Cat licking things help

Mochiandme

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Hi all. My cat Mochi is a spayed 2yo and 1/8 cats in the home. She was bottle fed at 3-4 weeks by my mom and I. She started doing this weird behavior of licking the couch or wall for like 5 mins straight. My previous cat Star who died of lymph node or lung cancer had developed the same habit a couple months before putting him to sleep where he would escape outside and lick the concrete. I read somewhere that they do this because they're missing a certain vitamin in their diet but I can't find the article. Any thoughts? Overall, Mochi is healthy besides this weird behavior and no other cat does this in the house. I don't mind it but my mom yells at her. I give them wheat grass from time to time and they all fight over it. I'm just wondering if I should give her some vitamins? Thank you.
 
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Mochiandme

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She's also a blanket sucker and kneader. I read something about separation anxiety?
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. It seems there are a lot of bottle fed babies who end up liking to suckle and knead blankets - probably due to the lack of a normal mom-to-baby interaction/relationship. Some kittens grow out of it, others do not. Sounds like your girl could be a lifelong suckler/kneader, which is really not a big deal. It is their own form of security. When you add in the wall/couch licking, the combination of her habits could be tied to an obsessive-compulsive issue. Many times this can be connected to anxiety/stress. She could even be the type of cat who is more anxious in a multi-cat household - just part of her personality.

So, your first efforts might be best directed toward creating as stress-free of an environment for her as you can. Calming diffusers, music for cats, plenty of play/entertainment outlets, cat perches/trees, etc. If it could be somewhat related to a multi-cat household, make sure she has some safe havens where she can find peace and quiet away from others when she wants it.

As far as the licking being the result of a nutritional imbalance, you can always discuss this aspect with your vet to see if they might have an idea what to test for. It is possible, but it's more likely to just be her personality causing her to be a bit more prone to anxiety/stress.
 
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Mochiandme

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Hi. It seems there are a lot of bottle fed babies who end up liking to suckle and knead blankets - probably due to the lack of a normal mom-to-baby interaction/relationship. Some kittens grow out of it, others do not. Sounds like your girl could be a lifelong suckler/kneader, which is really not a big deal. It is their own form of security. When you add in the wall/couch licking, the combination of her habits could be tied to an obsessive-compulsive issue. Many times this can be connected to anxiety/stress. She could even be the type of cat who is more anxious in a multi-cat household - just part of her personality.

So, your first efforts might be best directed toward creating as stress-free of an environment for her as you can. Calming diffusers, music for cats, plenty of play/entertainment outlets, cat perches/trees, etc. If it could be somewhat related to a multi-cat household, make sure she has some safe havens where she can find peace and quiet away from others when she wants it.

As far as the licking being the result of a nutritional imbalance, you can always discuss this aspect with your vet to see if they might have an idea what to test for. It is possible, but it's more likely to just be her personality causing her to be a bit more prone to anxiety/stress.
I didn't even think of her being anxious around other cats. She grew up with her brother and 2 older cats. But that makes sense.. when they're bottle babies, they get so much attention from people. I'm also guilty of spoiling her because she's my baby girl lol. Every cat here expect 1 kneads so they're all babies lol. Wow that's crazy. I never would have thought about multi-cat anxiety, she doesn't like to eat with any cats. :stars: Thank you so much!
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Just an FYI, cats will lick concrete type objects (bricks, flower pots, etc.) if they are anemic. Couches don't count, and I doubt walls do either unless they are brick walls.

Hoping this is just a behavior issue and not a health issue.
 
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Mochiandme

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Just an FYI, cats will lick concrete type objects (bricks, flower pots, etc.) if they are anemic. Couches don't count, and I doubt walls do either unless they are brick walls.

Hoping this is just a behavior issue and not a health issue.
That’s what it was. Star needed a blood transfusion but he couldn’t breathe and it would only buy him a little time.
 
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