Overgrooming

Is your cat licking so much that fur is falling out or skin is broken?

Cats normally spend 30–50% of their day grooming — that's completely normal. But when grooming becomes noticeably more frequent, patches of fur start falling out, or licking breaks and inflames the skin, that's "overgrooming."

Possible medical causes

Skin problems: flea allergy is the most common cause; itching can also come from food allergies or environmental allergens
Internal pain: feline lower urinary tract disease can cause excessive licking of the lower abdomen or inner thighs; arthritis and similar conditions can make a cat repeatedly lick a painful area
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome: the skin suddenly twitches and the cat abruptly bursts into frantic licking or even biting itself
Senior cats: neurological disease can also cause abnormal licking

Possible behavioral causes

Stress/anxiety-driven displacement behavior: triggered by moves, new pets, or schedule changes — over time it can turn into a compulsive habit
Some Oriental breeds (like Siamese cats) are more prone to pure stress-induced fur-pulling

In most cases, overgrooming starts with a skin or pain issue, but stress factors are often layered on top — medical and behavioral care usually need to be addressed together.

Warning signs — see a vet right away

Noticeable bald patches or symmetrical hair loss
Licking that breaks the skin, causing redness, swelling, or discharge (possible infection)
Sudden, explosive frantic licking or biting of itself, accompanied by skin twitching
Licking concentrated on the lower abdomen, inner thighs, or around the genitals

Initial at-home suggestions

Check first for visible external issues like fleas, lice, or matted fur
Observe where the licking is concentrated: a single localized area may point to local pain, while a widespread pattern looks more like skin itching or stress
Think back on whether anything has changed at home recently to assess whether stress is the trigger
Take your cat for a full veterinary exam to rule out medical causes first, before addressing behavior

Sources: iCatCare、Cornell Feline Health Center. For reference only — please consult a vet.