Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/24/2011

Question
About a month ago, my cat started grooming himself much more than normal. I put flea drops on him because it had been about 30 days since the last application and I figured this could be the cause. He continued the behavior. 30 days went by and I put a new application of flea drops on him-just about 3 days ago. He continues to groom himself quite frequently. I can't think of why this would be-we have no new pets in the house. My daughter has moved back home, but I don't think he would be anxious about her being here? Anyway, the behavior started after she had been home about a month already.

Thank you in advance.

Answer
This could be behavioral, but not usually.  More than likely, the cat is allergic to something.  Fleas are only one thing that cats are allergic to.  There are many things in the environment and in their food that they can itch from.  Ask your vet for some chlorpheniramine tablets and use them for a couple of weeks to see if the itch subsides.  If not, then they may need to use some steroids to calm the skin.