My newly adopted cat is overgrooming and scratching. What helps?

Question

We adopted a cat (11 months old) this week - and she is nibbling her sides and inside of her legs whilst grooming. It's made some small scratch / scab marks. She has been vaccinated and up to date with flea and worm treatments. It doesn't seem too bad yet, but don't want her to hurt herself. Is there anything you would recommend to help her stop this? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year old

Tomasz Wnuk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Excessive licking and grooming in cats is often related to allergies or stress. Moving house and adapting to the new environment can be stressful for many cats. Cat pheromones (for example Feliway) are typically used to treat stress-related overgrooming. They are available over-the-counter at pet shops and Online retailers. It wound be definitely worth to try a pheromone diffuser for Naomi. However, if the overgrooming start causing skin wounds, skin inflammation or hair falling, you should take Naomi to your vets to check her over and potentially investigate for allergic problems.

My newly adopted cat is overgrooming and scratching. What helps?

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