My Cat Is Constantly Licking Its Lips: A Comprehensive Guide

Is your feline companion exhibiting unusual lip-licking behavior? A cat’s seemingly simple act of licking its lips can actually signal a range of potential issues, from something as benign as a tasty treat to a more serious underlying health problem. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial for ensuring your cat’s well-being. Let’s explore the various possibilities.

Post-Meal Lick: A common and entirely normal occurrence is the licking of lips after eating or drinking. This is simply your cat cleaning itself and removing any lingering food particles or water. No cause for concern here!

Bitter Taste or Medication: If your cat has ingested something bitter, such as certain medications, it will likely respond by increased lip-licking to stimulate saliva production and facilitate swallowing, thus neutralizing the unpleasant taste. This is a natural response to an unpleasant stimulus.

Oral Injuries: Foreign objects like fish bones can become lodged in a cat’s mouth, causing pain and discomfort. This will lead to frequent lip-licking. A thorough examination of your cat’s mouth is necessary to identify and remove any potential irritants or foreign bodies. Observe your cat’s eating habits; a reluctance to consume dry kibble or hard treats might indicate an oral injury.

Stress and Anxiety: Cats, being sensitive creatures, can display lip-licking as a stress response. Significant life changes like moving to a new home, a visit to the veterinarian, or even a change in routine can trigger anxiety. This stress-induced lip-licking might be accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as hiding, changes in appetite, or restlessness. Creating a calm and predictable environment is key to helping your cat manage stress. Sudden loud noises or other startling events can also prompt this response. Consider providing a safe space for your cat to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.

Environmental Changes and Unfamiliar Scents: New smells or alterations to the familiar environment can also contribute to stress and consequently, increased lip-licking. A change in household cleaning products, the introduction of a new pet, or even a rearranged piece of furniture can upset a cat’s sense of security.

Underlying Medical Conditions: Persistent lip-licking could signal a more serious health issue. Dental problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, or stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) cause pain and discomfort, leading to constant licking. Similarly, oral ulcers can make eating painful, resulting in increased lip-licking. Other conditions such as kidney disease can manifest in increased thirst and subsequent lip-licking. A veterinary check-up is crucial to rule out these possibilities. Persistent bad breath or changes in your cat’s saliva could be a warning sign.

Nausea and Vomiting: Lip-licking often accompanies nausea and impending vomiting. This is a typical symptom of various gastrointestinal problems. If your cat is exhibiting lip-licking alongside other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, veterinary attention is needed urgently. Dehydration can also lead to excessive lip-licking.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): In some cases, excessive and seemingly purposeless lip-licking can be a sign of OCD in cats. This behavior is often repetitive and occurs irrespective of context. A veterinary behaviorist can provide guidance and treatment options if OCD is suspected.

Wounds and Bites: If your cat has a wound or has been bitten, it may lick the affected area, leading to increased lip-licking. This is a natural response to soothe the injury, but persistent licking can impede healing and increase the risk of infection. Careful examination for any injuries is vital.

Interesting Smells: Sometimes, cats lick their lips after encountering interesting or unusual odors. Household cleaners, soaps, or other chemicals can attract a cat’s attention, potentially prompting lip-licking as a form of exploration or investigation.

What to do if your cat is licking its lips excessively and not eating:

Address potential stressors: Create a calm and predictable environment for your cat. Avoid sudden changes or alarming events. If your cat has experienced a recent stressful event like a vaccination, new pet introduction, or a move, provide extra reassurance and patience.

Evaluate diet: Ensure your cat is receiving a nutritionally complete and appropriate diet. High-quality food can improve digestive health, which may impact lip-licking associated with gastrointestinal issues. Consult your vet about dietary changes or supplements.

Consider digestive support: If digestive problems are suspected, your veterinarian might recommend probiotics or digestive enzymes to support healthy gut function.

Veterinary Consultation: If your cat’s lip-licking is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms, or if your cat is refusing to eat, a veterinary visit is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat your cat. A professional assessment is essential to determine the underlying cause and ensure your cat receives appropriate care. Early intervention is key to successful management of potential health problems.