Why does a cat lick a person: the main reasons and what it means

8771Administration

Many owners who notice that a cat spends too much time a day on the hygiene of its fur are interested in the question: “Why does the cat constantly lick its paw, tail, and other parts of the body?” As a rule, representatives of the feline family are quite clean and spend a lot of time caring for their fur, but if a pet licks its body too often and intensively, this condition is called overgrooming in veterinary medicine. The reasons for this behavior are not only of a very different nature, but can also signal functional, systemic failures in the body.

How to prevent a bad habit

The fact that an animal licks itself non-stop after sterilization is a normal, understandable phenomenon.
After surgery, when the incision scar begins to heal, this process is accompanied by severe itching and burning. It is not surprising that the cat will try to relieve discomfort by constantly licking the skin. Constant licking of fur is always associated with the fact that the cat develops itching of various etiologies on the skin. Its occurrence can be prevented by taking preventive measures:

1. The good health of a pet depends primarily on its owner, who must regularly sanitize the cat's litter box and food bowls.
2. Don’t forget about antiseptic treatment of pussy ears using special products. This way you can prevent the appearance of lichen and fungal infections.
3. To prevent fleas from appearing, the cat needs to be bathed regularly, the fur must be treated with special preparations, and a special flea collar must be put on the pet.
4. It is recommended to carefully approach the issue of choosing industrial food and natural products so that your pet does not develop allergies.
5. You can prevent excessive dryness of the skin and its peeling, which is why the cat begins to constantly lick itself, by choosing the right hygiene products for bathing - they should be specialized, in no case human or even children's.

READ What to do if your cat only eats dry food and is it dangerous?

Proper care of your pet and sufficient attention is the key to ensuring that the cat feels good, both mentally and physically. Category: Interesting things about cats |

Category: Interesting things about cats |

Allergies as a cause of unusual behavior

Food allergies always manifest themselves as crusts, wounds and erosions on the animal’s face. Sometimes cats develop allergic dermatitis in response to household irritants. Quite often, itching and flaking of the skin appear after:

• Applying a new shampoo while bathing the cat;
• Removing fleas with special solutions;
• Contact of household chemicals with animal fur;

The symptoms of an allergy are in many ways similar to the signs of a fungus on the skin - the cat constantly licks itself and itches. As a rule, the hypersensitivity reaction passes quickly, you just need to protect the animal from contact with the irritant.

Anti-stress therapy

Animal psychologists know that an agitated animal increases the production of saliva and develops a desire to lick itself or surrounding objects:

Cat auto training. Any monotonous action in an alarming situation leads to a decrease in arousal. Prolonged self-licking of fur, in turn, additionally stimulates sensitive skin receptors and activates the pleasure center in the brain. Thus, a cat experiencing stress turns on its mental defense mechanisms and “withdraws into itself.” With repeated exposure to adverse factors, self-licking can turn into mania, leading to weeping eczema and granuloma.

The owner is a psychotherapist. In an attempt to relieve stress, cats may lick a person's hand. This is exactly how an animal behaves on a trip or during a visit to the veterinarian, provided there is a trusting relationship with the owner.

Contact with a familiar palm and pleasant reciprocal stroking of the fur shifts the pet’s attention and has a calming effect.

Common signs of stress in dogs

• Frequent yawning by your pet when you are sure that he has had enough sleep.
• Hair loss (a common symptom with cats).
• Loss of appetite/overeating (common with cats).
• Chewing/licking front paws.
• “Whale eye” (a common feature with cats).
• Licking lips and nose (common with cats).
• Unreasonable barking or whining.
• Shaking or pinching the tail between the paws.
• Chaotic movements back and forth.

Veterinarian advice

It is no secret that many parasites and viruses are transmitted from one animal to another, through the hands of people, but you should not be afraid and limit the freedom of a cat. Of course, there is no need to throw your pet into a pack of stray cats, but letting it out for a walk on the balcony or in the country is quite possible. Like any animal, cats also need fresh air and sun. It is enough just to keep the animal clean and carry out timely antiparasitic treatment.

We invite you to read: Afghan Hound description of the breed, character, photo, health and care

Do not forget about a proper and balanced diet, which is also the key to your pet’s health. If he has a strong immune system, then no infection will be scary to him. Do not feed prohibited foods, sweets, salty and smoked foods. All this can cause or provoke food allergies.

Pay attention to when your pet licks

And finally, the last piece of advice is love and affection. Remember that your cat is a living creature that needs your care and attention. A change of owner or a change in your behavior can cause stress in your pet. And stress, as you know, is the first step to illness. If you want to pet an animal, but it is nervous and wags its tail, it is better to leave it alone, do not squeeze or pick it up without the desire of the pet itself. Remember that he also has the right to peace and rest.

Sorry, there are no surveys available at this time.

Improper nail care

Yes, cat claws can cause serious damage to the interior. Cutting hair or applying extensions is a common and even recommended action. However, it is far from useful. In any case, this is an injury that makes the claw and its base more vulnerable to infections, including fungal infections. The disease can spread to nearby areas - the interdigital spaces and paw pads. One of the symptoms of the disease is peeling skin.

The owner is quite capable of protecting the pet from many misfortunes. According to statistics, an animal can get most diseases and injuries on the street, so it is not advisable to let your cat out into the street. A good immune system can cope with many infections. But it is not necessary to stuff your animal with vitamin supplements: the best option is a balanced diet.

