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My 10 month old kitty loves to constantly lick

Sent to Pet Experts April 20 11:42 AM

My 10 month old kitty loves to constantly lick your face, arms and hands whenever you are laying down or even when I am in the bathroom on the toilet? When I wash my hands she also likes to drink the water out of my hands? She does these things all the time>

 

Optional Information:
Age: <1; Female; Breed: calico

Already Tried:
nothing except making sure water is plentiful for her

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
April 20 12:58 PM (1 hour and 16 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
calicokittys,

There are several reaons that your kitten would excessively lick. In the following paragraph I will provide a description the factors.

First, if your kitten is understimulated, overstressed, or a prematurely weaned kitten these may contribute to the cause. Another kitten or increased playtime could help with the boredom issue. You could always introduce a toy when she starts licking as a strategy to replace/modify the behavior. If stress related, she probably needs increased quiet time and/or attention. If you happen to use any form of "physical" punishment, this can also let to streee induced licking.

Next, a medical condition with a neurological pathology could cause the licking. If this is the case she will need to be evaluated by a vet. Possible diagnosis are encephalitis, allergies, fleas, or tissue inflamation. If the cat licks odd things suck as the sidwalk or tires Anemia is a possiblility. If this is that case you will need to see a vet.

If she has missing patches of hair or bald spots, the licking might be seconday to another condition. Cats can have intestinal conditions just as we do. The most likely culprit is food. However, to eliminate other possible causes she should be evaluated be he vet.

Another option is that she is allergic to something in her food. While on the topic of food, she could also have a nutritional deficiency. Alot of commercial brands contain excessive fillers and additives that can cotribute to excessive licking.I use California Natural because of all the high end food, it has the least amount of ingredients.

One of my cats is a "licker." Honestly she will lick, and, and lick, and lick. Being that none of the aforementioned factors are applicable she is just "cleaning" me,which is her expression of love. Cats, like people, just communicate differently.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Best of luck,

LiddyBea

If you are satisfied with my solution, please click, "Accept." If you need further assistance, please let me know. Thank You :-)
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Liddy -- Long time critter keeper -- 100% Positive Feedback on 14 Pet Accepts
For over 20 years I have been caretaker, rescuer, and/or keeper of a multitude of animals.
Reply
April 20 1:18 PM (19 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
Reply to Liddy's Post: thank you, liddy you were very helpful. I can already eliminate the bored kitty thing because she has her momma and brother with her. I will call a vet and find out about the neurologicial pathology questions and I will also try to find the food you recommended. She does seem to lick me alot after eating her food, at first I thought it was because she was thanking me maybe that is what it could be. she is also the only calico in the litter so it is possible its her personality. thank you for your response. calicokittys
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 20 2:41 PM (1 hour and 23 minutes and 31 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
calicokittys,

I feel that it would be safe to assume you could eliminate the premature weaning scanario as well being that she is still with Mom.

With my "licker" she just loves to lick and clean. I like to think of her as a clean freak :-) If she's not cleaning herself, then she cleans someone else. She'll lick me while I pet her as well. This is due to the fact she views me as a part of her family. Basically, shes grooming me as she would another cat. So, if we apply that to your kitty, you are part of her family. Hence, you take care of her, so she is returning the favor in kind!

I am glad I could be of assistance. If I've provided you a satisfactory response, please click "Accept." If you would like additional detail, please let me know.

Best of luck,

LiddyBea

If you are satisfied with my solution, please click, "Accept." If you need further assistance, please let me know. Thank You :-)
Picture
Liddy -- Long time critter keeper -- 100% Positive Feedback on 14 Pet Accepts
For over 20 years I have been caretaker, rescuer, and/or keeper of a multitude of animals.
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