Young kittens and cats licking each other can be the sweetest thing ever. It might look weird to humans, but it could be another way for feline fur babies to communicate with each other. Also, don't you think it's a lovely way to build positive relationships?
However, sometimes cats can behave surprisingly. They can select some bizarre stuff to lick to their heart's content. This behavior could be the effect of catnip, or it may mean something is really wrong with the kitty. In any case, taking it to the vet for an examination can help sort out the problem.
It is worth noting that, although cheap pet insurance won’t cover the cost involved in treating behavioral conditions, it will often cover underlying health issues that cause them. Consider buying cat insurance so you don't have to think twice about getting your cat medical help during distressing health situations like illnesses and accidents.
In the meantime, read this article to learn common reasons why cats lick things.
Top reasons why cats lick things
Cats can lick themselves and others for many reasons. All it takes is observing the frisky cat's behavior over a period to understand why it has been licking excessively lately. Once you know the context, look for practical solutions to resolve the issue.
- Feline fur babies groom one another through licking. This is usually the case in a multi-cat household, especially once they have bonded well. Licking helps with interaction, and socialization, to keep the litter members tight-knit and share family scents.
- Fluffy furballs can also lick to get rid of an itch or two when they feel pain or discomfort in specific body spots. Allergies, skin conditions, poor coat health, parasitic attacks, and many other things can make your cat lick excessively.
- Stress, anxiety, fear, separation from mother, littermates, favorite humans and familiar environment, the addition of new family members, and significant life changes can take a toll on a cat's physical and mental health. Licking can be a cat's way of calming down and managing stress.
- Cats can also lick objects in their environment, and many cat owners wonder if it's normal. The answer to this question depends on several factors. Cat parents must keep an eye on their furball's behavior to get clues on the triggers. For instance, a baby cat might lick its favorite blanket/bed when it remembers the bygone days of being nursed by the mother cat. In this case, licking can have a calming effect.
- A kitty might be enticed to lick, bite, and chew things like plastic bags, covers, fabrics, and other prohibited items, probably because of their taste, texture, or smell. You surely don't want your cat to ingest indigestible things, right? This habit can put your cat into significantly dangerous situations that can sometimes prove fatal. So, consider taking appropriate steps before something alarming happens.
Compulsively licking inedible items should be concerning. Toxic ingestion, choking, gastrointestinal obstructions, and appetite loss are some risks associated with this habit. Things can escalate in a brief moment of taking your eyes off your cat.
In any case, consider being prepared with cat insurance because you never know what an unpredictable animal can get itself into. Cheap pet insurance is affordable and helps support a furball with the medical care it requires during unexpected vet visits and medical emergencies. So, consider exploring and signing up for a policy.
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