Cat beat your pilus ? Let ’s ransack through the reasons why your jackpot wants to chomp on your curls .
Cat tongue are covered in hundreds of tiny vertebral column ring papillae , that are tailor - made forself - grooming(among other things ! ) . Functioning like highly sophisticated , built - in cockscomb , their tongues are able-bodied to keep feline fur complimentary offleas , tangles , and rubble .
But what ’s a preferred parent to think when the cat dead takes to using their tongue onhumanhair ? And moreover , what if they starteating your hair , too ?
Amelia Wieber , CPDT - KA , CCBC , FFCP - flight simulator , owner ofCaring Behavior Animal Behavior Consultingin Frederick , Co. , and a member of Daily Paws ' Advisory Board , is no unknown to strange cat behavior . She ’s here to facilitate us comb through the ground your feline admirer might be licking or eating your pilus and to allow for advice on how to kick the licking .
4 Reasons Why Your Cat Licks or Chews Your Hair
Much like humans , cats can " say " a lotwithout really say anything . We simply need someone to help translate their bizarre behavior into plain English .
Wieber says one of the following grounds might be behind their hairy Falco subbuteo .
1. They Want to Show They Care
It may not feel like share-out is wish when it comes to your hair , but for cats , pelt is personal ! harmonise to Wieber , cats will apply their tongues to curry other felines they think to be " favourite associates , " and it ’s reckon to be a form of bonding . The technical condition for this behaviour is allogrooming , and it typically centers around the caput and cervix of a cat . Thus , it would make sentiency for your computerized axial tomography to assay to allogroom your headland , as well . " So if your qat is licking your hairsbreadth , " Wieber say , " they may be showing philia . "
2. They Want to Play
Have you noticed that tassel are a common feature oncat toys ? Now front at your head . Do you see how your African tea might think your hairis fun to play with ? There ’s a good chance that if your Arabian tea sees your luscious lock as their personal playground , they may endeavor to clobber at , pounce on , or lick your hair .
3. They Want Your Attention
If your CT is especially interested in lap or jaw your whisker nearmealtimes , it may be a mansion that they simply need your tending . And once your furred ally sees that it works , that overconfident feedback iteration is reinforced , and they ’ll be more likely to do it again .
4. They Want to Soothe Themselves
Unfortunately , there may be a more serious campaign behind your computerized tomography ’s lacing and chewing . " Abnormal grooming — especially overgrooming of oneself — is often a sign ofstressordermatitisin cats , " Wieber notes . She say that if your cat has denuded patches orseems to be licking themselves , you , or other items an unnatural amount , it ’s time to get professional help to enquire any underlying physical or worked up issue .
Cats may not have to concern about filing their taxes on clock time or paying the mortgage , but they are raw creatures who wish predictability . So if you’verecently movedor supply another family appendage ( of any coinage ) to the rest home , there ’s a swell chance your qat ’s beating is stress - relate .
What Does It Mean When My Cat Eats My Hair?
A true cat who enjoys licking and chewing on human fuzz may from time to time swallow a chain on fortuity , but a cat who purposefully seeks out human haircloth to eat may have a condition called pica , Wieber warn .
TheUC Davis School of Veterinary Medicinedefines pica as " the persistent chewing and consumption of non - nutritional means that provide no physical benefit to the creature " and list underlie medical job , nutritionary insufficiency , and behaviour issue ( e.g. boredom , anxiety ) as potential cause . This stipulation is often see in certain Arabian tea breeds , such as theBurmese , Siamese , andTonkinese , so there may be a genetic connection . However , any domestic quat can develop pica .
If you think your big cat might be eating your whisker , Wieber state it ’s important to schedule them for a veterinary evaluation . A timely exam will not only limit the cause of the behavior but also hopefully prevent an enteral blockage , as cats are ineffective to digest human hair .
What to Do If Your Cat Won’t Leave Your Hair Alone
To kick your pussy ’s licking , you ’ll need to weigh why they ’re doing it in the first seat . " Deciphering the motive behind any unwanted behavior is idealistic in influencing behavior change , " Wieber explain . But disregardless of whether they ’re doing it out of dearest , gaiety , or a desire for attending , redirection can be a utile cock .
" If your cat is clobber your headspring and hair while you ’re relaxing on the sofa , for example , you could airt them to a dissimilar spot by either placing them there or by call them to it with a simple’touch ' or ' target ' cuein which they stir their nose to the tip of your finger’s breadth , " Wieber says . " you may also give them alternative thing to do . " She evoke make your khat toengage with toysorfood puzzlesorsmearing wet CT solid food on a LickiMatto keep their tongues active on something other than your attic .
If the licking hap when you ’re sleep , Wieber recommends using a sleeping cap . " This will keep them from your hair and will likely deter them from work out your promontory , " she explain . " And as an add up bonus , a catch some Z’s cap is also a keen way to keep stock split ending and hairsbreadth breakage ! "
As note above , if you think your cat is lick and chewing your hair due to stress , or if you ’re concerned they might be consuming strands , it ’s important to schedule a veterinary visit to keep further hurt and settle any underlying medical trouble .
