litter Box

Some experts say that cats clean their paws for several reasons. One reason is that they eliminate body odor when they use the litter box and take on the smell of the litter box. Cats don’t like this. Also, cats often groom first by licking their paws, which symbolizes their desire to be clean because, as this study shows: 

Oral grooming was directed most often to the head in the form of face-washing. Other experts say that cats clean their paws to keep them clean and disinfect them. Maybe because some areas of the cat’s body are more moist and fragrant, making it easier for bacteria to grow and spread infection. Cats are known for their hygiene, spending a lot of time licking themselves.

The above study showed cats prevented from grooming increased their grooming time by 200% (on removal of the cone). In short, they groomed themselves to keep healthy and clean.

Should You Worry If Your Cat Doesn’t Clean His Paws?

Many believe they should clean their paws after using the litter box. But, there is some debate about whether cats should clean their paws after using the litter box. Cats might start to clean their paws when they first try to use the litter box, but others might not. It depends on your cat’s newly adopted habits and personality.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s lack of paw-cleaning when you visit the vet, ask about it and any other unusual behaviors your cat might have. Most vets will advise you on what to do (if anything). Cats need healthy feet to scratch, climb and pull off their famed acrobatic landings. That’s why it’s crucial to habitually examine and clean your cat’s paws. It has the bonus of checking if his paws are uninjured.

What if your cat stops using the litter box?

There may be a problem with your cat, and it could have a medical condition. Don’t panic. There could be other reasons why your cat has stopped using the litter box.

Is your cat neutered? Cats that are not neutered are more likely not to use the litter box.

Has your cat been declawed? If so, it has been noted that cats with no front claws could find the litter box sensitive due to pain from the surgery. This makes sense if you think about it; they will stop scratching in the litter and defecate around the outside of the box instead. If this is the case for you, try wood shavings such as Pine or Aspen or even soft shredded newspaper.

If you have a lot of cats, do you have enough litter boxes? Another consideration is litter box locations. Is the litter box in a spot the cat doesn’t like? He may well not want to use it there. Have you changed the little box location recently? How clean is the litter box?

Check all these things first to see whether any of these changes make the situation better.

Why Might Your Cat Not Be Grooming Herself?

There are various reasons why your cat might not be cleaning herself to her best potential. As a cat owner, it’s essential to be aware of grooming habits. If your cat isn’t grooming herself as much as he usually does, it could indicate an underlying health issue.

Additionally, suppose your cat is suffering from anxiety or stress. In that case, this could also be why she’s not motivated to groom. When cats aren’t feeling well, they may not like spending time on grooming activities.

There are also times when cats stop grooming themselves due to pain. If your cat is uncomfortable, he may not want to do anything. This can be the case with arthritis or dental disease. Some cats are just less interested in grooming themselves as they age. .

Do You Have A Senior Cat?

Age is a significant factor in a cat’s health and, thus, in its grooming habits. Just like humans. As they age, it gets increasingly difficult to engage fully in self-care. Not least of these reasons are cognitive issues. It’s tough for older cats who aren’t sharp of mind enough to take care of themselves.

Osteoarthritis

More common than you think, one major illness that springs to mind for senior cats is osteoarthritis. It’s challenging and can debilitate a cat. It’s a debilitating disease that makes it painful for cats to clean themselves because they don’t feel motivated to groom.

The symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Strange behavior patterns
• Depression
• Urinating and defecating outside the litter tray
• Struggling to jump on and off objects
• Poor grooming habits

The diagnosis, however, can be difficult even for experienced veterinarians. Because cats tolerate pain and bone problems much better than larger mammals.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments are available to ease the symptoms. Veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatories, painkillers and antidepressants. It’s well worth examining the veterinary medicine on offer, especially for senior cats. These are either given in tablet form or by injection.

If you are still worried, after you have taken him to a veterinarian, one thing you can do is to install ramps in your house. It will enable your cat to get to its favorite high places. It can be inexpensive and doesn’t have to be over the top. You can use boxes or books; just make sure that they are stable.

Fractures

There are four main types of fractures that cats acquire:

• compound
• closed
• epiphysis
• greenstick

They are characterized in different ways, usually by how they are broken. A fractured or broken bone, depending on where the break is, will significantly impede your cat’s grooming ability. Your cat may feel like he needs to groom but cannot due to the break. You must be aware of your cats’ behaviors because they are very good at hiding pain.

So if you go to pick up your cat, or stroke your him, and he hisses at you when he’s usually a lovely bundle of joy, this could be a sign.

Try not to be too upset by your cat’s behavior. Make sure you give him extra attention and observe him to ensure he has no broken bones.

Senile Dementia

Probably the saddest of all reasons is when your cat becomes senile.