If your cat's paw pads are peeling, the first thing you need to look at is the litter. Some types of clay fillers can mechanically damage the skin of the pads, and various dyes and fragrances of others can cause an allergic reaction. The best litter for cat litter is ordinary soil or sand, but their use at home is not possible.

Causes of Excessive Licking

Among the most common causes of uncontrolled licking in cats, veterinarians name:

• Manifestation of an allergic reaction to food.
• Parasitic infection.
• Problems with the digestive system and intestines, constipation.
• Skin damage due to dermatological infections or wounds.
• Reaction to moving, the appearance of a new animal, or any change in the usual environment.
• The presence of fleas or subcutaneous mites that cause itching.
• Inflammations on the skin.

If you notice a change in behavior in your pet, then you need to examine the cat. If there are no external causes, such as fleas or skin diseases, you should seek help from a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Psychological problems in an animal require immediate correction.

Sometimes frequent licking is a natural process:

• During the period of estrus and sexual hunting.
• During rehabilitation after sterilization or castration.
• After receiving a wound while walking on the street (a fight with other cats, for example).

In the cases listed above, there is no need to worry; after a few days the animal will stop licking itself and return to its previous behavior.

Hypovitaminosis

A lack of vitamins and microelements often manifests itself in peeling and cracking of the skin, including on the paw pads. Despite the apparent ease of the problem, it is not recommended to stuff your pet with vitamin complexes on your own: you need to rule out other diseases.

This is the most common cause of flaking, swelling, redness and cracking of the skin on a cat's paw pads. Secondary infection can significantly worsen the animal’s condition, complicate the diagnosis of the disease and delay treatment.

If your cat's paw pads are peeling, the first thing you need to look at is the litter. Some types of clay fillers can mechanically damage the skin of the pads, and various dyes and fragrances of others can cause an allergic reaction. The best litter for cat litter is ordinary soil or sand, but their use at home is not possible.

Another reason for flaky skin is excessive attention to pet hygiene. Shampoos and other cosmetics can be a provoking factor. It is not recommended to wash a pet that does not have access to the outdoors - a cat copes well with caring for the most luxurious fur coat. The exception is representatives of all breeds of sphinxes, whose skin has a much larger number of sweat and sebaceous glands.

An allergic reaction in the form of flaky skin is possible to household chemicals. Cats are curious and will enthusiastically stroll through a bathtub or sink that has been cleaned with detergent.

We recommend reading: The Cat Stopped Meowing and Purring After Stress

Allergy treatment is always complex, often long-term, and selected individually. It is impossible to cure an animal on your own, without examination by a qualified veterinarian and tests.

Video about fighting cat pranks

We invite you to watch an interesting video on this topic!

We had the same problem, and for a long time we couldn’t wean it off, but then the cat stopped climbing on its own, and we didn’t even understand why. But I will take note of the advice in the article.

Thank God we didn't encounter such a problem. Although our friends have a cat that almost constantly throws soil out of flower pots. The most interesting thing is that it doesn’t crap, but simply throws it away. I will recommend the article to them, let them use it.

Well, I had another problem with my pet. I knew that if the cat is domestic and does not walk on the street (where he can find the necessary vegetation for himself), then he needs to plant a special grass in a pot. All OK. He made great use of it. But. Only with spring did tulips appear in the apartment - the grass was completely forgotten. Not a single living tulip: all the heads were bitten off and the stems were eaten away. Something like this

I didn’t have such a problem, but I had to educate myself proactively! As soon as the kitten grew up, he began to look at the plants. Fortunately, my cat understands the word “impossible.” The article accurately describes the methods of education that I practically used.

This is relevant for me. In February, I planted pepper seedlings in cups on the windowsill. So, our Barmaley ate almost everything at night. He did not experience any side effects after this. Believe it or not, he even eats red hot peppers!

really useful information, because I used to have many cats, at different times, but they all did not get along with indoor plants, no matter how we punished them, they still broke all the flowers, Thanks for the advice!

Messages [3]

1 Topic by Elena19751 2020-10-13 12:32:29

• Elena19751
• Newbie
• Inactive

• Registered: 2020-10-13
• Messages: 2

Topic: Yorkie constantly chews on his paw pads. And licks his nose.

Hello! Please tell me, I have 2 Yorkie females. Question 1 - They lick their paws very often. I feed Acana (green). There are no fleas, but they itch. Question 2 - They lick their nose. They resemble snakes. There are problems with the gums - I don’t know what they call it when the teeth are very exposed and a little loose. “Zubastic” gel does not help. Recommend a good drug. Thank you.

Vetlek » Veterinary assistance. » Yorkie constantly chews on his paw pads. And licks his nose.

Expression of love and affection

Scientists have found that the composition and amount of special pheromones produced by the cat’s special glands differs significantly in the periods before and after the birth of kittens. Females produce these odorous substances immediately after the kittens are born.

Scientists have conventionally called them “pacifying” pheromones. Their number increases after the birth of kittens and begins to decrease after the cat stops feeding the babies. This happens to facilitate the separation of the offspring from their mother and make them more independent.

Calming pheromones are produced, albeit in smaller quantities, but constantly. It is their presence that animal psychologists explain the attachment that a person feels for a cat. By thoroughly licking its owner and then rubbing its muzzle against him, the cat removes “foreign” odors and introduces its own. This is what happens when a furry family member wants to mark their human.

