If your cat has been licking the couch a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat lick the couch? The most likely reason why your cat licks the couch is that it likes the taste and feel on its tongue. Other possible causes are illness, a diet issue or compulsive behavior.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat licks the couch and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are a number of things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are a number of things you can do about it.
Why does my cat lick the couch?
Below are likely reasons why your cat licks the couch and what would make them more likely.
An issue with its diet
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 the couch since a change in its diet and if it has been hungry a lot.
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 couch constantly. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet for a checkup.
It likes the taste
It could also be the case that your cat simply likes the way the couch 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.
It is also likely that your cat likes the taste of the couch. This would be especially likely if your cat has been licking a spot where food or drink was recently dropped.
Illness
Another possible cause is that your cat has an illness and it is licking the couch 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.
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 sofa, it is important to take it to a vet.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always licked the couch
If your cat did not always lick the couch, 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, food being dropped on the couch or something causing it to become anxious.
The timing of when your cat licks the couch
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat tends to lick the couch. If your cat tends to do it more at a certain time, it could be the case that the timing has 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 my cat licking the couch?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Ensure it 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.
Give it access to water
It would also help to ensure that your cat has access to water throughout the day.
Try a spray
There are sprays you can get that are designed to discourage your cat from licking the couch. One option would be to try using one of those.
Get help
If your cat has been licking the couch 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.
Why does my cat lick cushions?
The most likely reason why your cat licks cushions is that it likes the feeling of cushions on its tongue. Other possible causes are illness, thirst, diet issues or compulsive behavior.
Why does my cat lick the chair
It is likely that your cat licks the chair because it likes the taste and feeling on its tongue. It could also be due to things such as illness, thirst, diet issues or compulsive behavior.