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Why is my cat losing belly hair from overgrooming in winter weather?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 5 years and 5 months old | 10 lbs

My cat has begun to lose hair on his mid and lower abdomen and a few spots on his legs. I think it is from excessive grooming or irritation with winter weather and dry air. He does not display other common signs of stress and this has just started with the changes in weather. He is not causing himself any sores or raw skin. Any ideas on how I can help him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2017

Hello, and thank you for your question. Overgrooming may be a cat's way of exhibiting stress, even if he is not showing any other signs. Overgrooming of the belly and inner thighs is a common presentation. Alternatively, this may be related to dryness as you suggested, or allergies, or infection. You can start by using a humidifier in the house to combat dryness, and trying out an omega 3 fatty acid supplement in his food. I would also think of any possible sources of stress, such as frequent visitors, loud construction noises, other pets in the house, long absences by yourself, etc. Feliway is a feline pheromone spray that you can look into, as it can help to reduce stress in indoor cats. If these have been ruled out and Dimitri is still overgrooming, I would take him to a vet to assess for a medical issue such as infection or allergies. I hope this helps, and that Dimitri is feeling better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 23rd, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Martin. You are correct, this overgrooming could be due to stress. I'm not sure why you are social distancing from him, you don't need to. Cats cannot get Covid from humans. This hair loss could also be due to fleas, mites, or allergies. I'd have him seen by a vet to have this hair loss diagnosed and treated. I hope this helps, Angel!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 3rd, 2019

    Poor Cocoa. This overgrooming could be due to fleas, mites, environmental allergies, stress, or a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism. I'd have him seen by a vet, who can diagnose what is causing the overgrooming and can treat him.

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