The course of action will depend on whats causing your cats movement problems. One of the leading reasons why cats stop grooming is pain. Pain Can Cause Cats To Stop Grooming. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Their stomach, sides, inner hind legs, as well as their legs, paws and tail may be affected - and often your pet will . Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys slowly stop working. A female kitty came to our house 6 years ago. However, seeing a veterinarian in time can improve the chances of recovery. But we would start to become concerned when the grooming activity distracts the cat from his other daily functions (eating, playing, interacting, sleeping). Conclusion. Blood clots or hemorrhages can cause strokes (burst blood vessels). This is one that to me seems the more likely cause. If so, try to identify what those products could be; F. She is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. One thing is for sure, the external environment is packed with . Novel proteins for cats in the UK are : kangaroo, goat, horse, reindeer, and in some cases, venison. (The cat is, most likely, offended too.) There are three reasons a cat might groom themself excessively: The cause for over-grooming may be behavioral or medical. Cats love routine, so if the hair loss is stress-related, try to create a comfortable environment and a predictable schedule. However, it is commonly suggested that most cases also have a stress component. Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of issues from fleas, allergies, a bacterial infection, or stress, all of which are problems that must be addressed. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Is Feliway Effective in Modifying Cat Behavior? Older cats may find it physically more difficult to groom themselves. Why? Youll need a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions and confirm the diagnosis of psychogenic alopecia. In the meantime, try to figure out the reason your cat is feeling anxious. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. Some cats are prone to getting out of the house most of the time. Treatments may include medication, surgery, or other interventions such as a cat wheelchair. Although theres no cure for arthritis, the painful symptoms can be alleviated and made more manageable. (617) 522-5055 This will make them itch, and they bite the itch to make it stop. However, sudden-onset leg problems can be caused by infection, disease, stroke, blood clots, or toxicosis. All of these conditions will cause discomfort, making it impossible for your cat to keep from scratching. Over-grooming can occur on any part of the body that the cat can reach with its tongue. Feline diabetes is managed through a low-carbohydrate diet and regular administration of insulin. What's the cat's name and age? Cat Spraying: Why Cats Do It and How to Stop It, Why Your Cat Is Itchy and What You Can Do, Destructive Chewing in Cats: How to Stop It. Excessive grooming has many causes, including allergies, infections, parasites, and mental distress brought on by changes in the cat's environment. Some illnesses like arthritis have no cure, but certain medications can reduce pain.While waiting for a diagnosis, focus on making your cat feel as comfortable as possible. Cats frequently use behaviour such as grooming, to make themselves feel better during stressful situations or when they are anxious. Small children are prone to injuring cats by sitting on them, pulling their tails, or squeezing them too tightly, and cats can injure themselves through overexertion. Blood clots are most common in cats with heart disease or cancer, but they can occur randomly. I use flea med regularly. Play therapy is also a great stress reliever. If your cat is over-grooming, their skin can become red and irritated. Some injuries heal naturally, while more serious trauma may need medical treatment. Probably the most common cause is a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Overgrooming is when a cat spends an abnormally large amount of time obsessively grooming itself. However, this is a diagnosis of exclusion after all the potential underlying medical causes have been ruled out. The ultimate goal would be to eventually wean the cat down and off of all medications once they feel balanced in their home life again. In reality, it's always a sign of a cat-specific problem. Weak and stiff back legs in cats can come on suddenly or more gradually. 2 It can occur anywhere on your cat's body but is most common on a foreleg, an inner thigh, or the belly. Outdoor cats can be hit by cars, attacked by wild animals, or harmed by neighborhood dogs. Cats with persistent anxiety may benefit from anti-anxiety medications and/or supplements. If the issue gets to this point then it will likely be advised that a behaviorist be consulted for additional recommendations and specific methods that can be worked on at home. Psychogenic alopecia is a stress-related disorder. However, if the infection has progressed so much that it affects the cats motor control, your veterinarian will likely have to administer antibiotics through an IV drip. One of the most common causes is an allergy. Pruritic (itchy) cats are suffering from allergic dermatitis in the great majority of cases. This condition has similar symptoms to FIP, as well as breathing difficulties and enlarged lymph nodes. If your cat is stressed by the absence of someone, ask the person to leave behindan unwashed shirt or blanket in a sealed ziplock bag. I'm sure the Veterinarian can help you. Excessive cat grooming as a stress-relief mechanism 4. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Always check with your veterinarian before . Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. It may also develop muscle weakness or unsteadiness on the feet that worsens with time. More Info, 293 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451 Luckily, they weren't. Back then, she was a rather young cat, and arthritis was nowhere in sight. Common places are the back end - particularly the back legs and the under belly. For example, disc disease can cause back pain, thus cats over-groom a particular spot on their back. A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. 9. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of back leg stiffness in cats aged 10+. Hair loss on the front and back legs was unlikely to be associated with food allergies. A cat who is overgrooming might: Have areas of red or broken skin caused by biting - often on their belly or sides. They provide cat owners, veterinary professionals and those who live and work with cats the resources, support, and advice they need to better care for cats. Skin irritation, inflammation and soreness may also develop. There are many other possible causes and your veterinarian will examine your cat and carry out any tests that may be necessary. Feline viral diseases can affect the back legs, and normally, this happens because the virus affects the brain or spinal cord. Rupture of the Achilles tendon is less common but can cause a posture and gait like that of . These cats will always have the tendency to respond to stress with over-grooming. I couldn't leave her outside, so I've taken her in. Some of these include: Allergies: Allergies to seasonal or atmospheric things may be causing skin irritation in your cat. There are a variety of ways to attempt to treat psychogenic alopecia. While checking my cat, the vet wanted to see whether her joints were giving her some trouble. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Just like people, cats can have allergies to food, fleas, or anything else in the environment natural or not. There are many reasons your older cat might groom himself less. Some cats are born with heart disease. Medical causes that may lead a cat to over-groom are usually those that make the cat feel itchy. In some extreme cases of psychogenic alopecia, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications can be used in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques. Know that any treatment solutions for psychogenic alopecia may not be permanent. Hair loss usually occurs when your cat has an allergic reaction to the fleas saliva causing them to overgroom. Weakness and stiffness can be due to bone, ligament, muscle problems, nerve damage, neurological issues, or organ failure. Also a sign of concern would be areas of baldness, damaged or shortened fur shafts, or abnormal looking skin. The patches can often appear symmetrical on either side of the body. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can kill cancer cells, and painkillers can reduce discomfort. How do I know if my cat has collapsed back legs? In particular, damage to the brains motor cortex. This could give your upset kitty a scented pick-me-up. Severe cases are rarer than mild ones, but arthritis will worsen over the years. In cats, excessive sucking and chewing, hunting and pouncing at unseen prey, running and chasing, paw shaking, freezing, excessive vocalization, self-directed aggression such as tail chasing or foot chewing, over-grooming or barbering of hair and possibly feline hyperesthesia may all be manifestations of conflict, and may become compulsive disorders in time. Cats can even burn their paw pads by jumping onto a hot surface, such as a stovetop. If your cats hind legs suddenly stopped working, this can sometimes signify a blood clot, infection, or stroke. Over-grooming refers to any behaviour that goes beyond normal grooming for coat maintenance and scent distribution. Fleas and other external parasites. Medication may also be necessary if other methods have failed. For this reason it is important to always keep their sensitivities in mind and to have ongoing thought to providing them with adequate environmental enrichment. Messages. After all, cat self-grooming is an important behavior that helps cats remove loose hair, dirt, and parasites from their coat. The pervasive type of stress that usually causes psychogenic alopecia is likely to be chronic and consists of a number of combined stressors, such as permanent changes in the routine and environment. This could include the absence of a certain family member because of death, divorce, longer work hours, vacation, or departure for college, in addition to: Other cats may overgroom because of medical reasons. It can be triggered by injury (sprains, strains, and broken bones) or by a progressive disease, such as arthritis. Try to imagine yourself in your cat's place. If you do happen to witness your cat overgrooming, don't punish it. Contaminated food and water can also harbor bacteria. Because cats with panosteitis are in pain when they walk, they become reluctant to move. In addition to the multiple punctate scabs/ bumps on the skin, there can be redness and hair . Cats of any age can get bone cancer, but older cats are most at risk. Over-grooming most often stems from stress and can be triggered by a variety of situations, including the following: A new baby or animal in the house A companion cat dying Person working long hours Divorce Neighborhood cats Death of a family member Moving to a new house Child leaving home Rearranging the furniture Loud noises But many cases are, unfortunately, fatal. This can result in hair loss and skin sores. Falls, misguided jumps, and getting stuck in small spaces can cause physical trauma. