Cats are carefree creatures. They tend to be friendly most of the time, apart from the shy cats. However, at certain times they start compulsive scratching or chewing.
This can harm their skin and body. It causes pain too. Moreover, such activities as scratching and licking can be very annoying for all of us.
First thing first, you would obviously see it doing that compulsive scratching. But, if you don’t see it doing that, you will notice changes. Maybe it has reduced fur in the form of stripes at her back.
They are more likely to form red spots on their back and stomach. Female cats are more into these activities than male ones.
Reasons for Compulsive Scratching and Licking
Various reasons can lead your cat to indulge in such activities. These include
Fleas
Parasites or fleas play a preeminent role in the happening of these activities. Whenever cats go to places where these fleas are, it may catch this licking problem.
Cats groom around, and they might end up all the fleas. But if you consistently see your cat scratching it’s back, it is the fleas. Some other parasites, such as mites and ringworms, also stimulate them.
Allergic Reactions
Numerous people between us are allergic to some things. These allergies cause reactions or irritations.
In the same way, cats and kittens also get irritated by allergies. Due to this irritation, they scratch their back. Our cats may be allergic to anything in the environment. That can irritate them easily.
Skin Dryness
Dryness causes rough skin and irritation. Your cat may have dry skin that is causing it to scratch or chew her skin.
It is self-evident that in winters, we all have dry skin. Some nutritional adequacies also cause dryness. This feeling of discomfort makes the cat scratch in search of comfort.
Discomfort
If we ever feel discomfort or pain in our body, we do touch that part. We need to stop that pain, so we rub it.
The same is the case with our cats; they scratch that area where they feel pain. They can’t stop chewing or scratching their back when they are in pain.
This lets them get rid of that pain and scratching.
Anxiety and Boredom
Most of the time, compulsive scratching in cats occurs due to their less active life. When they exercise less and stay inside their homes, they feel anxious. The stressed and irritated cats do more scratching.
Cats can also start compulsive scratching because of anxiety when someone new comes home. This can make your cat uncomfortable or aggressive sometimes.
Compulsions can occur due to some medications, and they may start scratching and licking on their backs or stomach.
Treatments for Avoiding Compulsions
You can treat your cat’s compulsive behavior in different ways. Following tips can be advantageous in treating this behavior
Removing Fleas
You can consult your veterinarian for the elimination of fleas and parasites. They will recommend you some reliable fleas controlling products.
You can try those products to reduce behaviors like compulsive scratching in cats. They will help minimize licking and chewing.
Different Foods
Sometimes, foods can be the reason why your cat has such behavioral problems as compulsive scratching. You can change your cat’s diet to understand this problem.
Further help can be taken from the veterinarian.
Medical Assistance
Whenever your cat scratches or licks its back, it can harm her skin. The skin, once scratched can cause pain. So it is better to go to your vet for proper medication and treatment of your cat.
However, some other medications can help in reducing anxiety and stress issues in your cat.
Ending Boredom and Anxiety
You can help out your cat to overcome anxiety and stress. Just make it feel comfortable, loved, and coz. Also, increase its activity and exercises. This will help in reducing aggression.
You should help your cat by taking baby steps. It is easy to handle your fearful cat. You have to make it get used to things it fears. Without taking baby steps, you cannot control your pet.
A quick way to handle them can lead to further behavioral problems like compulsive scratching in cats. Thus, you should take small steps.
Lastly, whenever you change to a new home, set her room the same as before.
These all work well to avoid all behavioral and mental issues in your cats.