When Your Cat Stops Grooming: What It Really Means
Cats are often praised for being incredibly clean animals. They spend hours each day grooming licking their fur not only to stay clean but also to relax and regulate their body temperature. It's part of who they are.
But what happens when your cat suddenly stops grooming as much?
If you notice your cat's fur becoming greasy, matted, dirty, or if they begin to smell more than usual, it might not be laziness it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs your attention.
Why Do Cats Stop Grooming Themselves?
Several reasons both physical and emotional—can cause a cat to neglect grooming :
- Overweight cats struggle to reach certain parts of their body
- Senior cats often have stiff joints that make grooming painful
- Silent illnesses, like dental issues or kidney disease, make grooming uncomfortable
- Stress or depression, triggered by moving homes, new pets, or environmental changes
- Skin problems, like allergies, wounds, or fungal infections
- Long, thick coats that become too much for the cat to manage on its own
If left unaddressed, poor grooming can lead to matted fur, dandruff, foul odors, or even infections. That’s where responsible pet owners come in.
Bathing as a Supportive Solution
Cats that stop grooming may need a little help from you. While cats generally don’t require frequent baths, those who can't (or won’t) groom themselves may benefit from occasional, well-managed bathing.
Bathing your cat can :
- Remove odor and bacteria
- Prevent matting and skin irritation
- Reduce the risk of infections
- Improve comfort and overall wellbeing
- Help cats feel fresher, especially if they’re ill, elderly, or long-haired
However, bathing a cat isn’t easy especially if they’re stressed or not used to water. For your cat’s safety and comfort, it’s best to leave it to professionals.
Professional Cat Bathing at PETClub
At PETClub, we understand that every cat is unique some are calm, some are nervous, some are downright difficult when it comes to bathing. That’s why our professional groomers are trained in gentle handling, feline body language, and proper grooming techniques.
We offer :
- Safe, gentle bathing for all cat breeds
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free shampoo
- Full grooming packages: nail trim, ear cleaning, brushing
- Separate grooming rooms for cats and dogs
- Quiet, stress-reducing environment
Book your cat’s grooming session online Click
