Expert: Jessica - 9/30/2011

Question
Why does our female Bengal cat constantly groom herself to the extent that she has bald patches and the area appears quite sore. at the moment the areas are under her front legs at the shoulder.She has also gone through a period of constant meowing and when you try to stroke her she will allow you to but she will under no circumstances sit with you, whereas she used to. She seems to want attention but then when you want to give her it she does not want it.

Answer
Hi David,

I think there is a good chance your Bengal is suffering from anxiety. Cats with an anxiety disorder can exhibit "displacement behavior". This is when they engage in a behavior to distract them from their anxiety. They may groom or eat or vocalize. When they feel chronic anxiety, they may chronically engage in the displacement behavior. It becomes much like human Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as when people wash their hands too much, etc. When the chosen displacement behavior is grooming, their rough tongue can begin to break off the fur and start to break the skin. Both her obsessive grooming and meowing could be consistent with anxiety.

However, you should start with a vet visit to be sure a physical illness is not the cause. Itchy skin can also cause this behavior. Allergies and even parasites like mites or fleas can cause itchiness. An appropriate treatment can be prescribed for these.

If the cause is determined to be anxiety, you may want to try a product called Feliway. This is a synthetic pheromone. Pheromones are hormones that cats release through their cheeks, which help cats to feel calm. Feliway mimics these and helps to promote a relaxed atmosphere. You can learn more at www.feliway.com.

In severe cases of anxiety, a prescription antidepressant may be required. Most cats only need them for a few months, and then they can be tapered off and discontinued. A few cats require them for longer, and rarely, cats must continue on them.

Good luck!

Jessica