If you’ve owned cats for several years, you realize these adorable pets sometimes have strange behaviors.
For instance, you may see your four-legged friends try to eat anything they come across, such as paper, plastic bags, or even their hair.
Why does my cat eat his fur? If you’re a first-time pet owner, you will undoubtedly ask yourself this question.
Wait no longer! Let’s scroll down our article to find the answer!
Why Does My Cat Eat His Fur?
Your cats may eat their fur due to their instinct, over-grooming temperament, Pica, flea infections, boredom, or stress. Besides, they may also lick their hair if they want your attention.
Let’s keep reading to get in-depth explanations!
#1. It’s Your Cat’s Instinct.
Felines frequently lick their hair since they don’t want others to know their presence. It’s their instinct.
Thus, it’s common to notice these pets putting their hair into their mouth, even if it’s indoor felines.
#2. Your Cat Wants Your Attention.
Cats are well-known for their curiosity and also intelligence. If you don’t pay enough attention to them, they may chew strange things, including their fur, to draw your attention.
#3. Your Cat Is Over-Grooming.
Sometimes, your four-legged friends may be over-grooming. They can spend hours grooming themselves.
If that’s the case, you may notice hair loss or other issues, such as skin sores, broken skin, or red skin.
#4. It’s Pica.
Pica is a disorder that affects cats and causes them to experience the need to devour non-food objects.
This problem is relatively dangerous for your pets since they may try to bite and eat anything like hairs, cords, papers, plastic, or fur.
Unluckily, felines with Pica may suffer from diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes, there is an obstruction in their throat, causing suffocation and death.
You can watch this video to learn more about this issue:
Related Post: Why Did My Cat Stop Sleeping With Me?
#5. It’s Due To Flea Bites And Infections.
Your four-legged friends may get parasite infections like fleas, worms, or ticks biting them.
If the infestation gets worse, your pets will bite and eat their fur to eliminate these parasites from their bodies. As a result, they may consume their hair.
Besides, some medical issues will cause your pets to chew their fur, as shown below:
- Alopecia
- Allergies
- Dry skin
- Cancer
- Bug bite
- Fungal infection
- Thyroid problems
#6. Your Cat Is Bored.
When these animals are bored, they may engage in various habits, including chewing their hair.
If you always let your pets alone and no one plays with them, you may notice your four-legged friends consume their hair to pass the time.
#7. Your Cat Is Stressed.
Stress is the leading cause of cats eating their hair. They may be stressed out due to environmental changes and a lack of security.
If you’ve moved to a brand-new place or suddenly adopted a new cat, your fur babies may feel territorial and stressed. As a result, they lick and consume their hair as a coping method.
Also read: Why Is My Cat Suddenly Scared Of Room? 8 Possible Reasons
Is Eating Fur Dangerous For Your Cat?
It is common for felines to consume hair whenever grooming themselves. Generally, it’s not dangerous if your pets consume a small amount of fur.
However, if your four-legged friends overeat their hair, the hairball may form in their tummy.
When these hairballs get bigger, they may go through your pets’ digestive tract, which causes their intestine to get stuck and obstructed.
As a result, this issue may be dangerous without vet intervention. In specific cases, your pets will need to experience surgery to eliminate these hairballs.
In some circumstances, your pets can expel these hairballs by vomiting. However, that’s not always the case, as these things may get stuck in their stomach and cause problems.
How To Prevent Your Cat From Eating His Fur?
The good news is that you can apply several ways to prevent your pets from consuming their fur without vet intervention.
Below are some practical solutions:
- Vacuum your house more regularly to remove your pets’ fur. If they don’t see their hair, they won’t chew it.
- Give your pets engaging toys to reduce stress.
- Spend time playing with your four-legged friends. Provide enough attention and care for them.
- Don’t ignore your cats for too long. Otherwise, they may show unwanted behaviors.
- Help your cats groom and brush their hair regularly to eliminate excess fur.
- Consult your vet if your fur babies are obsessed with chewing strange things like paper, plastic, or hair.
- Provide your cats with a relaxing environment to lessen stress.
- Treat parasite infections.
Also read: Why Won’t My Cat Cuddle With Me Anymore? Reasons and Tips
Final Thoughts
Why does my cat eat his fur? Their instinct, over-grooming characteristics, Pica, boredom, stress, parasite infections, and owner’s neglect may cause this strange behavior in your pets.
While this conduct is not dangerous, preventing it before the hairballs get stuck in their tummy and cause potential health issues is best.
If you want to ask more about this topic, comment below to let us know. We will answer as soon as possible! Thanks for reading!
