3 Cat Obsessive Compulsive Disorders That May Be A Concern

Yes, it is true that even cats can suffer from obsessive compulsive disorders. Some can be harmless while others may be cause for concern. Here are the three cat obsessive compulsive disorders that may be a concern if you notice it in your cat's everyday behavior:

Wool Sucking

The most common reason that cats develop the habit of wool sucking is because they were taken from their mothers at too early of an age. Sucking on wool becomes a comforting habit for these cats. The only reason this habit could be a cause for concern is if your cat begins ingesting the material that he or she is sucking on. If they are sucking on their own fur, which is another common way to comfort themselves, it could irritate the skin. If this is the case, you need to be sure that you are checking those areas regularly to be sure that they are clean. If you notice that your cat has irritated skin or is ingesting something while wool sucking, then you must take them to the vet. Your vet can talk to you about options for stopping this habit from reoccurring in the future. 

Over-Grooming

The over-grooming habit is usually developed from some kind of phobia that develops in stressful situations. It is typical for cats to groom themselves while stressed, but if your cat continues the behavior long after the stressful situation has passed, then it can be an issue. However, first you want to be sure that their over-grooming habit isn't due to any kind of skin infection or fleas. If it has been determined that their skin is clean and free from these things, then you will want to figure out ways in which you can reduce the amount of stress that your cat experiences during the day. You can do this by keeping them in a separate room away from any chaos that happens during the day and more. This should help them to feel calmer, which will help stop their over-grooming habit. 

Rippling Skin Disorder

Kittens usually behave in erratic ways such as running around the house, jumping, rippling the skin on their back, and more. This is all normal kitten behavior. However, once your cat is older and this behavior is still occurring, it usually means that your cat is in distress. You may also notice that your cat begins to howl at night, as well. It is important that you speak to your vet and he or she may prescribe some medication to help calm your cat's nerves. 

By knowing some of the common obsessive compulsive disorders seen in cats, you can be sure that you know what to do to help stop the problem. For assistance, go to an animal hospital.


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