Licking is akin to hugs and kisses, a special sign of love. By exchanging smells with a person, cats “include” him in their group or “pack” on equal terms. A person feels calming pheromones on a “subconscious” level.

It is impossible not to love a pet who tries to show his interest, love, affection. Affectionate cats that lick the hands or cheeks of their owners are more often stroked, pampered, and their pranks are forgiven. Thus, the cat also has its own benefit by licking a person.

Reasons when a cat may stop grooming itself

Having noticed that the pet is not paying due attention to its fur coat, owners need to be vigilant and consult with a specialist. Cats' coats may appear dirty, matted, or greasy. There may be pieces of food in some places, indicating the animal's lack of interest in its condition.

As a rule, immediately after eating, most cats begin to actively wash themselves. If this does not happen, it means that not everything is in order in the pet’s body. There may be several reasons why a cat may stop grooming itself. The main ones are:

• Inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is more often diagnosed in older cats, but in some cases, pathological processes also affect young animals. As a result of severe pain, the animal is unable to reach distant places and thoroughly clean its fur. The cat’s reluctance to lick itself, as well as stiffness in movements, may indicate the development of a serious pathology. Inflamed joints not only prevent the cat from bending, but also cause pain at the slightest movement. Symptoms of arthritis include not only a refusal to take care of yourself, but also a limp when walking and a more passive lifestyle.
• Obesity. A cat suffering from excess weight is simply physically unable to bend over and take a comfortable position for hygiene procedures. The higher the percentage of fat in a pet’s body, the more sloppy the animal begins to look, since it cannot reach the back or abdominal area. In long-haired cats, when they are obese and unable to properly care for themselves, tangles appear, which are extremely difficult to comb out. They have to be cut off.
• . A factor that provokes a refusal to lick may be inflammation of the gums, acute periodontitis, or inflammation of the nerves of the tooth. Any movement of the tongue or lips causes the animal not just discomfort, but severe pain. Therefore, the cat tries to make fewer movements that cause pain. After the pain becomes almost unbearable, the pet begins to refuse food. Determining the presence of pathology in a cat’s oral cavity on your own is quite problematic and cannot be done without visiting a veterinary clinic.
• Pathologies of internal organs. Changes that occur in a cat regarding habits are a signal for the owner, indicating possible disturbances in the functioning of the internal systems of the body. Grooming is an important instinct. If it disappears or becomes dull, it is most often the result of serious disorders. The cause may be problems with the kidneys or thyroid gland. The animal does not show signs of ill health for a long time, being a fairly patient creature. A cat may not show its weakness or discomfort until it is too late. Therefore, an important part in organizing proper animal care is regularly scheduled visits to the veterinarian. This will allow timely identification of possible disorders and prescribing adequate therapy.
• Excessively long coat. Some cats with long and thick fur are simply unable to lick their coat properly. In nature, such cats practically do not exist; this is just the result of long-term selection. But the animal’s language remained the way nature created it. Therefore, artificially bred long-haired cat breeds require special, careful care. The owner must help the animal with hygiene by regularly combing the fur, ridding the animal of tangles and an unkempt appearance.

Understanding your pet's condition is very important. The slightest change in behavior is a fairly significant signal indicating possible violations

So, cats that have difficulty breathing after performing normal standard hygiene procedures are most likely overweight. A more serious cause of this condition may be disturbances in the functioning of the heart.

In any case, as soon as the cat owner notices that his pet has stopped paying attention to its fur, the pet looks dirty and unkempt, it is necessary to seek help from specialists. Oily and tousled coat, the formation of areas of alopecia, may be evidence of a lack of vitamins or a disruption in the functioning of internal organs

veterinarian - the answer will be sent to your email

The cat licks itself to wounds and scratches, how to treat it?

Licking is normal in cats. The animal licks itself in order to be clean. This process takes up 30% of his time during the day. But sometimes excessive hygiene can lead to the formation of wounds, scratches, bald patches and rashes. This is a clear sign that the cat has health problems. There are many reasons for this compulsive licking. The main thing is to notice them in time and diagnose the pathology.

Every cat by nature tries to keep itself clean. That's why she licks herself daily and often. Using her tongue, she cleanses: fur, paws, tail, genitals and body. A natural process sometimes develops into an obsession. Then the animal licks the fur down to the skin, wounds, and scratches. There are reasons for this phenomenon.

If a cat cleans its tail excessively, after which ichor appears, this signals the occurrence of pathologies.

While licking, your pet regurgitates hairballs - this is a clear sign that the usual hygiene procedure has become too frequent and diligent.

The reasons for this behavior may be:

• food allergies;
• the presence of parasites and itching;
• the presence of constipation in the pet (in case of licking the anus);
• skin damage;
• stressful situations (moving, home renovations and much more);
• cat fleas and nits;
• presence of scabies mite;
• fungal and bacterial inflammation;
• infectious disease, such as otitis media;
• skin pathologies (pyodermitis, notoedrosis, demodicosis).

A variety of pet behavior, including a frequent urge to lick, indicates the presence of psychogenic causes of the pathology.

The animal experiences stress - as a result, it scratches furiously and cleans its fur. This leads to baldness. Having ruled out all possible external factors influencing the cat’s behavior, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian.

