How to Stop a Cat From Licking

Most cats enjoy licking themselves, objects or even people. However, it can become bothersome when the behavior becomes obsessive. It can even cause harm when your pet continually licks a wound or a recent surgical incision -- possibly even removing sutures. Preventing your pet from habitual licking is not as easy as it sounds and might take some work for it to become successful. There are various methods and products specifically designed to stop your cat from licking.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew guard
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Lemon juice
  • Tabasco sauce
  • Bandages
  • Neck collar
  • Torso T-shirt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a topical product to the affected area. Many applications such as Chew Guard are designed to taste bitter to an animal and will deter licking.

    • 2

      Try household products such as cayenne pepper, lemon juice or Tabasco sauce only to the bandages. Many cats are sensitive to these strong tastes and it should deter them, but might not be safe to apply directly to a wound.

    • 3

      Spray furniture and household objects with a spray that smells bitter to a cat to keep them from licking. Such sprays can be found at most retail pet stores and most of these products will not damage furniture.

    • 4

      Cover the wound with bandages or gauze so your pet does not have access to it if this is what she is licking. If your cat continues licking, try using a torso T-shirt, which can cover a wound on the body. These T-shirts are made to fit the small size of cats and can be found at most retail pet shops.

    • 5

      Place a neck collar around your cat's neck so your pet cannot reach the wound or the area she is attempting to lick. One type of neck collar resembles a lampshade and the other is similar to a neck brace a person would wear.