Does my cat prepare too much? – The refined feline

Cats are known for their meticulous toilet habits. This behavior is not only a cleaning routine, but also a way for cats to regulate their body temperature, calm down and maintain the insulating qualities of their fur. However, as many behaviors, preparation may cross the line from normal maintenance to excessive or compulsive behavior. If you are noticing that your cat spends more time than usual in preparation, it could be time to explore why and how you can help them. In this blog, the refined feline explores why and how your cat can be excessively fixed and what to do about it.

Understand normal preparation

In general, cats spend between 30% and 50% of their preparation day. This normal cleaning extends evenly and does not result in hair loss or skin damage. A healthy preparation session implies that the cat licks its fur to eliminate dirt and distribute natural oils, which helps keep its bright and healthy coat.

Related: Understand the common behavior of the cat

Excessive preparation signs

Excessive preparation, or psychogenic alopecia, goes beyond normal maintenance. Here are signs that your cat can be overloaded:

1. Calvos Patches: One of the most apparent signs of overload is bald patches or the remarkable thinning of the fur. These areas may appear suddenly are already found in the belly, the legs and along the sides of the body.
2. Irritation or skin lesions: Excessive preparation can cause irritation, redness or skin lesions. The constant lick can break the skin, which leads to possible infections.
3. Higher frequency: If your cat seems to be preparing so often that it interferes with normal activities such as eating, playing or sleeping, it is likely to be excessive.
4. Arranging abruptly and intensely: Cats that boyfriend compulsively can start licking intensely from nothing. This can be activated by a stimulus or occur spontaneously.

Reasons behind excessive preparation

Understanding why your cat is preparing excessively is crucial to address behavior. Here are some common causes:

1. Stress and anxiety: Stress is a main driver of excessive preparation in cats. Changes in its environment, such as a new pet, a new baby, mobile houses or even reorganization furniture, can cause anxiety induced preparation.
2. Allergies or skin conditions: Allergic reactions to food, pollen, fleas or even certain cleaning products can cause skin irritation, which leads cats to be excessively fixed to calm the itching.
3. Pain or discomfort: Sometimes, cats prepare areas of excess specific body in response to pain or discomfort. This could be due to injuries, arthritis or urinary tract infections.
4. Boredom: The lack of mental stimulation and physical exercise can lead cats to prepare excessively as an act of self -steering.

Excessive preparation combination

Once you have identified possible reasons for the excessive preparation of your cat, you can take measures to relieve the problem:

1. Veterinary check: Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for excessive preparation. This may include skin tests for allergies or an exhaustive physical examination to verify any pain sign.
2. Environmental enrichment: Improve your cat’s environment with more interactive toys, climbing structures and scratch posts. Refining feline products, such as elegant and functional cats of cats, can provide your cat physical exercise and mental stimulation, reducing boredom and stress.
3. Stress reduction: Identify stressors in your cat’s environment and try to eliminate them. You can also use feromone diffusers, which can help calm your cat. Set a routine for food, game and hug to give your cat a feeling of security.
4. Diet and nutrition: Consult your veterinarian on a diet that supports skin health, particularly if allergies are suspected. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet can improve skin health and reduce itching.
5. Behavioral interventions: In some cases, behavioral therapy may be necessary. A veterinarian can provide guidance to reduce compulsive preparation through behavioral modification techniques.
6. Interactive game: Involve your cat in more game sessions throughout the day to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated. Innovative toys and refined feline furniture can be well integrated into such game sessions, making them more attractive to your cat.

Additional steps to address excessive preparation

As it manages the initial phases of excessive preparation, here there are additional strategies and ideas to maintain progress and avoid future occurrences.

Veterinary care monitoring

After the initial veterinary visit:

• Regular monitoring: Schedule regular follow -ups to monitor your cat’s condition, especially if medications or special diet were prescribed.
• Monitor the response to treatment: Keep a record of your cat preparation behavior and any change in your skin condition. This can help your veterinarian adjust treatment plans effectively.

Improve daily interactions

Expanding environmental enrichment and interactive game:

• Daily union sessions: Add daily sessions where you participate in preparing your cat with a soft brush. This not only helps meet your preparation needs, but also strengthens your link and provides comfort.
• Creative game: Change the types of play and interaction. Use different toys or enter puzzle feeders That mentally challenges them and deviates the attention of preparation.

Consider professional behavior help

If environmental changes and medical interventions do not seem to mitigate preparation:

• Consult a feline behavior: Sometimes, the problems are deeply rooted, particularly with rescue cats that may have had traumatic past. A behavioral can offer personalized strategies that may include desensitization techniques or other advanced behavioral modifications.

Dietary adjustments

More advice on nutritional support:

• Hydration: Increase your cat’s water intake. Sometimes, excessive preparation can be linked to dehydration. Adding more wet foods to your diet or investing in a cat water source can encourage them to drink more water.
• Supplements: Discuss with your veterinarian about the incorporation of supplements that promote skin health. For example, supplements that contain biotin or essential fatty acids can improve skin condition and reduce the need to prepare excessively preparation.

Social enrichment

Cats are often perceived as solitary animals, but benefit from social interaction:

• Social game: If you have more than one cat, foster the soft game sessions that can help them burn energy and reduce anxiety. Monitor these sessions to make sure they remain friendly.
• New experiences: Introduce new elements or changes in the home gradually. The new aromas, toys or even reorganized furniture can provide new stimuli that involve their curiosity in a healthier way.

Reevaluate environmental stressors

Continuously evaluate the life environment:

• Quiet spaces: Make sure your cat have access to quiet and private spaces where they can retire when they get overwhelmed. The high hangers or hiding places such as those provided by the refined cat can offer sanctuary spaces.
• Control noise: Minimize strong noise or sudden interruptions that can raise stress levels in sensitive cats.

Maintain a routine

Cats prosper in predictability:

• Consistent schedules: Keep schedules consisting of food, game and rest. This predictability can significantly reduce stress levels, reducing the probability of compulsive preparation.
• Quiet atmosphere: Keep the home environment as quiet and predictable as possible. Avoid frequent guests or noisy parties if your cat is particularly sensitive.

Community and support

Finally, consider communicating with a community of cat owners:

• Forums and online groups: These can be invaluable resources for support and advice. Sharing experiences and strategies with other cat owners can provide new ideas and emotional support.

Conclude

Addressing the excessive preparation of your cat is a multifaceted approach that covers medical, behavioral and environmental strategies. It is about understanding the unique needs of your cat and answering carefully. With patience and persistence, you can help your cat overcome this challenging behavior and lead a happier and more balanced life. Remember, each cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Adapt continuously and learn from your cat’s behavior, and find the right balance to keep them healthy and happy.