In this situation, you are powerless to a great extent. Naturally, some things will make his life more comfortable. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise, good food and mental stimulation.

However, this is more prevention than cure. The best thing for an older afflicted cat is to avoid sudden changes to his daily routine. Try not to move anything around the house. Keep the furniture he uses or his food bowls and litter tray in the same place. You might notice your cat has strange sleeping patterns, is often disorientated, and has toilet problems. You can provide him with night lights to cope better with his changing sleep cycle.

Be mindful that when your cat makes a mistake in the house, understand that he’s in pain and confused, and avoid punishing him. Create nice warm spots around your home as he will naturally gravitate to them, especially when it’s cold. Finally, you could speak to your vet about supplementing your cat. Antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and Omega-3, significantly help your cat but are better used as a prevention method.

Is Your Cat Generally Poorly?

It’s essential to note any physical changes to your cat’s appearance, as this could indicate a health issue. For example, if he’s scruffy and isn’t cleaning himself, it’s time to consider if he’s poorly. Regular check-ups at the vet are recommended for all cats. But, suppose you notice any drastic changes in physical appearance or behavior. In that case, getting your pet checked out sooner rather than later is best.

Is Your Cat An Inside Or Outside Cat?

One consideration is whether your domestic cat is an inside cat or outside cat. If your cat goes outside, his exposure to the elements, other animals and the general wear and tear of the environment will challenge him.

It’s more pertinent that your cat pays extra care when grooming if he’s an outside being!

As far as I’m aware, no studies state outdoor cats groom more often than indoor cats. It’s much easier for indoor cats to clean themselves thoroughly. It’s important to remember that cats are not necessarily dirty animals. Yet, they do roll in the dirt and sleep on the floor, so he still needs cleaning regularly.

Has There Been Any Environmental Changes?

Your cat may be feeling stressed due to environmental changes in his home. Including moving house, introducing a new pet or person into the household. Even making minor adjustments like rearranging furniture. Cats need time to adjust and acclimate to these changes, which can lead to stress if not done correctly.

Have you changed the food recently? If minor changes occur, it may take a short time for your cats to recover. But, if there are significant changes like a house move, these must be handled with care, especially if you have an outside cat. Have you changed the food recently? Most things are manageable; ask for advice as soon as possible.

Try not to avoid the situation.

Cat owners must be aware of how their cats feel and look out for signs of stress.

Common signs of stress are:

• Excessive meowing
• Loss of appetite
• Increased aggression
• And hiding away more than usual.

Your Cat Has A Sudden Drastic Change In Habits

If you notice your cat suddenly displays odd behavior with no clear reason, this may be of concern. The behavior may not be harmful but just out of character for your cat. If you are good with cats, used to cats and have spent a lot of time with cats, you’ll have an affinity with them. You may have developed a ‘knowing’ when certain behaviors are not suitable for your cat.

Don’t ignore your own instincts when it comes to your cat. Notice Kitty isn’t her usual active self? Is she lazy, lethargic and not eating or drinking as much as expected?

This could be a sign that something is wrong with your cat.

If you’re like me, then you know your cat. Don’t be afraid to take your cat to the vet even if you’re not 100% sure what’s wrong with him. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Why Don’t Cats Like Change?

Cats are creatures of habit and don’t adjust well to change. So it’s unnatural for a cat to be picked up, put in a car, moved 40 or 100 miles away, and start a new life. Cats were not built for this type of relocation. So as a result, it can be very stressful for them when placed in a completely new environment. And we’ve all heard those stories about someone moving with their cats’ miles and miles away, and a couple of months later, their cat ended up at the old house.

I once had a cat who used to go missing for days or weeks at a time and then show up. A couple of weeks would pass, and I would not see him. We moved a lot with this cat. I suspect his territory was larger than normal because of the involuntary moving around. But I’m not sure because I didn’t have a GoPro for him!

The Lizard Brain

We all have the lizard brain, but cats are closer to their unconscious side than we are. Humans are highly conscious creatures who can plan and think years into the future. Our cats don’t ponder their existence. Cats operate at a much more fundamental level. Potential dangers will instinctively be at the forefront of their minds most of the time.What this means is that they can be pretty reactionary to things like environmental change, which they have no control over. They operate significantly from feelings as they can’t think through their issues.

The lizard brain is a concept that has been around for some time. It refers to the spontaneous and reactionary part of the brain. It’s often likened to the primitive intelligence of reptiles, hence why it’s called the ‘lizard ‘ brain. When it comes to cats, they are much closer to this unconscious state than we are. In comparison to us, cats are very much ‘ruled by the moon’ regarding their behavior.

Feelings rather than rational thought or planning is what motivates a cat’s actions (or reactions). As you can probably tell cats are unable to think through complex issues like me and you! As such, the danger is likely at the forefront of their minds in many situations. They instinctively react without understanding what dangers may lie ahead.

