Have you ever been nervous about something, like an exam or interview, and found yourself chewing your nails or tugging at your hair? These perfectly normal reactions to stress are called displacement behaviours by mental health professionals.
When we have conflicting emotions or are stressed in some way, we may scratch, chew, tug or act in some repetitive way. Animals do it, too. Stressed-out pets may over-groom, or tug out bits of fur, or pace up and down. Some stop using their litter box.
Why we all do it is controversial. The behaviour may be a distraction from uncomfortable emotions. Or perhaps we act this way in order to release the physical energy that comes from emotional turmoil.
Some theorise that we act out to prove to ourselves that we have control in a chaotic environment. Finally, as a lot of displacement behaviour causes discomfort or pain, it may be a way of forcing the body to release feel-good chemicals.
Whatever is going on, if your pet is chewing, over-grooming or otherwise acting oddly, first check if there is a medical issue like bacteria or fungus. If there is not, your pet may suffer from psychological stress.
Soothe, provide comfort, and be very gentle. Pets have a lot of emotions, but they don’t always cope well.
If in doubt, talk to your vet.
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