Normal grooming in cats is a complex, time-consuming behaviour that serves multiple functions, and changes in grooming frequency or pattern signal health or welfare problems.
Grooming changes are among the most reliable welfare indicators available to cat owners. A cat that stops grooming is almost certainly unwell — either physically from pain or illness, or psychologically from stress or depression. Matted coat in a previously well-groomed cat is an emergency welfare indicator requiring veterinary assessment. Overgrooming causing hair loss is a visible sign of psychological distress. Assisting cats that cannot self-groom due to obesity, arthritis or illness is an important welfare duty. Regular coat assessment during weekly gentle handling allows owners to detect grooming changes before they become severe.