Other causes of excessive licking:

1. 1. Often, a cat licks itself under its tail, which most often indicates the onset of estrus in cats. In this case, the only way out of the situation is mating. Sedatives, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, will help calm the female.
2. 2. After sterilization, the animal may lick itself frequently.
3. 3. At the slightest damage to the skin, the cat licks the fur down to the skin. This may be due to an injury at the site of sterilization or a wound that the pet received while walking outside.

The animal's tongue has spines that allow it to effectively clean its fur and skin. After the cat has eaten, it must lick its face and ears. But if the pet did not eat, did not sleep, but licks itself more and more often each time, this indicates that the animal has health problems:

1. 1. Nervous tension. The cat cleans its whiskers and nose. His tail begins to twitch. The pupils of the eyes dilate widely.
2. 2. Unpleasant smell. If a cat is stroked by a stranger, then she will definitely lick off the unpleasant aroma that remains on her fur.
3. 3. Claustrophobia. If he is locked in a confined space, then the manifestation of the disease is inevitable. The cat licks itself, scratches itself until wounds and suppuration appear. The animal must be released immediately.
4. 4. Overgrooming. Its signs are compulsive (active) behavior. The cat will be haunted by an obsessive state. She will actively lick herself around the tail or rump.
5. 5. Presence of helminthiasis. With a parasitic disease, the cat constantly licks itself. If the animal is attacked by endoparasites, the condition will be accompanied by tingling and, as a result, the formation of wounds. When examining the pet, black spots are found on the body, which indicate an attack of nits.
6. 6. The cat’s apathetic state towards what is happening. It will be accompanied not only by licking, but also by constant itching. The owner will not be able to understand the reason for the animal’s stressed state. Correcting this situation is quite simple - you need to provide your pet with peace.

The owner must control the behavior and condition of the animal. Excessive licking develops into a habit that persists even after the cause of this phenomenon is eliminated. With timely treatment of the disease, this habit goes away on its own in about 20 days.

The animal experiences stress - as a result, it scratches furiously and cleans its fur. This leads to baldness. Having ruled out all possible external factors influencing the cat’s behavior, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian.

Why does a cat lick concrete?

Home » Animals »

Question for experts: please tell me why my cat licks concrete and iron?? who knows what to do???lost a lot of weight lately!

Best answers

Oa-toa: Cat vitamins urgently!!!!

Organizm:lost weight - maybe worms

licks iron - he lacks vitamins

• what do you feed?
• Callie Valley: yes, probably not enough vitamins, minerals and chalk))))))))))
• Karina Volkova: Give him calcium tablets)) ) Let him get better))) *
• Good luck to you) *
• STERF: he’s off to the vet and urgently before it gets worse

Julia: There is a metabolic disorder. To find out exactly what to do, you need to donate blood for biochemistry, and then the doctor will tell you. And don’t delay this and irreversible processes may begin in the internal organs

mouse: it’s time to go to the veterinarian!

Valeria Denina: why urgently go to the veterinary clinic.. the cat is not dying.. just reconsider the diet.. what are you feeding?? how old is he, etc. don’t feed him whiskey..

buy good 8 in 1 vitamins..

Answers from experts

ElTek LLC: If a cat licks concrete, walls, bricks, or eats cat litter, this is the first sign of anemia. Run to the vet immediately, perhaps you can still save your cat.

If someone writes that the cat lacks vitamins or calcium, don’t believe it!!! We believed! =( And we lost our cat =(

1. Oksana Nazarova: the cat simply has an unbalanced diet and an acute lack of minerals
2. The answer is simple - the diet should be better and an additional complex of vitamins and minerals
3. ddd ddd:House for worms...)

Infinity. . .:Buy her vitamins...she doesn't have enough of them.

D: rather this is a redevelopment)))))

Olga ***: planning to build a house for kittens

Lena Ivanova: cats often eat inedible objects. Then it may end with intestinal blockage. cannot be allowed. Most likely there is not enough calcium in the body. You can add salvikal fertilizer.

Yola: Why the hell did he smear valerian on the walls?

@Blondie In [email protected] : Some microelements are missing... Ask your veterinarian! My cat ate rubber... in any form! ???? hair bands, erasers!!!:)))) )

It turned out that I needed some kind of herb that cleanses the stomach.

pi4en'go: Maybe there is not enough calcium. Or some other minerals.

• White cat): not enough vitamins in the body!
• BLINED: Imagine - you wouldn't have sex.
• - Horror, there is no sex and instead of hands there are paws with claws.
• qq: give her chalk, at least it’s not harmful, but in general she needs calcium, let her drink milk, eat cheese, eggs.

Rustem Kilmamatov: Apparently, your cat is a Central Asian guest worker!!!)))

ZooForum: Cat combs fur down to skin – ZooForum

(others can give advice in a PM, indicating that the advice is not given by a veterinarian. But the forum is not responsible for THESE advice.)

The cat combs its fur down to the skin. Ringworm, fleas?

The cat is about 10-11 years old, cheerful, playful. He eats half-cooked fish (pollock), dry food, + we give him vitamins (Beaphar Kitty's, with taurine-biotin and protein). There are no worms. Kept in an apartment. Rarely, but we take him outside for a walk. The last time was last year in the summer. Not sterilized, she was not given any vaccinations.

