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Cats/Cat licking

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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
I adopted Maya from the Humane Society in September, 2009.  Her birtdate was listed as September, 2008.  I have a feeling this is a guess.  She weighed only 6 pounds, but didn't seem "skinny".  I think she was a little bit younger and hadn't really "filled out" yet.  She definitely isn't a lap cat, but likes to be around me.  I'm retired so I'm home most of the time.  About a month after bringing her home she started licking me.  I didn't see this as a problem, but she then began licking EVERYTHING, my purse, computer monitor, closet door track, bedding, boxes, you name it, if she can reach it she will lick it for quite some time.  It seems to be OCD, but I don't know what brought it on and how to help her.  I recently moved and then had to leave town for a week, so I can understand her stress level at the moment, but she is not licking any more than before.  It DOES grate on me and I'm concerned she may lick something that will hurt her.  Do you have any ideas why she is doing this, and if I can offer her something to stop or reduce this behavior.  The only items she has damaged are a sweater and the edge of the duvet cover which would touch my face and body.

Answer
Hi Linda,

Excessive licking like that is a sign of stress in your cat. Try some Feliway Comfort Zone. It might help. It mimics a cat's happy pheromones. Also get some bitter apple or bitter orange spray. Use this where you don't want her to lick. Get her some catnip. This helps. And try some interactive toys. Quality time goes a long way to destress your cat. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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