What should be done if cats frequently lick their fur?

The cat licks its fur all day long, and its owner is dumbfounded! A netizen posted about their cat, licking its paws in the morning, licking its back at noon, and even licking its tail at night, it’s like a ‘grooming machine’. What the hell is going on here?Cats are known for their cleanliness and often groom themselves with their tongues. However, if a cat licks itself excessively, its owner should be vigilant, as this could indicate a physical or psychological issue.

Cats love to lick their fur, they are born this way. They have spines on their tongues, like a small comb, which can clean dust and debris from their fur. Under normal circumstances, cats spend two to three hours a day licking their fur to keep themselves clean and tidy. Those who raise cats know that their owners hate water the most. Bathing them is like taking their lives, so they rely on licking their fur to “clean up”.
But if a cat can’t stop licking its fur and even licks it bald, it’s not a normal phenomenon. For example, a friend who owns a cat noticed that their cat has been licking its belly frequently lately, causing its skin to turn red. I went to the hospital to check and found out that the cat is under too much pressure. Cats are very sensitive. Strangers coming to the house, moving to a new home, or even changing to a litter box can make them nervous.
Excessive pressure is a major reason for cats to lick their fur excessively. Cats are not like humans, they can express their emotions through speech and can only comfort themselves by licking their fur. Think about it, when cats are alone at home and hear the sound of electric drills from upstairs decoration, they are so scared that they hide under the bed, and licking their fur becomes their “stress reliever”. Over time, licking your fur may become a habit and may not even stop.
In addition to stress, having parasites on the body can also make cats lick their fur crazily. Fleas, mites and other small things are hidden in the hair, which makes the cat itch. The cat licks hard to drive these “bad guys” away. Owners need to carefully inspect the cat’s fur. If they find small black spots or the cat scratching a certain area, they should take it to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible. According to data, about 30% of cats worldwide have parasitic problems, especially stray cats are more susceptible to them.
There is also a possibility that cats may have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Don’t laugh, cats can also suffer from psychological disorders! Some cats have experienced bad things when they were young, such as being abandoned or being kept in small cages for a long time, which can make them particularly sensitive. They may calm themselves down by constantly licking their fur, just like how people love to bite their nails. Obsessive compulsive cats may not only lick their fur, but also fidget and even dislike eating.
Cat owners need to learn to observe their own cats. Normal licking of hair is done slowly, and after licking, go to sleep or play. But if a cat licks too quickly, licking the same place for half a day, or even licking until its skin is torn, the owner should take it seriously as soon as possible. Taking a cat to the hospital for examination is the safest way, as doctors can determine whether it is a skin problem, parasite, or psychological cause.
How to help cats reduce excessive licking of their fur? Let’s start with the environment first. Keep quiet at home, avoid strangers walking back and forth, and prepare a safe nest for cats to hide in. You can also buy some toys, such as cat teaser sticks or moving electric mice, to keep the cat occupied and distract its attention. Cats are busy playing, so they don’t have time to lick their fur all the time.
How long does your cat lick its fur every day? Is it licking slowly or licking like an addiction? Welcome everyone to talk about the fun stories of your cat owner!