For a long time I paid attention to the bald patches at the temples (photo, 91kB). Not to say that there is no hair at all on the temples, but it is noticeably thinned out. In the photos from 6 years ago, these bald patches are also visible. In general, since there was no ongoing problem, and it did not cause any particular problems for the cat, I did not deal with this issue.

Over the past year and a half, the cat has been itching and shedding intensely from time to time. At first I thought that I didn’t have enough vitamins, I bought them, and now I’ve been giving them daily for a year now. The shedding has actually become less. Then there was the thought that there were fleas. I used BioFloR shampoo, bactericidal, flea prevention. The itching became less for a while, but perhaps it was just the effect of washing.

Now, for several weeks now, I have begun to notice that he is constantly licking his tummy and paws. The fur on the tummy began to sharply thin out, right down to the skin, and irritation in the form of small red spots is visible on the skin (photo 2, 42 kB). Moreover, the cat had hair coming out on its paws and “heels” to the point that it was completely bald (photo 3, 82 kB). By the way, in the same photo you can better see the irritation on the tummy. I specially enlarged this fragment:

We take care of the wolf

we are in social networks

What could it be? The cat has been sitting at home for a year, does not walk outside, and has no contacts. If it’s lichen, then it’s not clear why it’s only just now coming out so actively, and it’s not clear where it came from

Source

Expression of affection

If you've ever observed a group of cats, you've probably noticed that members of the same group lick each other. This phenomenon is called “allogrooming”. Its meaning includes caring for the fur of other individuals of the same group. This phenomenon does not only occur in cats. Through such actions, animals show affection, care, and a desire to strengthen bonds with members of the social group. Such actions help reduce conflict among community members. Living in close contact with humans, the animal perceives people as members of its group.

Cats use allogrooming to demonstrate their affection. In a similar way, cats demonstrate to the owner the desire to be a member of the same community and to have the opportunity to communicate. If the animal is healthy and licks your hands, it means it is attached to you and does not mind closer communication.

Is licking owners dangerous?

If the animal is healthy, then there is no danger for humans in licking it. Moreover, animal psychologists do not advise rejecting your pet at this moment, even if it is unpleasant for you.

Licking serves as a basic means of communication

It is recommended to somehow gently show the pet that this should not be done in the future.

Some even believe that cats sense their owner’s sore spots and heal them with their energy by licking him.

The behavior of pets can be studied over a long period of time. Some lick themselves right down to their bald patches, causing damage to their health. Others may lick people to show their feelings.

We need to fight it. Whereas such a procedure will not bring danger to humans. This is provided that the pet is absolutely healthy.

The ones who suffer the most are:

Doctor cat

Caring for a sore spot and licking a wound is part of the instinct of self-preservation. This is how the animal takes care of itself, trying to heal as best it can. However, as practice shows, a cat tries to cure its beloved owner in exactly the same way:

1. Fluffy dermatologist. If your beloved owner has skin diseases or abrasions, the cat can come to the rescue by licking the unhealthy areas. Animals act in a similar way towards each other, expressing their care and psychological support.
2. Removing negative energy. There are widely known stories about the mystical ability of cats to heal with touch and “draw out” the energy of the disease from the patient. If a pet constantly lies on a person’s chest or lower back, or relentlessly licks the same area of ​​the body, there is probably something wrong with this area. The biochemistry of the body is disrupted during pathological processes, leading to changes in odor and disruption of the structure of organs, which is recorded by “living devices” tuned by nature.

• why does a cat lick a person?
• Are cats loyal to their owner?
• how to understand that a cat loves you.

Why does a pet lick a wound after spaying/neutering?

Any operation is stressful for the animal. After spaying/neutering, cats may be bothered by the blankets they wear to protect their stitches. This may encourage animals to lick the wound through the blanket. The cat should not be allowed to lick the stitches, because the saliva of animals contains various microorganisms, including those that can cause an infectious process. And with constant exposure to a rough tongue, the seams may come apart.

To prevent the sutures from licking, after the operation and until the sutures are removed, a protective blanket is put on the cat, and a protective collar is put on the cat.

If itching and restlessness continue to bother your pet even after the stitches have healed, take him to the veterinarian.

One flock

This reason also goes back to childhood, but differs from the one described above.

Every day a person passes through thousands of odors and many remain on his body and clothes, even when he returns home. If a cat constantly lives in an apartment and does not go anywhere, then these aromas are unknown to her. And everything unknown for a cat is a danger. The person with whom she lives should not smell like a stranger, and according to the cat, after licking a person, she accepts him into her pack and cleanses the owner of foreign marks.

This interesting feature of their behavior is due to the fact that in nature all cats have clear boundaries of their domain. In order to mark them for enemies and prevent unexpected intrusions, cats leave marks in the form of urine or saliva. If a domestic cat has a strongly developed instinct of dominance, then it will be difficult to fight such behavior. It’s better to rejoice in the fact that she leaves marks with her saliva, and not as cats do in the wild.

Why does a cat suck its paws?

For some, this is just tough. It’s not very pleasant to watch a cat suck its paw; in addition, the wet fur that comes out clogs the kitten’s stomach, forcing it to get rid of the hairballs along with the food through the vomiting process. And if a family pet does this in bed under the owners’ blanket, many people have a desire to wean the pet from this activity as soon as possible.