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. 1. Your cats fur-loss pattern may even hint at the source of the problem: Flea allergy: irritation at the base of the tail, Earmites: hair loss and scabbing on the neck and ears, Allergic response to pollen: excessive chewing of the paw pads. Scratching - using claws and paws to scratch an area; usually the chest, head & neck. It is thought that licking releases endorphins that help relieve anxiety, so when a stressed cat finds relief in licking, it can turn into a habit. . Injuries that can affect a cats rear leg function include: Flesh wounds, damaged claws, stuck thorns, and splinters can make a cat reluctant to put weight on its legs. The inside and back of his hind legs and the back of his front legs are either patchy or, especially with the inside of his back legs, down to just a peach fuzz. Nov 19, 2019. The next most important thing is to provide plenty of environmental enrichment. While the skin is being treated and the source of itchiness addressed it is often advised that the cats wear an Elizabethan collar to help break the cycle of licking. Common areas to look for excessive grooming are in places that your cats can reach easily with their tongue. Dip the comb in a solution of warm to hot water and liquid dish detergent and kill the fleas. This can be in the form of plenty of toys, interactive playtime, and playmates (unless the playmates are the initiating source of stress). You can also try sprays and plug-in diffusers that dispersesyntheticcat pheromones. About 3% of feline blood clots have no apparent cause. Vets diagnose arthritis using radiographs and physical examinations. Clomipramine is the only licensed medication for treating stress and anxiety in cats. Arthritis can also develop following an infection or leg trauma. Because the condition is triggered by rapid bone growth, larger breeds of cats, such as Maine coons, are most common. If your cat appears unable to stand, begins dragging a leg or unable to move his legs, make sure to . Veterinarian's Assistant: I'll do all I can to help. Why Older Cats Stop Grooming. The Cat Gallery has partnered with International Cat Care to host the charitys online shop and manage the distribution of shop bought goods to customers. Last year she started losing weight. Various places on the cat's body may be affected; although the middle of the back, underside of the belly and the legs are most frequently affected. From Feline Idiopathic Ulcerative Dermatitis To Feline Behavioral Ulcerative Dermatitis: Grooming Repetitive Behaviors Indicators Of Poor Welfare In Cats. Cats are also highly intelligent and prone to boredom if their daily routine lacks proper enrichment. The motor cortex is the area of the brain responsible for voluntary movement, and its involved with all stages of movement: planning, control, and execution. friendly toast dedham; A generally chaotic home or a boring one might be a stressful environment for cats with certain personalities. If untreated, heart disease can eventually cause heart failure, which is life-threatening. This will only create additional stress and may exacerbate the problem. To help manage your cats overgrooming habits, you need to understand whats causing the excessive licking in the first place. Regardless of the underlying cause of what is making him over-groom, the skin may or may not develop a secondary bacterial infection which sometimes needs to be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication can provide relief for cats with hip dysplasia. Symptoms of panosteitis in cats include: Though panosteitis is painful, its not dangerous. For many over-grooming cats, the act of grooming itself can cause trauma to the skin. Over-grooming can occur on any part of the body that the cat can reach with its tongue. Some conditions can develop over weeks, months, or even years. Angell also offers Behavior services for cats www.angell.org/behavior. It is an obsessive-compulsive behavior where the cats suddenly cannot stop licking or chewing at themselves. By far the most common cause of a bald patch on your cat's fur is fleas or other external parasites. