General Licking Question

[HermioneORourke]

My kitten is about 9 months old and she's recently picked up the habit of eating cardboard and licking *everything* in sight. It could be my pillow, my clothes, my legs or feet. Everything. I can't seem to pet her as much because she is so determined to lick my hand. Is this something bad, or just a strange phase? Should I be worried?

[Traci]

Licking your hand would be normal, as in affection. But licking other things is not normal. May I ask what you're feeding her? (i.e., if generic or store-brand, could be deficient in nutrients, which can cause a condition known as pica, licking/chewing unusual objects, could be dietary deficiency related or boredom or stress, in which case need to get her examined by your vet)

[HermioneORourke]

She eats Science Diet for Kittens. The only thing I can think of dietary change is that she used to just have food set down and she could eat through out the day, but now I have to feed her twice a day and less food because she's about 11 pounds. She's really big for her age. That's what the vet said to do; to change her diet to twice a day. Could that be it?

[Traci]

Big as in overweight, is that how your vet assessed her? If so, then scheduled feeding would be necessary, but you also want to take a look at her activity level as well, is she active, playful, seem full of energy?

You mentioned items that are associated with you, your pillow, your clothes, etc....she may be wanting to bond more with you or seeking more attention from you. Maybe try diverting her attentions to interactive toys, place a kitty perch or cat tree near a safe window, provide a scratching post, etc, in the event she may be suffering alittle boredom. Pillows, bedding, and yourself would all be things of comfort to her, but licking unusual objects like cardboard or other objects might signal boredom to some degree (since you are feeding a premium diet, dietary issues could probably be ruled out)