Why do cats suck their paws? The answer to this question lies in the baby’s early childhood; most likely, he was taken away from the cat early. Before you start fighting an unpleasant habit, you need to understand that the kitten, having lost the protection of its mother, is trying to compensate for her love and paw sucking - just a manifestation of a reflex, a memory of the warm mother’s belly, in which it was so cozy and safe to lie. Just as human cubs begin to twirl a strand of their mother’s hair on their finger or twirl their mother’s warm ear, finding comfort and protection in this.

Now, if an adult cat sucks its paw, this should alert the owner. The reason may be an incorrectly selected diet for your pet.

shutterstock

Treatment of overgrooming in cats

Overgrooming is excessive licking of an animal, which leads to the formation of areas with broken or sparse hair. Sometimes real bald patches appear, where the villi are completely absent.

This is interesting: How to increase a cat’s appetite

After an external examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests, it is important to identify the true reason why he is ready to lick. And from this we consider the direction of therapeutic treatment.

If the essence of the problem is stress, it is important to exclude such situations. You may even need to contact an animal psychologist.

Since fleas and ticks can also cause active licking, if you notice them, you need to treat your pet for parasites.

In any case, you cannot do without qualified help. Only care on the part of the owner and the professionalism of the veterinarian will allow the animal to be cured and returned to its former life.

The further you go, the more difficult it is to deal with the problem.

Insufficient attention

Ignoring the animal leads to cats trying to take their anger out on things in the apartment. Numerous refusals to pet and play with a pet will provoke a loss of trust, which is very difficult to restore. Aggression can manifest itself in deep scratches and bites - this is how cats prove their importance in the house.

Cats invite the owner to grooming by the following actions:

• pressing ears towards the back;
• poking hands;
• licking all accessible parts of the body.

At the same time, they are placed on any surface, turning with the part of the body that needs to be scratched. Favorite places for caresses are the areas behind the ears and forehead, and with complete trust, the stomach.

Important! Many pets love brushing during the seasonal coat change. If the pet starts purring, the owner understands everything and is doing it right

Licking due to possible diseases

In some cases, the obsessive attention of cats may be associated with hidden diseases. They cannot talk about feeling unwell or painful; they use petting and meowing.

Some owners are alarmed by the cat's dramatically changed behavior, and they go to the veterinary clinic for a consultation, where the disease is discovered.

At the vet

Fleas

Blood-sucking parasites cause discomfort and unpleasant sensations, an obsessive desire to scratch the itchy place.

The cat, focusing on its own feelings, sincerely believes that the owner has similar problems. The worries result in attempts to clean the hair and skin of household members from fleas - they do not know how to wash thoroughly without missing anything and the cat comes to the rescue.

Infections

Clinical signs of certain infectious pathologies include dermatological rashes and obsessive itching. Certain areas of the skin itch every minute and cause discomfort. The suffering animal is treating not only himself, but also the entire family. In difficult cases, surrounding objects are treated.

Allergy

Allergic reactions in furry pets are caused by:

• improperly selected diet, changing the usual food;
• human shampoo or soap;
• cosmetics;
• tobacco smoke;
• air fresheners and other fragrances.

Persistent discomfort forces the pet to carefully care for its coat, not forgetting about the skin and hair of its owners.

How to wean

Even understanding the “train of thought” of a cat, why it licks a person’s hands, face, head and other parts of the body, it is not always pleasant to endure such caresses. And if all this happens in the presence of strangers, then it is even more inappropriate. To wean an animal from such a habit, under no circumstances should you shout at it or be rude. It is better to use one of the following methods:

• Distract with a game. Having switched to something active and interesting, the cat will no longer so insistently demand attention.
• Buy a scratching post and teach your pet to use it for its intended purpose. Catnip is commonly used as bait.
• Appear busy or distracted by going into another room as soon as the animal begins to show signs of excessive “love.”
• Try wearing a fur glove on your hand if your cat likes to lick your palms. Over time, she will get used to the glove and will train on it, and will leave the person alone.

Be that as it may, having made a meowing friend at home, you need to gratefully accept all his affection and love, even if the form of its manifestation is not very pleasant and persistent.

• Why cats and kittens trample us with their paws
• How to understand that a cat loves you
• Do cats understand human speech?

My cat doesn't eat well and licks the floor with his tongue. What's wrong with the cat?

The cat licks himself to holes

I inherited a cat from my mother-in-law. The cat itches all the time and licks its entire belly, paws and tail. These places are simply bare-bald. Horror. And this is in summer, spring and autumn. In winter, it grows overgrown and becomes like a normal cat. She has a collar against fleas and other biting *****. We took it to the vet, they said it was due to stress! It is not clear why stress is seasonal then. And what to do with it?

First of all, take off and throw away the collar, my cat is allergic to it, he is also bald in spots. Now for fleas only drops on the withers if necessary.

There is a special injection at the pharmacy for scabies that may help. You say the cat is stressed, you beat it, it means you don’t give attention to the Jews, what?

To another veterinarian. Mine was allergic to food (he licked himself until he got ulcers). They put a pipe on him so he couldn't lick himself. We fed Royal Canin for the wool and it healed within a month.

allergies maybe. Our cat has allergies. Just feed her the wrong thing, and lo and behold, she’s already itching until she’s bald. look, is your skin red?