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Frontiers In Veterinary Science, vol 5, 2018. Read our. Yes, it is possible that the cats of SMOKEY46 and FLYTE could have/have had a Saddle Thrombosis - even if this condition is/was ongoing, and the back legs are/were not totally immobilized. Your veterinarian can perform skin scrape procedures and fungal cultures to rule those out. This is the thinning of hair in a band down the back caused by compulsive self grooming, a behavior disorder. Why Do Cats Groom and Lick Themselves So Often? An affected cat may lick, chew, pluck or bite areas of hair or skin and the behaviour can be difficult to interrupt. Allergies to flea saliva, environmental allergens (atopy) such as pollens, molds, dust and dust mites, and foods should be considered. Irritated skin can be caused by an infection, an allergy to certain foods, parasites, or substances in the environment. This will help your cat build confidence and distract her from obsessively grooming. If your cat is overgrooming, you'll see a line or stripe of very short stubble that looks like a buzz-cut. The most common presentations are the belly, inside of the hind legs, the legs, front and back and across the flank. The most obvious symptom is sudden weakness or paralysis in one or both rear limbs. Symptoms include: If the disease is left to progress untreated, muscle damage and nerve damage can occur. Weak and stiff back legs in cats can come on suddenly or more gradually. Add to List. Its other symptoms include: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can also cause limb weakness and lethargy. Feline arthritis can be mild or severe. Blood transports oxygen to brain tissue, and without it, brain cells start to die. Help us help cats in our community, and encourage others to do the same. Be sure to provide environmental enrichment for your cat with cat trees, different types of toys, scratching posts, and frequent opportunities for play. Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, which comes in a spray and diffuser form, can also be used in calming cats. If your cat suffers from anxiety and over grooming specifically on her front legs.You can buy this sleeves for your cute cat,it protect her from herself. Your veterinarian can diagnose the root cause and provide medical treatment or suggestions for deterring the habit if its behavioral. Most cases eventually recover on their own. This can sometimes be confused with primary skin lesions that erupt on the cat and then secondarily cause them to lickwhich leads to the question of which came first? Compulsive grooming, known as psychogenic alopecia, is usually triggered by a change in the cats daily routine or environment, such as moving to a new house or the arrival of a new family member or pet. Over-grooming is caused by stress. Over-grooming should be distinguished from genuine alopecia (described as the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows). If your cat is licking too much, they can lose fur in strips along their back, belly, or inner legs. Like obsessive compulsive disorder in human beings, the animal grooms excessively to the point of harm. This can cause problems in the back legs in addition to inability to control urine and bowel movements and inability to move the tail. It more commonly affects the front legs, but the back legs can be adversely affected. Other warning signs include: A blood clot is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Its characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints, making movement painful, slow, and more difficult. First, your veterinarian will need to rule out medical problems. Neurotoxic venom can cause muscle weakness and paralysis, which will worsen as the venom moves through the cats system. It's normal for a cat to be shedding, but sudden loss or thinning of hair on the back legs is not. Although the disease may gradually onset, the leg-related symptoms will come on quickly. can cause stresses causing energy displacement activities such as self grooming. The patches can often appear symmetrical on either side of the body. She has written 27 books on animal care, been named CWA Friskies Writer of the Year, and appeared on Animal Planet as a pet expert. Symptoms may include: The symptoms of stroke in cats usually come on suddenly and are often fatal. But if your cats problem is getting slowly worse over time, it may be down to muscle wasting. [3] 3. SMOKEY46 really should get his cat to a vet ASAP. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. These endorphins are the chemicals that make the sensation of self-grooming feel comforting. Some Oriental breeds, anecdotally, are more likely to develop purely stress-related grooming problems, often plucking the fur, but there is no conclusive evidence to suggest how common this is or why this should be the case. (781) 902-8400 When the owner isn't present, the cat may begin to feel uncomfortable and partake in overgrooming. She was pregnant and after having her four adorable kittens lost all of her hair on her belly and inside of back legs. Here are Some Signs of Itchiness in Cats: Over-grooming - an increase in time spent self-grooming. cat over grooming back legs. Cats are very observant and may even feed off of our stress levels. Veterinarian's Assistant: I'll do all I can to help. It could still possibly be a clot - but, maybe "smaller". This reaction pattern is most commonly seen on the belly ,chest and around the neck. The less weight your cat has to carry around, the easier it will be to move. Multiple tiny scabs on a cat is called miliary dermatitis and is a skin eruption. Vets calls these areas hot spots. Old age is harmless, but it makes cats more prone to developing certain medical conditions. Cornell University College Of Veterinary Medicine, 2020. Acquired heart disease develops later in life and is more common in older cats. Its diagnosed through scans, such as x-rays. (617) 522-7400 You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Skullcap and Valerian is an herbal remedy that is anecdotally reported to reduce stress and anxiety in cats and dogs. How Long Do Fat Cats Live? Here are the most common health conditions that can lead