An orange tabby named Bin Bin has captured the hearts of social media users after a TikTok video showing him in a onesie went viral. However, the story behind his outfit has left many in tears.
Posted in October by @cindykaneki, Bin Bin’s owner explained that the onesie helps prevent him from overgrooming to the point of baldness and infections. According to her, the behavior, believed to be stress-related, was diagnosed by a veterinarian who recommended the unique solution after other methods, such as cones and collars, failed.
“I strongly advise against dressing cats up for fun, especially if they dislike it. Bin Bin’s case is different as his overgrooming is extensive and not confined to specific areas,” the owner shared in the caption.
Veterinarian Dr. Julie Hunt from Embrace Pet Insurance explained that overgrooming can stem from various causes, with “psychogenic alopecia”—a psychological condition—being rare. It is only diagnosed after ruling out medical causes.
The most common culprit is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Dr. Hunt emphasized that even a single flea bite can trigger this condition, and it often goes undetected because owners don’t see fleas on their pets. Other medical causes, such as bladder or gastrointestinal pain, are also common triggers.
Bin Bin’s veterinarian has ruled out fleas, allergies, and ringworm, as well as loneliness, since he shares his home with a same-age feline companion. He is also a neutered indoor cat with a high-quality wet food diet free of grains and carbs.
For now, the focus is on managing the overgrooming. His owner stated, “If his condition worsens, I will return to the vet to explore new treatment options.”
Dr. Hunt noted that while clothing can limit a cat’s access to their fur, it’s rarely a long-term solution. FAD can be addressed through effective flea control, while bladder or GI pain can be treated by addressing underlying causes. In rare cases of psychological overgrooming, behavioral interventions and medications are often effective.
The video of Bin Bin has garnered over 3.3 million views and 484,000 likes on TikTok, with viewers touched by the cat’s story. Many shared their support and admiration for the owner’s dedication to finding solutions for Bin Bin’s well-being.
Bin Bin’s journey is a reminder of the complexities of pet health and the importance of seeking professional advice for unusual behaviors.
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