Why Is My Cat Licking Things?

Cats lick themselves to groom their coat and calm themselves. Unfortunately, some cats may lick other items in your home due to a medical or behavioral issue. You must first determine the cause to try and stop your cat from licking items, especially non-food ones, excessively.

  1. Medical Causes

    • A cat may lick non-food items due to a medical condition. An older cat that licks you or other objects in the home may suffer from hyperthyroidism, a condition that can cause such behavioral changes in your cat, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A cat that licks walls or windows may suffer from anemia, a symptom of several diseases, including feline leukemia. A neuropathic condition can cause a nerve to send a signal to the cat to lick odd items, and a brain perception disorder such as encephalitis could also cause inappropriate licking.

    Behavioral Causes

    • A kitten separated from its litter before it reaches six weeks old may exhibit behaviors such as licking later in life due to early weaning. The Siamese breed is particularly prone to inappropriate licking. A cat experiencing stress may also begin licking random things to help deal with its anxiety. If your cat is bored or receives little attention, it will start licking to deal with its lack of activities. This may develop into a compulsive disorder for the cat.

    Diagnosis

    • Take your cat to a veterinarian for a health exam and blood tests to determine if an underlying medical cause is the reason for its unusual licking habit. If no medical cause is found, ask your veterinarian about starting your cat on a hypoallergenic diet to rule out a food allergy as the cause. While your cat is licking an inappropriate item, try to distract it with its favorite toy or treat; if the cat does not react to you and continues to lick the item, it may have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    Treatment

    • Take away the items your cat likes to lick. Spray items you cannot remove with a taste deterrent. Consider adopting a companion cat for your pet to prevent boredom, and take steps to enrich your cat's environment. Give your cat toys to play with, or a cat condo to climb. Spend time with your cat playing with interactive toys on a string. Treat any medical conditions causing the behavior and ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication if your may have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.