Why Do Cats Lick The Floor

Pica is a term used to describe the habit of craving non food items such as socks plastic grocery bags or dirt.

Why do cats lick the floor.

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. Kneading is a sign of contentment. 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.

A few cats enjoy the flavour and odour of certain floor coverings or treatments. Some veterinarians believe that pica in cats is caused by a deficiency in fiber or fat. Kneading the floor kneading while it looks similar to pawing is a sign of pleasure. 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.

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. Rarely a cat may lick floors due to a nutritional deficiency. And while you may check your cat s stool for worms you may not be able to see them. Cat scooting and parasites if your cat is dragging its bottom on the carpet there s a chance your cat has worms.

Once it becomes obsessive your pooch s floor licking is considered a stereotypy. I have heard obsessive licking is done because of anxiety. Cats and kittens will knead one another by gently alternating their paws much as a person might give another person a back rub. She adds that licking both other cats or their human owners is often a sign that a cat is calm.

My cat does this as well floor walls my hand his own tail it s quite annoying at times but he is otherwise heathy. I guess it s like. 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.