Check what could be causing it if you are allergic. Is he sniffing paint somewhere? Maybe in the summer he climbs somewhere where mice are poisoned with chemicals? for some reason it is normal in winter. this is strange.

Our cat also becomes a shabby freak in the summer. Because he climbs anywhere, runs after cats, dogs, fights with them. And when autumn comes - such a fluffy little darling.

She has never kittened, does not climb anywhere, she was climbing even before the collar. I think I’ll put on a special collar so that she doesn’t lick herself, and I’ll take her to another veterinarian.

Our cat was combed until he bled from urolithiasis, the veterinarian gave him a drip for a week, and he was also fed a course of special Hills food. itches periodically, but not so often and not so much

Hills is now produced in Russia, hence the quality of the food has deteriorated, veterinarians advise

Source

ZooForum: Cat combs fur down to skin – ZooForum

(others can give advice in a PM, indicating that the advice is not given by a veterinarian. But the forum is not responsible for THESE advice.)

The cat combs its fur down to the skin. Ringworm, fleas?

The cat is about 10-11 years old, cheerful, playful. He eats half-cooked fish (pollock), dry food, + we give him vitamins (Beaphar Kitty's, with taurine-biotin and protein). There are no worms. Kept in an apartment. Rarely, but we take him outside for a walk. The last time was last year in the summer. Not sterilized, she was not given any vaccinations.

For a long time I paid attention to the bald patches at the temples (photo, 91kB). Not to say that there is no hair at all on the temples, but it is noticeably thinned out. In the photos from 6 years ago, these bald patches are also visible. In general, since there was no ongoing problem, and it did not cause any particular problems for the cat, I did not deal with this issue.

Over the past year and a half, the cat has been itching and shedding intensely from time to time. At first I thought that I didn’t have enough vitamins, I bought them, and now I’ve been giving them daily for a year now. The shedding has actually become less. Then there was the thought that there were fleas. I used BioFloR shampoo, bactericidal, flea prevention. The itching became less for a while, but perhaps it was just the effect of washing.

Now, for several weeks now, I have begun to notice that he is constantly licking his tummy and paws. The fur on the tummy began to sharply thin out, right down to the skin, and irritation in the form of small red spots is visible on the skin (photo 2, 42 kB). Moreover, the cat had hair coming out on its paws and “heels” to the point that it was completely bald (photo 3, 82 kB). By the way, in the same photo you can better see the irritation on the tummy. I specially enlarged this fragment:

What could it be? The cat has been sitting at home for a year, does not walk outside, and has no contacts. If it’s lichen, then it’s not clear why it’s only just now coming out so actively, and it’s not clear where it came from

Mom injected penicillin and smeared it with levomekol. If I had a fever, I don’t remember, I crushed some tablet and gave it with food. a week later I was running again

Causes of obsessive licking and gnawing of cats

So, have you noticed that your pet has started scratching, licking and even gnawing itself frequently? This is a clear sign that your cat either has parasites or there are other causes of itching and irritation. The cat will not just constantly lick and scratch himself; this is a defensive reaction to the fact that something is bothering him. Let's consider all possible causes and signs.

Fleas

This is perhaps the most common reason that a cat scratches and licks itself all the time, especially in the area above the tail and on the paws. These parasites can even appear in pets, so no one is safe from them. At the same time, if you do not see small black dots on your cat’s fur, this does not mean that there are no fleas. They can still be very tiny (nits) or simply in the form of eggs on the fur. However, their vital activity will already cause enormous inconvenience and discomfort to the pet.

Other parasites

In addition to fleas, your cat may develop other skin parasites that can cause anxiety and discomfort. The pet will also itch and lick itself a lot. A clear sign of the presence of any parasites is if the cat tries to gnaw something out of its fur. The animal intuitively tries to remove annoying enemies in this way. The most common of them are lice and ticks, which in turn are also dangerous because they carry infections and viruses.

Allergy

If you regularly treat your cat's fur for parasites and the veterinarian's analysis does not show their presence, the cause of the itching may be an allergy. Pedigree cats and cats suffer from it especially often. This may be, like in humans, a manifestation of sensitivity to food, furniture upholstery, or some chemical component. A particularly clear sign of an allergy is when a cat licks itself heavily, thus trying to scratch its nose and lips.

Bacteria and fungi

Various microflora live on the skin and in the body of any even healthy animal. But if the cat’s body is weakened, experiencing some kind of stress, lack of vitamins, etc., this can cause an increase in the amount of pathogenic microflora. Because of this, various types of skin inflammation, rashes, itching occur, and the pet’s general condition worsens. Most often, the cause of this phenomenon lies in bacteria and all kinds of fungi. By the way, they can also be transmitted through human hands, because the cat constantly licks itself.

Skin diseases

As a rule, they are all infectious in nature and occur after a pet comes into contact with an infected object. Sometimes it is enough for a cat to go outside just once to pick up some kind of infection. Often, diseases such as pyodermatitis, cheyletiellosis, demodicosis, and scabies occur. They are also caused by mites that parasitize the upper and deep layers of the skin. Severe itching in the first stages very quickly develops into general skin damage and baldness.

Hormonal disorders

Another of the many reasons why your pet is scratching and licking excessively. As a rule, the cat may experience symptoms of all the previously described causes, for example, baldness, itching, urticaria, and so on. But this is not always due to parasites or diseases. This reaction can be caused by endocrine disruptions, which must be correctly determined by a veterinarian. A therapeutic diet and corrective therapy are prescribed.

