Question:
My cat is driving me nuts. He is a healthy, 8-year-old neutered male. In December 2008, he had an intestinal blockage and became quite sick; he spent a week at the vet. In January, I noticed that he was more affectionate and had started licking everything. I checked the Internet for possible problems, but found nothing and, because he appears to be healthy and eating well, I didn't have cause for concern. He licks my hair, arms, the headboard of the bed, the sheets, the sofa cushions, and I have even caught him licking our dog.
This just doesn't seem normal. I feed him half a can of Fancy Feast in the morning, and he and my two other cats share a perpetual feeder of Purina Cat Chow for healthy balance. Looking forward to your response. Thank you.
K.P., Elizabeth City, NC Feb 07, 2010
Answer:
You are right to be concerned about your cat's obsessive-compulsive licking. This can be associated with inflammation and discomfort from gingivitis and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as several other maladies. Follow this rule: Any change in an animal's normal behavior and/or daily routine calls for a full veterinary checkup.
Visit my Web site, and transition your cat onto a better diet because what you are feeding him may well be at the root of the problem. Many ingredients in manufactured cat foods cause digestive and intestinal problems. "Perpetual feeders" are a prescription for fat, diabetic and otherwise unhealthy cats.
Subscribe