My cat has OCD. He's always had an obsession with being clean, however recently it has escalated and he is licking himself so much that he has bald patches on his belly, sides and front legs.

The vet says there is nothing physically wrong with him, and he's had flea treatments, worming etc so it doesn't appear to be any sort of bug irritating him. The only thing she says she can do is give him a mild sedative, which I really don't want to do.

We do try and stop him when he licks, but it's a bit of a losing battle!

Is there anything I can do or check to stop him licking so much?

you could try some bitter apple spray Bitter Apple Spray - Bitter pet healthcare

I had this problem with a cat some years ago, when she was suddenly left the only cat in the household, and got very stressed. The vet put her on a mild tranquilliser, which did the trick. She had been hand reared, and had rather a lot of issues, poor lass, but we worked through them all eventually! She lived to be around 18, so I don't think the few weeks on drugs did her much harm.

Have you tried Feliway? I've not tried it myself but I've seen it recommended on these forums quite often.

Also, have you tried changing his food, he may be allergic to something in what he's eating. I'd try to give him Hi Life pouches for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

Hope your kitty feels better soon

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Fit for the sunshine so it followed her, a happy tempered bringer of the best, out of the worst.

I wonder if this is the problem with Tom? There was a cat living next door to us. I didn't think they were friends as they always seemed to be hissing at each other, however Tom starting his mad licking after the next door neighbours moved.

Tom does get stressed very easily as well, although he is generally quite a happy cat. I don't know whether getting a second cat would be a good idea or not though...

I haven't experienced this but I have read that kitties can lick themselves into a real state due to stress.

Sorry I haven't got any real advice but I wish you and Tom the best bless his heart.

Hi

My cat, bobo like to licking himself and he dont bother even he already wet. i notice his habit began after his age a year plus. he have 5 other friends which belong to me as well. Vet said nothing they can do. but i would like to know the way to cure. so when i go back home i can apply to bobo. miss my cats very muchhhhhhhh

Try the sedative hun, if it doesn't work then vets can rule that form of treatment out x

it sounds down to stress if it's a continuous thing x

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