Excessive groming

[nissah46]

Our cat has started grooming himself so much that his belly is bare, and his legs are getting there. The vet did not find any fleas or ticks. Any suggestions.
Trish

[Savas]

No worries... I hope it does work out.

you may want to try an accredited animal hospital to check him out. many vets are the equivalent of "country doc's", which means the can cover most general health care but lack the equipment or training for specialized care.

[nissah46]

He had a regular annual check up , but without blood work.  The vet did not suggest it.  He is a very laid back cat, but lately a couple of strays are coming around and our new next door neighbors have a female cat that won't stay home.  This is the first time I have ever heard Riley make some cry from the depths of his stomach when he sees these other cats.  We did have another stray around our yard since before Riley was born. Although Riley wasn't best friends with him he did tolerate him.  We built a cat house for the stray and it was kept on our deck.  He was wild.  He disappeared around Xmas after being in our yard for over 10 years.  We assume he went off to die.  The excessive grooming started around the time I was diagnosed with cancer, and I asked the vet if Riley could sense my stress, and he said possibly.  But I am fine now, and the grooming continues.  Thanks for your help.
Trish

[Savas]

If your vet didn't find anything (did blood work as well) then it's either a vitamin deficiency or a stress reaction. Is your cat high strung? Does he seem upset at all? have there been any dramatic changes in his life at all? (new people, a move, construction nearby, etc...)

How extensive a check up did kitty get? Was blood work done?