posted 01-17-2004 06:10 AM         

Now she has licked away all the fur at the base of her tail, and is always sicking up huge furballs.

There's a lot of tension in the house (health and money worries) and I think she picks up the vibes.

posted 01-17-2004 09:49 AM         

EXCESSIVE LICKING

Cats lick to keep themselves clean, to rid themselves of varmints like fleas, to cool themselves, to absorb Vitamin D, and to release stress. If a cat’s licking is the symptom of a health problem or if the licking is causing a health problem, then kitty must be taken to a veterinarian soon!
There are several medical reasons for excessive licking. It could be a neuropathy problem. For example, a nerve is receiving a signal which tells the cat to lick. It could be encephalitis, a brain perception disorder, a soft tissue or bone inflammation problem, or an allergic skin disease. A cat that licks odd things such as window panes, walls, or cement walks may be anemic which is a symptom of a disease such as feline leukemia. If you suspect a medical problem, see your veterinarian immediately.

Cats lick themselves when they are infested with parasites such as fleas. An occasional bath with a flea shampoo will kill the fleas, as well as remove dander (dried saliva) that causes human allergies. Regular grooming, however, with a flea comb is enough to control the flea problem.

An allergic reaction to inhaled allergens can also cause excessive licking.

It is estimated that thirty-five percent of all cats suffer from food allergies which can result in excessive licking. If diet is suspect, try one of the commercially prepared non-allergy cat foods. It is also thought, though not carefully researched, that a nutritional deficiency might cause excessive licking.

Senility will sometimes cause a cat to lick. In this case, you may have to live with the licking. For the older cat, frequent grooming with a comb or brush will reduce the hazard of hairball formation.

A bored cat, a cat weaned too early, and a cat under stress will lick excessively. Get another cat for the bored one or give her more playtime. Disrupt the early-weaned licker with playtime and learn to live with her possible continual licking of a certain soft piece of material. For the cat under stress, keep in mind that she likes a quiet, undisturbed environment and needs lots of love and attention. Eliminate any form of physical punishment for misbehavior as this creates tremendous stress.