Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Grooming Behaviour: When It Becomes a Welfare Concern

Distinguishing healthy grooming from over-grooming in cats and addressing the underlying causes.

Key Facts

Cats spend 30-50% of waking time grooming, making changes in grooming behaviour significant welfare indicators
Over-grooming causing hair loss (psychogenic alopecia) is often linked to chronic stress or anxiety
Under-grooming is associated with pain (particularly arthritis), obesity, or systemic illness
Distinguishing stress-related from parasite- or allergy-related over-grooming requires veterinary assessment

Welfare Considerations

Grooming behaviour provides a valuable window into cat welfare. Both extremes - over-grooming and under-grooming - indicate underlying welfare compromise that requires investigation. Treating the symptom without identifying the cause is inadequate veterinary and welfare care.

What You Can Do

Monitor your cat's coat and skin monthly for evidence of over- or under-grooming
Consult a vet if you notice bald patches, skin sores, or matted fur in your cat
Address sources of chronic stress in multi-cat households as a first intervention for over-grooming