Cat Licking Herself Raw: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

May 22, 2025

by：puaintapets

Cats are meticulous groomers, often spending a significant portion of their day licking their fur to keep it clean. However, when grooming becomes excessive, leading to raw, irritated skin, it signals an underlying issue that needs attention. This comprehensive guide delves into the reasons behind this behavior, its implications, and effective strategies to address and prevent it. Follow this five-minute reading to learn how to address the issues and enjoy a happy life with your furry friends.

Understanding Cat Licking Herself Raw

Cat licking herself raw can be kind of abnormal, excessive licking or compulsive licking in cats, medically termed overgrooming, manifests as hairless patches(commonly on the belly, inner thighs, or forelegs), red, inflamed skin, open sores or scabs, and thickened skin.

Red Flags:

Hair loss: You may notice bald spots, especially on the belly, legs, or sides.
Skin irritation: Redness, scabs, sores, or open wounds where your cat has been licking.
Frequent licking or biting: The behavior seems obsessive or constant.
Focusing on one area: Cats may target a specific spot repeatedly.
Behavioral signs: Anxiety, restlessness, or hiding can accompany the licking.
Grooming that disrupts daily life: Excessive licking replaces normal activities like playing or eating.

These signs indicate that the cat's grooming behavior has escalated beyond normal, potentially leading to further complications if not addressed promptly.

Do not be Afraid if your cats' grooming is:

Routine and moderate: Cats groom multiple times a day, but it doesn’t consume all their time.
Evenly distributed grooming: They groom all over their body, including hard-to-reach areas.
Clean and healthy coat: The fur looks smooth, well-kept, and free of bald patches or irritation.
No signs of discomfort: Grooming is done calmly and doesn't lead to yowling, twitching, or biting.
Common grooming times: After eating, waking up, or using the litter box.

What the Licking Area Tells You

Rather than jumping straight to the reasons why your cat is licking herself raw, it is helpful to identify the specific areas where she is doing so, as this can offer insight into the root cause.

Belly, inner thighs, and groin – Common in cats with allergies, anxiety, or bladder issues.
Lower back near the tail – Often points to flea allergy dermatitis or impacted anal glands.
Paws and legs – May suggest environmental allergens (e.g., floor cleaners, pollen) or fungal infections.
Neck and ears – More commonly linked to food allergies, ear mites, or fungal infections.
Sides and flanks – May indicate generalized stress or behavioral overgrooming (psychogenic alopecia).

Use this pattern-matching to inform your vet and guide treatment.
Now we can jump to the details of the possible culprit leading cat licking herself raw.

Why Is My Cat Licking Herself Raw?

The reasons for a cat licking herself raw can be physical(medical) and mental(behavioral or emotional).

How to Tell the Difference:

Factor	Physical Cause	Mental Cause
Onset	Often sudden, related to illness or infestation	Gradual, often linked to life changes
Location	May match a medical condition (e.g., flea zones)	More generalized or symmetric grooming
Response to treatment	Improves with medical intervention	Persists without behavioral changes
Signs of illness	Often present (scratching, biting, discharge)	Usually absent (normal exam otherwise)

Physical (Medical) Causes

These involve actual discomfort or irritation on the skin or inside the body that compels the cat to groom excessively in an attempt to relieve it.

1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in allergic cats. This often leads to aggressive licking, especially around the tail base, thighs, and abdomen.

2. Other Parasites

Mites (like Demodex or Cheyletiella) and lice can cause severe itching, making a cat groom persistently in the affected areas.

3. Skin Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections (like ringworm) may cause localized itching, leading to hair loss and scabbing.

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Often visible signs include redness, swelling, or flaky skin.

4. Allergies

Food allergies: Often manifest as skin irritation rather than digestive symptoms.
Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites, or chemicals (e.g., cleaning products) can provoke chronic itching.

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Contact dermatitis: From certain fabrics, plastic bowls, or household products.

5. Pain or Discomfort

Cats may lick excessively at a spot where they feel pain rather than itchiness. For example:

Arthritic joints
Post-surgical sites
Bladder or urinary tract issues (causing excessive licking of the abdomen or genitals)

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions such as hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease may cause skin changes or irritation that trigger overgrooming.

Mental (Behavioral/Emotional) Causes

When no physical illness can be found, the overgrooming is often psychogenic—that is, related to emotional or psychological stress. This is sometimes diagnosed as Psychogenic Alopecia.

1. Stress or Anxiety

Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in environment or routine can be deeply unsettling. Common stressors include:

Moving homes
New pets or people in the household
Loss of a companion
Loud noises or construction

Stress can cause cats to lick as a self-soothing behavior, much like nail-biting in humans.

2. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

Indoor cats with limited play or environmental enrichment may turn to excessive grooming as a way to fill time or cope with monotony.

3. Compulsive Disorders

In some cases, overgrooming becomes compulsive, with no clear stressor or reward. This can develop into a chronic behavior that requires behavioral therapy or medication.

How Do I Stop My Cat from Licking Herself Raw?

Addressing overgrooming involves a multifaceted approach:

Veterinary Consultation: First and foremost, consult a veterinarian to help rule out medical causes like parasites, allergies, or infections.
Parasite Control: Implement a regular flea and tick prevention regimen. Even indoor cats can be susceptible to parasites.
Dietary Adjustments: If food allergies are suspected, consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to identify and remove allergens.
Environmental Enrichment:
- Interactive toys: Engage your cat's hunting instincts.
- Scratching posts and perches: Provide outlets for physical activity.
- Routine: Maintain a consistent daily schedule to reduce stress.
Behavioral Therapy: In cases of psychogenic alopecia, behavior modification techniques, and sometimes medications, may be necessary.
Topical Treatments: Utilize products designed to soothe irritated skin and deter licking.

Consequences of Untreated Overgrooming

Neglecting to address excessive licking can lead to:

Skin Infections: Open sores are susceptible to bacterial infections.
Chronic Skin Conditions: Persistent irritation can result in conditions like lick granulomas, characterized by thickened, inflamed skin.
Hair Loss: Continuous licking can lead to permanent hair loss in affected areas.
Behavioral Issues: Underlying stress or anxiety may worsen, leading to additional behavioral problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it normal for cats to lick themselves frequently?
A: While regular grooming is normal, excessive licking leading to hair loss or skin irritation is a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Q: Can stress cause my cat to overgroom?
A: Yes, stress and anxiety are common causes of overgrooming in cats. Changes in environment, routine, or household dynamics can trigger this behavior.

Q: How can I tell if my cat's licking is due to allergies?
A: Allergic reactions often cause itching, leading to excessive licking. If your cat's licking coincides with exposure to certain foods, materials, or environmental factors, allergies might be the cause.

Q: Are there home remedies to stop my cat from licking herself raw?
A: While some topical treatments can provide relief, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to identify and address the root cause of the behavior.

Q: Will my cat's fur grow back after overgrooming?
A: In most cases, yes—if the underlying cause is identified and properly treated. Once the skin is healed and the behavior is under control, hair typically regrows. However, chronic overgrooming can sometimes lead to permanent follicle damage, especially if scarring has occurred.

Final Thoughts

A cat licking herself raw isn’t just an overzealous grooming habit—it’s a red flag for a deeper issue. Whether caused by allergies, parasites, stress, or infection, it’s crucial to act swiftly and compassionately!