Does your cat lick itself too much? Here's how to make it stop

Constant cat licking and grooming can cause skin irritation and digestive problems, so it is essential to identify the cause quickly in order to remedy it. Cats are curious and hygiene-conscious animals, but what can be done to make them stop? This photo gallery offers practical and simple solutions on how to soothe this pressing cat habit, from simple do-it-yourself cures to creams and treatments recommended by vets. Thanks to our step-by-step guide, you can help your cat give up this habit and enjoy a more comfortable and happy life.

While you find the cause, use a head cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar or e-collar, to temporarily protect your cat's fur and skin. This method can also help break the obsessive licking cycle.

If your kitten tends to lick a particular spot, such as an itchy wound or an infected area, try applying an ointment (or use a bitter spray). Bitter sterilisation may be a good temporary option because the unpleasant taste discourages licking.

Use a blindfold or a T-shirt to cover areas where the cat tends to lick itself constantly. This method can help discourage cat licking.

If the cat not only licks itself but also scratches and bites a specific spot, fleas could be the cause. Keep an eye on the situation to make sure this is not the problem.

If you think the cause of your cat's licking may be stress or nervousness, try spraying the areas where it licks with a pheromone spray or use a calming collar. These aids can calm and relax your cat, making it less likely to calm itself by licking its fur. Playing with your cat and making the house 'its size' may also help.

Before administering medication or diagnosing the possible cause of your cat licking itself, schedule a visit to the vet. He will be able to indicate the best solution for your feline.