Question:
I am concerned about the behavior of two of my cats: P.K. (a 6-year-old male) and Molly (a 16-year-old female). Lately, they have been licking the tops of my end tables, doors of my entertainment center, baseboards and carpet. They do this several times a day. They have hairball problems, and I give them Purina Friskies Hairball Remedy Treats every day and that seems to help a little. They refuse to eat the Laxatone medicine. Does this habit present potential health problems? How can I get them to stop?
M.M., Festus, Mo Nov 08, 2010
Answer:
Obsessive-compulsive licking in cats (and also dogs) can be a sign of gastrointestinal discomfort, fur balls being a common reason.
The various manufactured and junk cat foods and treats marketed to help alleviate fur balls make money without always making cats feel better. Some cats even become more ill on these specially prescribed diets. Give your cats a teaspoon each daily of olive oil and chopped wheat grass in their food, plus a teaspoon of chopped canned sardines or mackerel. Also, be sure to brush them thoroughly every day.
Their compulsive licking of various surfaces and materials may be related to compulsive grooming. Fur or hairball stomach problems are secondary to some underlying chronic digestive irritation not actually caused by the fur balls in the stomach. The most likely underlying cause is food allergy or hypersensitivity. See if your cats improve when transitioned gradually onto different cat-food formulas. I would begin with finding quality cat foods free of corn and other cereals, soy, eggs and dairy products.
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