Why does my cat over-groom (or stop grooming)?
A cat's grooming habits shifting in either direction — suddenly much more, or noticeably less — is worth paying attention to. Both point somewhere specific.
Over-grooming: often stress, sometimes medical
Bald or thinning patches from excessive licking, especially on the belly or legs, are frequently a stress or anxiety response (a self-soothing behavior not unlike nail-biting), but can also stem from allergies, fleas, or pain in the area being over-groomed. A vet visit helps rule out the medical causes before assuming it's purely behavioral.
Under-grooming: often pain or illness
Cats are meticulous self-groomers by default, so a noticeably matted or greasy coat is a real signal — it often means the cat is in enough pain (commonly dental or joint-related) that grooming has become physically difficult, or that they're unwell in a more general sense. This is worth a vet visit, not just a brush.
Our at-home grooming guide covers building comfort with brushing, which can help either direction.
Get "At-home grooming, without the fight"
Educational content only. This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary, behavioral, or medical advice — always consult a licensed professional about your own pet's specific needs. Frolicy's articles are researched from publicly available sources and written with AI assistance; they are not written or reviewed by a licensed veterinarian or behaviorist. Frolicy and its owners aren't liable for outcomes from following this content. See our Terms of Use for full details.