Excessive grooming and scratching

[Simpo Two]

Not me but my cat. Female, 14, on thyronorm for overactive thyroid (under control).

But she's developed an annoying habit, especially in the small hours when I'm trying to sleep, of repeatedly washing and occasional scratching under her chin. No sign of any fleas.

It's been noticeable over the last few months - any idea what's causing it and how to fix?

[zsdom]

Could possibly be stressed, my Mum adopted a cat & she overgroomed for a few months until she settled

[ctdctd]

Dental problems - licking and scratching chin 'cos it hurts?

Put on the chainmail gauntlets and have a look!

[Simpo Two]

zsdom said:

Could possibly be stressed, my Mum adopted a cat & she overgroomed for a few months until she settled

She had an ingrowing claw until last Thursday, which has been seen to. That might have explained it prior to last week, but she's still doing it, usually late at night before she settles down to sleep on my bed. She's been here for 7.5 years so well settled in!

ctdctd said:

Dental problems - licking and scratching chin 'cos it hurts?

Put on the chainmail gauntlets and have a look!

I think the vets would have checked her teeth when she was sedated last week for the claw. She's had three breakfasts today so the gnashers seem to be OK.

Hopefully it's something she'll grow out of.

[Samuel978]

My cat did that when she was stressed (for no apparent reason) and even managed to take almost all fur from her belly. But it just went on its own. The problem was when she was older (18+), she completely stopped grooming herself (now, that's something to worry about). I think your cat will simply get over it if there are no serious issues (and it sounds like you checked everything regularly).