The cat's paw pads are peeling: what could it be?

Although the skin of the pads is not covered with hair, owners rarely notice the disease at the initial stage: most of them can develop asymptomatically for a long time. Typically, a pet ends up in a veterinary clinic when the owner notices that the cat is licking its limbs too actively, is limping, and is restless. It is advisable to regularly examine your pet, carefully spreading the toes and carefully extending the claws. The animal will quickly get used to the regular procedure, and the disease (the risk of which is always present) will be detected at an early stage. The only symptom, when the pads on a cat’s paws just peel off, most often indicates an early stage of the disease.

Freedom of movement is extremely important for a cat. Even a sedentary pet gets a lot of stress when it experiences discomfort in its limbs. And if an active kitten experiences pain and discomfort in the paw pads, then the disease is complicated by an extremely nervous mental state. The animal should be taken to the veterinarian immediately as soon as peeling or other signs of damage to the skin of the paw pads are detected.

Possible options

Every cat licks under its tail at least several times a week. This process should not be considered pathological, provided that the animal is regularly treated against fleas and ticks (at least once a month) and undergoes quarterly deworming.

If you add accompanying symptoms such as redness in the anus, discharge or the appearance of growths, it is recommended to exclude the following diseases:

Inflammation of the paraanal glands

It can form after eating bones, due to excess weight, soft food. Prolonged diarrhea can also be a cause.

The first signs of inflammation may include fidgeting on the butt, constant licking under the tail, and redness in the anus. The problem can be solved by cleaning (at least once every three months, if there is a predisposition to inflammation).

It is performed by a veterinarian in a hospital setting. After cleaning, ointments (proctosedyl) and suppositories (ichthyol or sea buckthorn) are prescribed. A change of food and increased hygiene are also indicated.

Fleas

They can cause itching in different parts of the body. But most often bites occur on the base of the tail and stomach. Therefore, if a cat licks under its tail, behaves restlessly, tries to chew out fur, or tears itself with its paw until it bleeds, then flea treatment should be carried out. The fact that your pet does not leave the house is not 100% protection against parasites.

The owner himself can bring them on clothes or the soles of shoes. Fleas are not dangerous to humans (they do not parasitize the skin), but in some cases they can bite. All animals are treated, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

The most effective drugs are Stronghold and Frontline. They are produced in the form of drops, which are evenly applied to the withers so that the animal cannot lick the drug. It is recommended to perform this procedure at least once a month.

Worms

The most common reason why a cat may lick under its tail frequently. Just like with fleas, an animal does not have to go outside to pick up parasites. He may develop them after being bitten by mosquitoes, mosquitoes, or fleas.

Also at risk are pets whose diet contains raw meat and fish. Well, we cannot exclude the possibility that parasite eggs may enter the apartment on the soles of the shoes of the owner or his guests.

The first signs of worms are itching in the anus, due to which the cat can ride on its butt on the floor. Licking and gnawing of fur in this area also indicate discomfort caused by parasites. Diarrhea, vomiting and increased appetite (or, conversely, complete refusal to eat) can be considered concomitant symptoms of helminthic infestation.

Veterinarians recommend starting to worm animals from 3-4 weeks of age. As preparations, you can use tablets, suspensions or drops on the withers. Of the tablets, Drontal and Milbemax are considered the most effective. They can even be given in crushed form, adding to food. Some manufacturers offer meat-flavored tablets, since many pets flatly refuse to undergo deworming.

Injury

This option cannot be ruled out. A pet can injure the anal area while climbing trees or after playing or fighting with other animals. Even a small scratch can cause significant discomfort. Because of this, a cat can constantly lick under its tail until it becomes bald.

In such cases, it is recommended to carry out antiseptic treatment of the affected area until complete healing. And limit the animal's access to the wound using a special medical cap.

Symptoms, possible complications

If a cat constantly licks its paw, licks all its limbs in turn, does this almost constantly throughout the day and at the same time chews out the skin, which leads to the appearance of wounds, ulcers, pustules on the body, and deterioration of the fur, we recommend that you show your pet to a veterinarian.

Owners and owners of furry purrs should be alert to the following symptoms:

• severe itching, allergic rashes, small skin rashes on the paws and body;
• the presence of receding hairline, bald spots on the body;
• lethargy, drowsiness, apathy;
• discharge from the eyes, external genitalia;
• anemic mucous membranes;
• the presence of benign and malignant neoplasms;
• indigestion (vomiting, diarrhea).

If the cat constantly licks its paws, tail, paw is inflamed, the pet licks the owner’s hands and face, or behaves too inappropriately, contact the veterinary clinic. It is possible that the cat is infected with deadly viruses and diseases.

If a cat licks its hind paw down to the skin, wounds, ulcers, or festering ulcers appear on its paws, it is possible that the anal glands are inflamed or clogged.

Intensive gnawing of fur will cause deterioration of the coat and the appearance of hairless areas on the limbs. If an infection gets into the wounds, this will lead to the development of acute inflammation and the appearance of peripheral edema.

In any case, you should pay attention to the condition of your furry pet and consult a veterinarian. In some cases, a complex, differential diagnosis is required, which is only possible in a veterinary clinic.