A cat can lick the wall if it is stressed, bored or thirsty. The cat may also like the wall’s taste, smell, or texture or have a nutritional imbalance.
Cats are clean animals that groom themselves. Though these animals lick themselves, you may notice a cat licking other items like the wall. If you have noticed such behavior in your cat, you are probably wondering whether you should be concerned. This post can help you discover why cats lick the wall and how they can stop it. Read on!
Reasons why cats lick the wall
Stress
A cat may be stressed due to different reasons. For example, it could happen due to a sudden change in the home, such as adding a new cat to the family, getting a newborn, moving to a new house, or even changing the position of the litter box.
Such things can bring anxiety to a cat leading to compulsive behavior like licking the wall. If you are struggling to make the cat stop licking the wall, it could indicate that they are in a bad mental state. You should not ignore a cat with compulsive behavior since it could lead to self-harm.
Nutritional imbalance
Some cats still lick the walls even when they are not stressed. This could be due to nutritional imbalance. A certain medical condition known as Pica sometimes makes a cat crave such non-food items.
Some of the factors contributing to this condition in cats include the lack of enough fiber, iron, vitamin, or fat. If, for instance, a cat has iron deficiency, it may lick the wall since it is close to the taste of metal. Pica is most common in septic cat breeds like Siamese and Tonkinese. This could also be a symptom of a disease such as leukemia, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
Boredom
Some cats tend to do silly things when bored, like licking the wall. This behavior could be their way of entertaining themselves. If you notice that a cat licks the wall simply because they have nothing else to do, you can help them stop this by keeping them busy.
They like the smell or taste
If a wall has traces of a certain substance stuck on it, it could entice the cat. Cats are curious animals that like adhesives and vanish since they contain elements that taste or smell good.
A cat may find certain volatile compounds in the paint of a wall intriguing.
The volatile substances in wall coverings may have a hallucinogenic impact. When certain cleaning products or air fresheners adhere to the wall, the cat can begin licking it since they may like the flavor.
Moisture
Do you provide enough water to the cat? If not, you may notice it licking a damp wall. Walls collect condensation and moisture, especially if you stay in a place with high humidity. A cat can begin licking the moisture in the wall since it lacks access to water or finds it delicious.
When a cat does not receive adequate water, they may not only suffer from dehydration but are also prone to urinary tract disease or kidney disease.
Texture
Apart from the taste, a cat may also lick the wall since they love its texture. Cats find walls such as soft flock wallpaper or smooth glosses quite fascinating. When a cat runs its tongue over such a surface, it may enjoy the sensation. Find out if the cat licks other surfaces with such textures to find out if the cause of the licking is the texture.
How to stop the cat from licking walls
You first have to find out the exact cause so that you can help the cat stop licking walls. Try the following.
Reduce the cat’s stress
Start by directly eliminating the source of stress in a cat. If, for instance, the cat is stressed due to introducing a new pet at home, you can minimize interaction between the two animals for some time. Consider looking for supplements that help with anxiety in cats.
Take them to a vet
If you suspect the cat licks walls due to Pica, you should take them to a vet. Since a medical problem can cause this, a vet can help you figure out if the cat is ill.
Engage the cat more
Eliminating boredom in a cat can prevent them from licking the wall. You can prevent this by engaging a cat in more physical activity and paying more attention to them. You can divert the cat’s attention by getting interactive toys.
Keep the cat hydrated
Always provide a source of fresh water for the cat so that they don’t lick a damp wall. If a cat does not like water, look for ways to encourage them to take more of it, like making the flavor more appealing. Consider getting the cat a fountain if they dislike taking water from a bowl.
Here is a summary of why the cat licks the wall and how to prevent it
Cause |
How to stop the cat from licking the wall |
Taste |
Spray the wall with bitter apple |
Boredom |
Keep the pet busy |
Texture |
Tape the wall with a swath of aluminum |
Pica |
Take the cat to the vet. |
Moisture |
Provide enough water for the cat |
Conclusion
Licking the wall is not a habit that should be tolerated in a cat. Some do it since they love the taste or smell of the wall, while some cats are simply bored or stressed. If you have a cat that is fond of licking the wall, try the above tips to discourage this habit.
FAQs
Can changing a cat’s diet stop them from licking the wall?
Yes. If a cat has a nutritional imbalance, changing their diet can stop them from licking the wall. Consider providing a cat with nutrients such as iron, vitamins, and fiber.
What do I do if the cause of my cat’s tendency to lick the wall is my newborn baby?
Give the cat some time to see if the cat adjusts to the change.