Cat Licking Behaviors

Many people compare the feel of a cat's tongue to that of sandpaper. This roughness is the result of many tiny, rigid structures called papillae that are made up of backward-facing spines containing keratin, the same material found in hair, human fingernails and the claws of animals. These hairlike projections help grab and strip food from the surface as well as assist in grooming.

  1. Clean Hair Coat

    • Regular grooming is essential to the cleanliness and health of a cat's skin. A kitten will learn this normal licking behavior from its mother. The spiny surface of the cat's tongue acts as a brush helping remove dirt and loose hair. This licking also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat and removes old skin cells, a buildup of which could help contribute to a wide range of skin diseases.

    Relieve Itchiness

    • Certain skin diseases may cause itchiness and excessive licking that results in hair loss. For example, itchiness can be a result of airborne or food allergies, parasites such as fleas or certain mites, or certain fungal infections such as ringworm. Using clues such as the pattern of hair loss or seasonality, a veterinarian can help determine the cause of itchiness.

    Indicate Pain

    • A cat will excessively lick an area of its body that is painful. For example, a geriatric cat may lick its lower back or a joint hurting as a result of aging changes such as arthritis or back problems. The resulting hair loss is a warning sign and can help the owner locate a source of pain in its feline companion.

    Psychogenic Causes

    • A cat may lick as a result of a mental illness called psychogenic alopecia. A veterinarian is needed to help determine this problem and certain tests may be recommended. Sometimes, a cat will lick out of obsession, anxiety or even plain boredom. More toys and attention can be helpful or, in certain cases, anti-anxiety prescriptions prescribed by a veterinarian.