Cats typically clean themselves using their tongues and drink water using their mouths. However, your feline may have developed a taste for wall-licking. It is not healthy, and it can’t possibly be enjoyable.
Your cat might be trying to compensate for lost nutrients or get some moisture by lapping the wall’s surface. It could be because the surface has a unique feel or because the cat likes to eat or smell it.
Why Do Cats Lick The Walls?
Cats lick walls due to various reasons. Some of these include the smell or taste of the wall, its texture, and moisture.
Stress
Behavior problems such as compulsive behaviors are often indicators of stress and anxiety. If your cat is constantly licking the wall, it could be that they are suffering from stress.
If your cat has compulsive tendencies, you can’t distract them from their task. It means that they won’t be able to get away with a bag of sweets or a toy if you try to tempt them away. Suppose they’re happy to leave the room for food or attention.
After you moved, introduced a new cat to the family, or changed the litter box placement, your cat may have started to lick more frequently. You can try paying more attention to your pet, playing with them, or simply letting them snuggle.
There are no effective ways to stop your cat from developing compulsive behaviors. However, by removing their tension, you can help prevent them from acting out. If this isn’t possible, you can try waiting until they calm down and then consulting a veterinarian.
Nutritional Deficiency/Imbalance
When your cat begins to lick or eat non-food items, there is a popular medical term that might arise – feline pica. This condition is a medical disease that usually affects cats.
Although it is still not sure why some cats are more prone to experiencing pica, it could be a dietary issue. For instance, a lack of iron, fiber, and fat could be the cause.
A cat’s body compensates for its loss by eating and drinking non-food items. It is similar to what happens in the wild, where the animal uses its mineral reserves. However, in our houses, this isn’t the case.
If your cat constantly licks random objects, it might be a sign that it needs to be on a diet appropriate for its size and breed.
Read also: Do Cats Get Tired Of The Same Food?
Bored
If your cat doesn’t have anything to do all day, it can cause unusual behaviors, such as chewing on the wall. It can be easy to interrupt since it’s just the cat’s way of looking for something to do.
Playtime with your cat is essential, as it can help develop behavioral problems usually triggered by boredom. You should also provide your cat enrichment, such as a window or an interactive toy. However, do not try to start a play session when the cat presents undesired behavior.
Read also: How Much Attention Do Cats Need?
Moisture
Condensation and moisture accumulate on walls, especially if you live in a humid environment. Your cat may lick the wall’s surface if it’s good for them, and they may do the same if they don’t have access to fresh water.
Taste
Unlike humans, cats do not have the same taste buds. They are likelier to find items humans would never eat, such as walls. Some cats prefer the feel and taste of walls, which is why they lick them.
If there are chemical traces on the wall, it could attract your cat to lick it. Since cats are known to lick surfaces, it’s not surprising that they would do so.
Among the products that appeal to cats are paints and adhesives containing edible or pleasant components. Also, plastic, which has a distinct flavor and scent, may tempt them. Certain volatile substances found in wall coverings and paint can also entice felines due to their hallucinogenic effects.
Cats often hide their heads inside plastic bags, lick, chew, and lick. The vapors from the bags give them a euphoric and delightful experience. Although small amounts of plastic can harm your cat, you should not allow them to do this for a prolonged period.
Texture
Instead of the taste, cats prefer to lick the surfaces of their homes for the texture. People use wall coverings for their homes, including smooth glosses, wood-chip or flock-based textures, and tactile paint.
Cats will often seek out the sensations created by their tongue when understimulated. When it comes to wallcoverings, textures such as wood chips or smooth glosses are appealing to felines.
They may lick the walls of their homes for the sensation of being stimulated. To determine if the wall covering is causing the animal to lick it, look for signs that it has a similar texture.
Although it’s impossible to tell a cat why they prefer to lick walls, you can still find hints that this behavior is related to its desire for the same tactile feeling.
Read also: Why Do Cats Lick Concrete?
How to Correct the Wall-Licking Behavior of Your Cat?
Using bitter-smelling products on the walls, such as pet deterrent sprays, can help prevent your cat from drooling on you. However, some stubborn felines will still stick their tongues into objects they can reach.
Some cats are under-stimulated. To help stimulate their natural behavior, you should provide them with toys and activities that they can use to explore and play. These can include laser toys, treat balls, and puzzle feeders. In addition to being fun, these activities and toys can also help keep your pet entertained.
Dietary problems can also cause pica. In these cases, you’ll need to change your cat’s food to one better suited to its nutritional needs. Pets with underlying conditions should regularly visit to consult their vet. You should also avoid low-quality food for your cat.
Ensure your cat has the proper food and drink, as it may be just hungry and thirsty. If it still doesn’t work, take it to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Conclusion
Why is my cat licking the walls? If your cat is constantly licking the wall, it might also try to lick other non-food items, such as your houseplant and toxic cleaning supplies. It’s essential to keep in mind that your cat might think that the bleach you used to clean the bathtub has good taste.
Never put your cat inside a cabinet past it. If furry friends smell something they like, it’s not a big deal for them to go in and lick all of your coffee grounds. Cats can also tear or bite packages if determined to retrieve them. To prevent this, use child locks on your cabinets.