to excessive cat self-grooming. Although grooming is normal cat behavior, they can have a condition known as over-grooming. You might not be obsessive about cleaning an area, but you may have an intolerable itch there. If the behavior is severe, the skin underneath the fur may become damaged, appearing red, or sore. Scans such as ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and x-rays can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Often, muscle wasting can be improved by improving the cats nutrition and increasing its exercise level. If your cat is unsteady on its back legs alongside looking rather thin at the rear, this is a likely explanation. Your cat's tail and lower back are especially prone to this. A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. For example, weight loss can ease pressure on the joints, and pain medications can reduce discomfort. How to treat stress that lead to overgrooming. Overgrooming is more commonly noticed in the Siamese, Himalayan or Burmese breeds, but it can be found in other cats too. She closes her eyes as she slowly licks her legs, sides and tail, and uses her paw to wash her face. This can result in the sudden weakness of the legs, lethargy, and even paralysis. The cat may also lose interest in playing and grooming itself. 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 The first signs of feline diabetes are often hard to spot as it progresses gradually and may go unnoticed for months. It can be triggered by an injury, infection, or wear and tear on the heart muscle. Usually, arthritis is caused by age-related wear and tear, but some cats are more prone to it than others due to genetics. Stage One : Pick one of those foods above ^^^ and feed it your cat for 8 to 10 weeks. Older cats aged 10 or older are most likely to experience such problems. In these cases, grooming helps make up for the lack of mental or physical stimulation. As with any other behaviour problem or sign of illness you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Heart disease can cause a gradual weakening of a cats back legs if inadequate blood flow reaches the legs, and it can also lead to sudden paralysis of the hind limbs. More Info, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 Cats are good at hiding that theyre in pain, which is an evolutionary adaptation designed to prevent sick and vulnerable cats from being singled out by predators. Erm, some of the figures don't make sense. Published by at July 15, 2022. Your cat will then be treated for any medical condition that is found but you may also be referred, if this is relevant to your cats situation, to a behaviourist who will identify and address any stressors which may have triggered or exacerbated the problem. More Info, 1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632 It can occur in any bone in a cats body. Depending on the cause and severity, you may be able to diagnose the root cause yourself, or you may need to seek a vet . Feline lower urinary tract diseaseis a common problem in cats and this can cause pain and discomfort in the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. How to Stop the Overgrooming Give a pet the home they deserve. Mild infections can clear up on their own. You can recognize a cat-over-grooming behavior by noticing a bald spot on your cat's body caused by the breakage of furs. If it forms in the pelvic end of the aorta, this is called a saddle thrombus. This is especially common on your cat's lower back and tail. However, it can be life-threatening if left untreated. One of the most dangerous viruses is FCoV. The most common places are the belly, inside of the hind legs, the legs, lower back and across the flank. It is used to treat obsessive-compulsive behaviors, like overgrooming. If left untreated, they can lead to organ damage or inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Your vet may need to run a blood test or a scan, such as an x-ray. Support International Cat Care from as little 3, Sign up to our monthly newsletter and free e-magazine Intelligent Cat Care, Sign up to our monthly charity newsletter, Reg Charity 1117342 (England and Wales) Place Farm, Chilmark Road, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW, You are now being re-directed to an external website www.thecatgallery.co.uk. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Some cats use overgrooming as a way to cope with stress or boredom. 617-522-7282. Cats typically spend up to 50% of their waking hours grooming, but excessive amounts of licking, biting, chewing, or scratching may mean that your cats self-grooming habits have become problematic. Nail pulling - biting and pulling at nails. Other symptoms may include: According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, pit viper envenomation in cats has a 16-22% mortality rate. Psychogenic alopecia can occur in any cat, although it may be more likely to develop in a cat with a particularly high-strung personality. Here are some of the causes and reasons for wobbly back legs. There are many different feline heart abnormalities. This kind of grooming is called displacement grooming. If you can identify the cause and eliminate it, the behavior may gradually go away on its own. Pesticides, rat poison, slug killer, and plants such as lilies can all be deadly to cats. However, when a cat has problems walking or putting weight on its back legs, its much harder to hide the discomfort.