Why does my cat lick himself a lot?

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 9 August 2021
Update Date: 1 November 2024
Anonim
Why Does My Cat LICK So Much? - Reasons
Video: Why Does My Cat LICK So Much? - Reasons

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In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll explain why we have a cat licking itself too much. We will see that there are multiple causes that can be behind this behavior, so we will detail according to the area in which the cat focuses its attention.

Remember that cats lick their entire bodies as a normal part of their daily grooming. In this article we will not refer to this hygienic behavior, but to excessive licking, when this behavior becomes abnormal and problematic. Keep reading to find out why does your cat licks itself a lot.

Symptoms of Excessive Licking in Cats

Before we go on to explain why a cat licks itself a lot, we should know that its tongue is rough, so over-licking will end. causing damage to hair and skin. Therefore, if we are with a cat licking itself exaggeratedly, its fur may fall out and even cause injuries to it. That's why it's always important to pay attention if there are wounds in your body.


When a cat develops this behavior it may be due to a physical or psychological problem, which will always have to be identified by the veterinarian. If the physical examination finds nothing abnormal, this is when a cause for excessive licking such as stress or boredom can be thought of. Although, on other occasions, the explanation for having a cat licking itself a lot is simply because it got dirty. However, obviously after cleaning himself he will not continue with the licks.

My cat licks itself a lot in the mouth

The reason why our cat licks himself a lot in the mouth or to lick himself too much may be because he has come into contact with some substance that he wants to clean himself, but also may indicate some oral discomfort, such as gingivitis, damaged teeth or ulcers. We can also notice hypersalivation and bad smell.


If we examine the mouth, it is possible to detect the problem, which will require veterinary treatment. Repeated licking of lips may indicate nausea or discomfort on swallowing.

My cat licks his paw a lot

In these cases, if our cat licks a lot at some extremity this may be related to the presence of a wound, either on the leg or on the paw, between the toes or on their pads. Careful examination may reveal the presence of an injury. If it's a superficial wound, we can disinfect it and control its evolution.

On the other hand, if the wound is deep, if there is a infection or if we find an encrusted foreign body, we should go to the vet.


My cat licks itself a lot on the belly

The belly is a vulnerable area for the cat, prone to injury or damage from contact with different substances that can irritate the area. Therefore, the explanation why our cat licks itself a lot in this area can be found in a lesion of this type. If we carefully examine the belly, we may find a sore or irritation that we should bring to the attention of our veterinarian. If our cat suffers from dermatitis or allergy, it is necessary to find out its cause.

On the other hand, excessive licking in the lower abdomen region may indicate pain caused by cystitis, which is an inflammation of the bladder.

My cat licks his penis a lot

A urinary tract infection may explain why our cat licks his genital area a lot, as he will feel pain and itchiness, in addition to urinating repeatedly. One penis wound it can also lead to a cat licking itself excessively, just as it can cause any difficulty in expelling urine.

The veterinarian will be responsible for diagnosis and treatment. It is important, in the case of infections, to establish a early treatment to prevent the condition from being complicated if the infection ascends to the kidneys or if there is an obstruction in the urinary tract.

My cat licks itself a lot in the anus

In this case, we may be facing an irritation that can be caused by diarrhea or decomposition, which explains why the cat licks itself a lot when it has pain or itchiness in the region. THE constipation, which will cause discomfort to the cat, or even the presence of feces or a foreign body that it is unable to expel, can cause excessive licking in an attempt to get rid of the discomfort.

This can also occur due to the presence of internal parasites. We should look at the area if there is an anal prolapse or problems with the anal glands and go to the vet to treat the primary cause.

My cat licks itself a lot on the tail

The base of the tail may have a lack of fur and sores because our cat licks itself a lot due to the presence of fleas. Furthermore, if our cat is allergic to the bite of these parasites, the injuries will be considerable due to the intense itching they produce.

Even if we don't see fleas, we can find their remains. In addition to treating with a suitable flea, it may be necessary administer medications to combat the dermatitis produced.

Perhaps you might be interested in this other PeritoAnimal article with home remedies for cat fleas.

Now that you know the reasons why we have a cat licking itself excessively and you've seen that you need to look at the area in which it repeats this behavior, don't miss the following video where we explain why cats lick each other :

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why does my cat lick himself a lot?, we recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.