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Cats/Excessive Licking

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
I have a 6 year-old cat, who, over the course of the last two years has been licking her belly excessively. The patch of bare skin has grown to almost her entire underside. I know this is not an allergy; she will only lick herself when she is getting ready for bed or seems a little agitated. But she gets in a "zone" and I often have to distract her to get her to stop. Any ideas on how to make this behavior stop?

Answer
Hi Sara,

First off you have to rule out physical problems with your cat. Have you had her checked by a vet? Licking the abdomen can be a sign of Cystitis.  
Have your vet rule this out. Also have her checked for anything else that could be causing her discomfort in that region.
Have you treated her for fleas? Flea allergies can also cause this. If you are using a topical flea remedy then we can rule this out.

If your vet gives her a clean bill of health ask him about putting her on an anti-anxiety medication. Put her on them for a little while. This should break the habit of her licking. If she starts it up again after being taken off the meds try to distract her with a toy. Good luck. Let me know the results.

Ciao, Karen  

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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