Licking in Cats

A cat usually licks the people that he is familiar with. It is a way to put his scent on the person and to show his affection. A mother cat will also lick her litter, which helps to stimulate their bodily functions, cleans them and puts her scent on them. Cats living in the same household will also groom each other.

Cats groom themselves by licking at their fur. Grooming may take 25 to 40 % of their day.  There are some cat breeds, which are prone to over-grooming, such as the Siamese and Abyssinian cats. Excessive grooming may cause skin lesions or patches of hair loss.  If your cat is licking himself more than usual it may be from:

• Stress/Anxiety/Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Parasites
• Food allergies
• Wound abscess
• Cystitis

Excessive licking can be caused by a serious underlying condition.  It is recommended that the cat be seen by a veterinarian.

It is normal for cats to spend a great deal of time grooming.  If the grooming is more than usual and you notice skin sores, patches of hair loss or redness, the cat may be suffering from:

Stress/Anxiety/Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Over grooming in cats may be caused by stress, anxiety or by an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is similar to people biting their nails when they are nervous or obsessive hand washing.   Cats can get stressed from a move, boredom, loud noises, previous abuse, dirty litter box, confinement, strangers in the home, or from the adoption of another pet.

Parasites

Fleas and mites can cause a great deal of irritation to the cat’s skin. Many animals are actually allergic to the flea’s saliva. The allergic reaction to the flea bite causes itchiness and swollen skin.  The constant licking and scratching cause open sores and scabs on the cat’s skin. The sores can result in a secondary bacterial infection.

Food Allergies

Food allergies have been identified as over 50% of the cause of itching and scratching in cats. In cats, the most common food allergies are to beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, wheat and dairy products. 

Wound Abscess

A wound abscess often occurs from an animal bite which gets infected. The abscess is filled with pus, bacteria and damaged tissue. Bite wounds can become easily infected due to the bacteria found in an animal’s mouth. The wound may cause the cat to excessively groom the abscess area.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder is a painful condition, which may become life-threatening if not treated. Along with excessive genital licking, there may also be bloody urine, straining when urinating, accidents in the house and the cat may cry out in pain.

If your cat is excessively licking himself, he should be seen by a veterinarian.  A veterinarian can help determine the underlying cause of the excessive grooming.  He will perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic testing. 

The veterinarian may suggest bloodwork, fecal exam, skin biopsy and a urinalysis. He will recommend an Elizabethan collar, which will help prevent further damage to the cat’s skin and fur. 

Cats with stress, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders may be referred to a cat behaviorist.  The doctor may also recommend a mild sedative or a natural feline pheromone, which may have a calming effect. 

Cats with parasites will be treated with topical medication, which will help eliminate the pests.  Monthly flea preventative medication may be recommended. To help stop the itching, the veterinarian may give the patient a cortisone injection.  The household and the yard should be treated for parasites.

If food allergies are suspected, an elimination diet may be recommended. The elimination diet will help pinpoint what foods are causing the allergic reaction.  Once the allergens are determined they must be eliminated from the cat’s diet.

Cystitis and wound abscesses may be treated with anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and pain medications. The veterinarian will also need to surgically clean out the abscess.  A drain may be placed in the wound for two to three days.

Stress may be relieved by avoiding changes to your cat’s routine. Providing toys, attention and vertical territory (climbing space) may help your cat not to feel stressed and anxious. Some cats may benefit from a cat behaviorist, who may recommend additional activities to help with stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. 

Administering a monthly flea and tick preventative may help prevent parasites. Cats that are allowed to be outside are more susceptible to cat fights, trauma, infections, abuse and parasites. 

If your cat gets into a fight with another animal, it is important to clean his wounds.  Deep puncture wounds should be seen by a veterinarian. If the wound is cleaned and treated it will help prevent an abscess.

Not all medical conditions and diseases can be prevented. Yearly wellness visits can help diagnose a health condition in the early stages, which may ensure a good recovery prognosis.

The treatment cost will vary depending on the underlying cause of your cat’s excessive licking. For example, cystitis can cost around $500. If your dog is diagnosed with a wound abscess, treatments can cost around $700.