Cat Territorial Behavior and Problems

With their lizard brains, cats are very territorial, and this can cause problems. Cat territorial behavior is a common issue that many cat owners face. Cats are brilliant creatures, even with their lizard brains! The intuitive part of their brain drives them to mark their territory. A behavior which can manifest in various ways, from spraying to aggressive outbursts.

Owners must be mindful when addressing difficult behavior, as it can cause tension between cats if not handled correctly. Start by understanding why cats exhibit this behavior in the first place.

Cats have an innate desire to defend what they perceive as their space.

They also communicate with other cats in a given area, especially when multiple felines live together.

Furthermore, cats show more territorial behaviors when they feel threatened or anxious. This could be something in their environment like a new pet or person entering the home. So if your cat looks shabby, and he’s a bit smelly, it could be because he’s stressed.

So Your Cat Has Been Acting Strange

If your cat has been acting strange lately, you’re not alone. Many pet owners have noticed that their cats behave differently than they usually do. Excessive grooming also known as psychogenic alopecia is the opposite problem but very concerning. It can be disconcerting to see them act out of character, whether it’s suddenly hiding away in corners or displaying signs of aggression.

But there is usually an underlying reason for their behavior. But it’s not always due to illness; there may be other non-stress related things. So let’s take a look at some of the reasons cats behave strangely.

Has Your Cat Ever Learned To Groom Himself?

As a cat owner, you may find grooming your cat a tedious chore. Cats spend a lot of time licking and cleaning their fur, but have you ever wondered if your cat can’t groom himself? After all, it’s a vital part of cat health.

Cats are born groomers.

They’re equipped with tongues covered in tiny spines which help them comb through their thick coats. A natural ability that helps remove dirt, debris, dead skin cells and spread natural oils throughout their coats to keep them healthy and shiny. Cats will also use the bristles on their paws to help groom any hard-to-reach areas around the face or ears.

Plus, they can polish up with an excellent—albeit noisy—purr session when they’re done! But some cats have never learned how to groom themselves properly, which can lead to many health problems. Surprisingly, this is more common than you might think. Sometimes cats lack the early exposure and guidance to understand and learn proper grooming.

If abandoned or if removed from their mother too early then this could be a reason for a lack in grooming skills. If this is the case, you will need to take on the role of ‘Mother’ to your new cat. As well as feeding it, you will have to teach it how to use a litter tray and scratch at a scratching post.

What Are The Possible Solutions?

It’s an excellent first step to sound out possible problems and causes. But with no solution, it’s only a source of anxiety for you and your cat. So let’s look at some solutions and see if you can help fix your kitty’s problem. The first thing to do is visit the veterinarian and make sure there isn’t any underlying medical ailment that is causing your cat’s behavior. The vet will check for worms, infections, parasites, or other illnesses.

Does your cat need to be groomed by a professional?

Do you have a cat with long hair or just problematic fur? If so, you can either skill-up and become a professional or hire a professional to groom your cat. if you have an older cat, it may be easier to hire someone. It can always seem a bit weird that cats need outside help to groom themselves. We tend to think of our cats as a bit wild and thus should be able to do this thing!

Cats are not as ‘wild’ as we believe.

Contrary to popular belief, they’re thoroughly domesticated animals, despite what people say. We have changed the physiology of a cat like we have changed the physiology of dogs. Most dogs and cats, even less so with cats, wouldn’t survive if humans suddenly disappeared from the planet. Why? Because they’ve had environmental and genetic adaptations that we have encouraged. With dogs, it’s more pronounced.

For this reason, some cats may have developed longer than usual hair or hair that is much more difficult to take care of. In the wild, this would have been selected out. As time goes by, more and more cats will be more dependent on humans for more things. So it would be best to consider whether your cat needs to be groomed by a professional.

Your cat may have evolved to become overly dependent on humans. If this is the case, the right thing to do is assist your cat with its grooming.

Can You Help Your Cat With Grooming?

If you can’t afford a professional groomer for your cat, then it’s time to improve your cat grooming skills! Don’t worry if you need help knowing where to start. There’s a plethora of information online and in YouTube videos. Not to mention that gaining any skill is always a worthwhile endeavor. It’s an opportunity to grow your skill set! You may even be able to freelance your cat grooming skills in a couple of years.

How Long Does It Take To Groom A Cat?

Suppose you take your cat to a professional groomer. In that case, it’s common to take between 2 and 4 hours. It all depends on how meticulous the groomer is. What level of grooming they’re doing and how much you are paying them. It also depends on what you mean by cat grooming.

