If your cat has been licking concrete a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat lick concrete? Likely reasons why your cat licks concrete are that your cat has a nutritional deficiency, your cat is thirsty or that your cat simply likes the feeling or taste on its tongue.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat licks concrete and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat lick concrete?
Below are a number of likely reasons why your cat has been doing it and what would make each of them more likely.
Nutritional deficiency
It could be the case that your cat has a nutritional deficiency causing something called “Pica” which is where your cat starts eating things that it should not be. This would be more likely if your cat has also been eating things off the concrete, your cat has been behaving unusually in other ways, your cat has been showing signs of illness and if your cat has started doing it suddenly. In this case, it would help to consult with a vet.
Your cat likes the feeling
It could also be the case that your cat simply likes the way the concrete feels on its tongue. This would be more likely if your cat has not been doing it excessively and if it also tends to do it at the same time that it is licking itself.
Your cat likes the taste
It could also be the case that your cat likes the way that the concrete tastes. This would be also be more likely if your cat has not been doing it excessively.
Thirst
It might also be the case that your cat has been licking concrete because it is thirsty. This would be more likely if your cat tends to lick wet concrete when it does not have access to water. In this case, it would help to ensure that your cat has access to water throughout the day.
Compulsive behavior
It could also be the case that your cat has been doing it due to a compulsive disorder. This would be more likely if your cat has been licking concrete constantly. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet for a checkup.
Illness
Another possible cause is that your cat has an illness and it is licking concrete as a way of soothing its tongue and stomach. This would be more likely if your cat has started doing it suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of having an illness such as vomiting a lot. In this case, the best option would be to take your cat to a vet.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always licked concrete
If your cat did not always lick concrete, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as a change in its diet, illness or something causing it to become anxious.
The timing of when your cat licks concrete
If there is a certain time your cat licks concrete, it would also help to consider what is different about the timing. For example, if your cat tends to do it more when it has not got access to water, it would be more likely that it is doing it due to thirst.
How to get my cat to stop licking concrete?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Ensure your cat is getting the right diet
It would help to make sure that your cat has been getting the right diet since an issue with its diet might have been causing the behavior.
Get help
If your cat has been licking concrete excessively, it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to rule out medical causes and to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat.
Give your cat access to water
If it does not currently, it would help to ensure that your cat has access to water throughout the day.