TL;DR: If your cat stops grooming, it is a sign of illness, pain, or mobility issues that requires a veterinary visit within 24 to 48 hours. Immediate emergency care is necessary if they also show signs like labored breathing or refusal to eat.
Why has my cat stopped grooming themselves?
Cats are naturally fastidious creatures, often spending up to half their waking hours grooming themselves. When a cat stops grooming completely, it is a clinical sign that they are likely feeling unwell, experiencing pain, or suffering from mobility issues. This lack of self-care can lead to a dull, greasy, or matted coat, often referred to as a staring coat.
Is a lack of grooming in my cat considered an emergency?
- A total cessation of grooming is classified as Medium Urgency, indicating your cat is compromised and needs medical attention.
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Treat the situation as a high-priority emergency if the lack of grooming is accompanied by hiding, refusal to eat, or labored breathing.
How does providing a photo help triage my cat?
- A clear photo allows professionals to see the pattern of neglect and whether it is generalized or localized to specific areas.
- Visuals help veterinarians distinguish between skin infections, dental issues where the cat might be drooling, or arthritic pain.
- Photos help identify if your cat is physically unable to reach its back or hindquarters due to mobility issues.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
A cat stopping grooming can indicate underlying medical problems such as infectious skin diseases (e.g., bacterial pyoderma, dermatophytosis), ectoparasites, allergic skin diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, food allergy, contact, insect hypersensitivity), neoplastic skin diseases, or conditions causing pruritus or neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, dermatologic conditions, myopathies, and focal seizures can also manifest similarly. Veterinary care should be sought to exclude medical causes of decreased grooming and to identify underlying pruritic conditions, such as flea allergy dermatitis, which is a common cause of symmetrical alopecia in cats.
Chapter: Behavioral Medicine, Dermatology, Neurology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1574)