If you’re doing it yourself, some people may take it to mean a quick stroke with a brush taking at most 5 minutes. That isn’t the fullness of cat grooming. Suppose you are going to do your cat grooming. In that case, it’s worth buying a few books, researching, watching videos and then practicing grooming your cat.

Just know that you won’t be perfect the first few times you do it, but it will certainly help your cat. Some things for you to think about are as follows:

• What is the purpose of the grooming claw and tooth comb?
• Do I need Paw Wipes?
• Can I use Malt Paste to encourage my cat to clean himself?
• How do I clean my cat’s paws if he won’t clean them?

Can You Teach A Cat To Clean Himself?

If your cat was neglected by its mother as a kitten, it’s quite probable that your cat doesn’t know how to clean itself. As an abandoned kitten, it never learns how to clean itself because its mother has never shown it how.

You can help by brushing and patting him with a damp cloth like you’re mimicking his mother. The earlier the intervention takes place, the easier it will be to help him. That doesn’t mean if your cat is a little older it’s hopeless. The cat might have to learn it over and over again before he gets it. Don’t give up, even if you have to do it for him for the rest of his life.

Perseverance in these situations is critical.

First, Eliminate Medical Causes

As previously mentioned, first stop. Eliminate any possible medical conditions your cat may have. Doing this will clear away any ambiguity about why your cat might not be cleaning himself.

Does your cat have anxiety?

It can be a major cause for the lack of self-care that your cat is displaying. To relieve his anxiety you might try investigating what medication works best. There may be natural methods if you prefer an alternative approach. Your best bet is to talk to a vet. It’s useful to talk to other cat owners if you’re going to give your cat pain medication for his osteoarthritis. See if it worked for their cats.

Remember though, senior cat care may look different to adolescent cat care. But, again, this should be in conjunction with regular wellness exams. Ensuring that your cat gets prompt treatment limits unnecessary pain for your cat.

What Are My Next Steps? 

Your next steps will depend on many factors, including available funds, which is an issue for some. Pet Health correlates heavily with the food the cat eats. Great cat nutrition can help with a medical issue your cat may have.

Consider, do you have an overweight cat? 

Caring for your cat’s welfare means planning before acquiring another cat. But even with the best forward-thinking, we can all get caught out. If you suspect your cat doesn’t have a medical condition, there are other possible routes to take. If you suspect your cat is unwell, you must get to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

And often, if a problem is nipped in the bud, it can be less costly in the long run.

The most important thing is to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should: Be sure to keep your cat indoors and away from other animals until you’re sure he’s healthy again.

Am I Overthinking My Cats Grooming Habits?

It could be that you’re scrutinizing your cat too much. If this is the case, you could compare your cat to other cats in a similar situation. Do you have friends with cats? Are they a little scruffy too? There are many benign reasons why your cat may look a little disheveled.

However, it’s worth making sure and reflecting to see if you are not fabricating illnesses for your cat. I have seen this done with people who focus too much on their cats and not enough on themselves.

Maybe you are having a hard time sleeping, or you’re not eating well. Maybe your cat is the outlet for your anxiety about something else. If this seems to be the case, your cat’s grooming habits may just be a symptom of something else that needs to be addressed.

When Should I be Worried?

Any obvious signs that your cat is ill should trigger you to visit the vet. The trigger might be consistent vomiting and diarrhea episodes. Which could indicate your cat has a bacterial infection. For example, hairballs are okay, and you can usually tell they’re hairballs if your cat is sick. Vomiting hairballs is a natural occurrence for cats.

Hairballs are generally sausage-shaped. Regular grooming will help to reduce the number of hairballs your cat is throwing up. There is rarely a quick fix, but consistent attention to your cat’s well-being will pay off in the long run.

One important thing to mention here is if your cat’s vomit is sausage-shaped and has a consistency of excrement. If it looks like that, take your cat to the vet immediately. It’s important to verify that the vomit is actually hairballs, and not something more serious.

It’s Normal To Worry About Your Cats Grooming Habits

Worrying about your cat’s grooming habits or lack thereof is okay as long as you’re rational. It shows that you care about your cat. If your cat was walking around with tufted fur and patches missing on him, and you didn’t care… You’re reading this, you love your cat. You’re trying to find out more information so your cat’s life is more enjoyable. You want him to have a wonderful experience in your home.

One of the things that you can do to make his life better is to make sure he’s comfortable. You want to keep him as healthy as possible and happy too. Cat grooming is an important part of your cat’s health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats are constantly grooming themselves to keep clean and to control ectoparasites. The frequency of the grooming depends on the individual cat, but owners should watch out for signs of under-grooming that could indicate an issue. If this is noticed, it’s important to consider a visit to the vet to ensure your cat is healthy. Grooming can be a great bonding experience between cats and their owners, so take time out of your day to brush and groom your feline friend.

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