Cat Not Grooming: Why It Happens & How To Help

Cats are usually fastidious creatures, grooming themselves multiple times a day. Your cat’s tongue is well designed for this function, with tiny barbs which act like a miniature comb, perfect for cleaning dust and grime from hair.

If your cat’s coat is starting to look a bit less sleek, or you’ve noticed clumped hair and mats, your cat may not be grooming themselves very well. This can be due to multiple factors, including obesity, age, pain, or illness. It might even be that they never learned the skills well as a kitten!

A lack of grooming can indicate that something is wrong, and your cat may need to be seen by a veterinarian. Read on for more about the common causes of why a cat is not grooming themself, and how you can help.

Why Is My Cat Not Grooming?

Grooming is a really important part of a cat’s life. A change to this instinctual habit can be a signal that something is wrong. Some kittens never learn to groom properly if they have had a poor start due to illness or separation from their mother.

Those first few weeks of life are when kittens learn many essential ‘cat skills’, and if they were never taught to groom then their technique may well be poor. This, of course, is not the reason why cats suddenly stop grooming themselves after a previously solid routine, however.

Cats may stop grooming because they are feeling stressed or anxious, leading to them hiding away more and not pursuing their usual routines, or because of illness or pain physically preventing them. Obesity is also a leading factor in why a cat’s grooming routine goes south: fat cats just aren’t flexible enough to reach those tricky areas!

Reasons Why Cats Stop Grooming

Here are the most common causes behind a cat not grooming themself.

Breed

Some cat breeds have more luxurious coats than others. Long-haired breeds such as the Persian or Maine Coon may struggle with their long fur, leading to regular knots or matting. If you find that self-grooming isn’t really doing the trick, your fluffy feline may need some regular brushing help from you.

Stress

Cats can suffer from anxiety, but the signs can be very subtle. Causes of stress may include a new pet, a new family member, or a change to their environment such as building work in the house.

Anxiety can present in many ways, with some cats only showing small changes to their behavior. Hiding away, urinating outside the litter box and changes to their interactions with you can all be signs of stress, as can a deterioration in their grooming habits. If you notice that your cat doesn’t seem themself, as well as changes to your cat’s coat, seek veterinary advice.

Obesity

Overweight cats are becoming more common, with current estimates showing that over 50% of pet cats in the US are overweight or obese. As well as predisposing cats to certain diseases such as joint problems and diabetes, obesity can affect their everyday routines such as grooming habits.

Overweight cats often just can’t physically reach parts of their body to clean by licking with their tongues, and this leads to areas of your cat’s fur becoming matted and unkempt.

Age

Older cats are more likely to look a little less well-groomed, often with patches of matting fur or long claws. Elderly cats may be getting stiff with signs of arthritis, so they struggle to contort themselves into the correct positions for grooming.

Your cat’s nails may be getting longer as they cannot sharpen them as well. It is also possible to see a cognitive decline (dementia) in a more senior cat, leading to changes in their routine such as forgetting where their food bowl is, urinating outside the litter tray, vocalizing more, and having poor hygiene.

Illness and Pain

Any type of illness or pain can make cats feel miserable, depressed, and low. This leads to a change in their habits and routines – eating less, interacting less, and grooming less. They may hide away, be more grumpy or even aggressive, and generally not be their usual selves. There are a few common health conditions that can be linked to a decrease in grooming, although any illness can cause problems.

Dental Disease

Pain and discomfort in the teeth and gums can cause a change in eating habits, excess salivation, and irritation, but it can also your cat to stop grooming. Dental disease is very common in cats, especially older felines.

Arthritis

Painful joints deter cats from reaching body positions in which they can comfortably groom. This health complaint is more common in cats over the age of 10 years but can occur in any cat. Other joint and mobility issues can cause the same problems.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland causes symptoms such as a ravenous appetite, weight loss, and increased urination and thirst, but it can also cause changes to your cat’s fur, making their coat look dull and unkempt. Diabetes and kidney disease can cause similar changes.

Skin Disease

Cat’s skin can be sensitive, and any problems such as allergies, parasites (including fleas and mites), and infections can all cause skin irritation. This can lead to hair loss and scratching. Some conditions cause excessive grooming (due to itchiness), but some conditions make the skin so sore the cat may stop grooming altogether.

When Should You See a Vet?

A lack of grooming can indicate there is an underlying problem with your cat. If your cat has stopped grooming themselves properly, a check-up with a vet is always a good idea.

Think about whether there are any other changes to your cat’s habits or routines, such as a change to their appetite, sleeping or hiding away more, or signs of pain such as difficulty jumping up or down. Gently check your cat’s skin for any signs of redness, irritation, lumps, or bumps. You may see signs of parasites, such as flea dirt.

If your cat is approaching their senior years, frequent wellness exams are recommended to check for signs of age-related problems such as cognitive decline and arthritis. If your cat is struggling with their weight, speak to a veterinary professional about a suitable diet plan for them.

Also Read: The Ultimate Persian Cat Grooming Guide

How To Help a Cat Who’s Not Grooming

If your cat’s coat needs some love, and you’ve ruled out any medical problems which require medication or other management, then your pet may just need your help to keep their fur healthy and comfortable.

You don’t need to be a professional groomer to perform basic coat maintenance – although this is an option if you prefer to leave it to the experts! Invest in a suitable cat-friendly brush, and some cat nail clippers, and set aside some time daily for routine grooming.

Your cat may be unused to someone brushing or clipping them, so start slowly and gently and gradually build up the time you spend with them. A regular grooming routine is best to keep your cat’s coat mat-free but is also a lovely bonding exercise with your kitty, and a chance to check them over for any problems as you do so. A win-win!

Also Read: How To Safely Trim Cat Nails – A Step-By-Step Guide

Cat Grooming: Conclusion

Cats are excellent at self-grooming and usually have a fastidious daily routine that takes up a large proportion of their time. A lack of grooming, therefore, can indicate that something is wrong. Your cat may be in pain, ill, stressed, overweight, or getting old.

They may need veterinary attention, and you can assist your cat with their coat maintenance at home with gentle brushing and detangling. Long-haired breeds and more senior cats are most likely to need owner intervention.