If your cat has been licking curtains a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat lick curtains? Likely reasons why your cat licks curtains are that it likes the taste or feeling on its tongue, illness or diet issues.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat licks curtains and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are a number of things you can do about it and there are things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat lick curtains?
Below are likely reasons why your cat licks curtains and what would make each of them more likely.
Illness
A possible cause is that your cat has an illness and it is licking curtains 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.
It likes the taste or feeling
It could also be the case that your cat simply likes the way the curtains feel 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.
Diet issues
A possible reason is that there is an issue with your cat’s diet that has been causing your cat to lick things for the nutrients. This would be more likely if your cat has started licking curtains since a change in its diet and if it has been hungry a lot.
Pica
Pica is a medical condition where cats start eating things they shouldn’t which is caused by medical causes. If your cat also eats parts of the curtains, it is important to take it to a vet.
Compulsive behavior
It might 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 the curtains constantly. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet for a checkup.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider when dealing with the behavior.
If your cat has always licked curtains
If your cat has not always licked curtains, 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 curtains
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat licks curtains since the timing could have something to do with it. For example, if your cat does it when it is licking itself, it could be the case that your cat does it because it naturally wants to lick things when it is grooming itself.
What to do about your cat licking curtains
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Ensure its diet is right
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.
Give it access to water
It would also help to ensure that your cat has access to water throughout the day.
Get help
If your cat has been licking the curtains 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.
Try a spray
There are sprays you can get that are designed to discourage your cat from licking things. One option would be to try using one of those.