cat is an excessive licker

[Medusa]

Yes, I'd have her checked for allergies. Also, my Creamsicle was constantly licking herself and when I checked it out, it turns out she had an infection in her hair follicles and she was losing hair, too. So have your vet check her out.

[Catlady711]

Either allergies or obsessive compulsive disorder would be probable suspects for this. Dusty has been overgrooming for years. We tried the food route and that wasn't it. In her case giving oral meds wasn't feasable so we just try to distract her when we can. Check your cat with the vet and see if he/she can help out.

[columbine]

If your vet tells you it's nerves, one thing you can try is Feliway. It's a scent that mimics the "this is a safe place" scent that cats generate in their facial glands. You can get it as a spray (for bed, collar, carrier) or a rechargeable plug-in (Kitty Incense!) They say humans can't smell it, but I have a really sensitive nose, and do occasionally catch a faint whiff of cedar/coconut when I'm right next to the diffuser - if you can smell it at all, it's actually quite pleasant.