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Why is my anxious cat losing hair and getting scabs from grooming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 7.6 lbs

I have a male neutered domestic short hair that is losing hair. He does have anxiety. I'm wondering if his nervousness is causing him to excessively groom and rib out his fur. It's along his stomach, sides and legs. Basically any part that his mouth can't readily reach is untouched. What puzzles me is in some areas he has perfectly round little scabs. All exactly the same. Just red little scabs. Is that from the hair ripping or another symptom?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 21st, 2017

I would recommend that you have Ozzy examined by a vet. It is hard to tell you which came first, the overgrooming or the scabs, as it could easily be either one. From the distribution, I would highly suspect overgrooming, which can be caused by anxiety. But there are a few other things that can cause it as well (see the attached link below for more information on causes). A vet can help you figure out what could be the cause and make a treatment plan to help Ozzy not pull out his fur. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2565

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 12th, 2017

    Stress and anxiety can cause cats to over-groom and have hair loss. You could try a Feliway diffuser and Solliquin chews and see if that helps. He could also have a skin infection or allergies, especially if he has any lesions on his skin. You could have him examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to help treat.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 3rd, 2018

    It can take several months for the fur to grow back. It is true that some cats can be very anxious and pull out their hair as a result. However, this does not mean there couldn't be another component that could be causing skin irritation or itch, like allergies, fleas, mites, etc. I would recommend that you have Jamie examined by a vet to see if there is a medical cause for the hair plucking. See the link below for possible causes and to get a few ideas to discuss with your vet. If no medical cause is found, he could be started on supplements or prescription medications for anxiety. Common OTC supplements in cats include Xylkene or Feliway Pheromone Diffusers. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2565

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