Why Do Cats Lick The Floor

Behavioral cats can sometimes manifest stress or obsessive compulsive tendencies in the form of licking.

Why do cats lick the floor.

Medical causes for licking cats may lick their bodies if they are in pain have an irritating skin condition or are plagued by parasites or allergies. Cats and kittens will knead one another by gently alternating their paws much as a person might give another person a back rub. I have heard obsessive licking is done because of anxiety. I guess it s like.

Pica is a term used to describe the habit of craving non food items such as socks plastic grocery bags or dirt. Kneading is a sign of contentment. Cat scooting and parasites if your cat is dragging its bottom on the carpet there s a chance your cat has worms. Some conditions that present with excessive licking include anal sac problems cystitis and hyperthyroidism.

Parasitic worms such as tapeworms can cause irritation to the posterior area. When your cat kneads its paws it may be anticipating a pleasant experience such as eating a meal. Rarely a cat may lick floors due to a nutritional deficiency. Some licking behavior is totally normal but if your cat is compulsively licking we should probably examine him or her.

Social grooming by licking is an important affectionate behavior in cats and licking can be a sign of affection between cats and between a cat and a human maxwell says. The origins of floor licking may be innocent enough your dog may have started it after meals when there were yummy crumbs on the floor but such purposeful licking isn t an obsessive or compulsive behavior. A few cats enjoy the flavour and odour of certain floor coverings or treatments. She adds that licking both other cats or their human owners is often a sign that a cat is calm.

Some veterinarians believe that pica in cats is caused by a deficiency in fiber or fat. And while you may check your cat s stool for worms you may not be able to see them. The texture of the surface may produce a pleasant sensation on your cat s tongue. Once it becomes obsessive your pooch s floor licking is considered a stereotypy.