MY PET WORLD Q AND A: MY CAT IS AN OBSESSIVE LICKER

By Steve Dale | 17 July 2009


Q: Riley, our 7-year-old indoor tabby, has been licking himself to the point that his abdomen and the inside of his hind legs are bare. The vet found no fungus or infections. She said Riley has a compulsive behavior problem. What can I do to discourage him before I wind up with a bald cat?


A: Dr. Valerie Tynes says that according to a recent study of cats with problems similar to what you describe, 70 percent turned out to have a medical explanation. Tynes advice to is to visit your vet again to have Riley carefully checked for parasites. If he checks out, place Riley on an anti-inflammatory drug or a novel food trial. If he improves, the problem isn't primarily behavioral.

However, Tynes explains, if the licking began due to a physiological problem, constant repetition may have turned it into a habit.

It's essential that you enrich Riley's environment, regardless of what - if any role - behavior may be playing. "We know that when an environment isn't enriched, stress may more likely occur in cats," says Tynes.

"We know there's a link between stress and illness in all animals. In cats, one example is the link between stress and inappropriate elimination. We know in people, there's a link between stress and dermatological problems."

If the licking, or some component of the problem, does turn out to be a compulsive disorder, see a veterinary behaviorist or a veterinarian interested in animal behavior.

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