Why Do Cats Lick The Floor

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.

Why do cats lick the floor.

My cat does this as well floor walls my hand his own tail it s quite annoying at times but he is otherwise heathy. Some veterinarians believe that pica in cats is caused by a deficiency in fiber or fat. The texture of the surface may produce a pleasant sensation on your cat s tongue. 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.

When your cat kneads its paws it may be anticipating a pleasant experience such as eating a meal. Some licking behavior is totally normal but if your cat is compulsively licking we should probably examine him or her. Parasitic worms such as tapeworms can cause irritation to the posterior area. Pica is a term used to describe the habit of craving non food items such as socks plastic grocery bags or dirt.

And while you may check your cat s stool for worms you may not be able to see them. I have heard obsessive licking is done because of anxiety. She adds that licking both other cats or their human owners is often a sign that a cat is calm. If your cat is constantly licking random items in your home like pillows walls and knick knacks he or she could be showing symptoms of pica.

Some conditions that present with excessive licking include anal sac problems cystitis and hyperthyroidism. Rarely a cat may lick floors due to a nutritional deficiency. Kneading the floor kneading while it looks similar to pawing is a sign of pleasure. Cat scooting and parasites if your cat is dragging its bottom on the carpet there s a chance your cat has worms.

Behavioral cats can sometimes manifest stress or obsessive compulsive tendencies in the form of licking. 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. I guess it s like. Cats and kittens will knead one another by gently alternating their paws much as a person might give another person a back rub.