Hi Everyone,
Moet is a 10 year old who likes to lick painted doors and cabinets, esp. near the edges. He will sit for HOURS licking. He has plenty of toys and other cat to play with, but will lick the door instead.
1. is it safe? should i be worried about it?
2. why would he want to lick these surfaces?
Thanks for any help you can offer. Moet may be older, but I am new to cats.
Heather
Moet likes to lick paint....
Re: Moet likes to lick paint....
Do you live in an older house that could still have lead paint? I understand lead paint has a sweet taste (which is why children will eat it too). Lead can be very dangerous.
If you're in a newer house, lead won't be a problem. I can't be completely certain, but I think as long as the paint isn't peeling, this obsession is basically harmless. It could, however, be a sign of a medical problem (in humans, eating strange things can be a sign of anemia), so if he hasn't been checked by the vet recently, it might be a good idea to make sure all is OK by taking him in for a checkup. In any event, he's developed a bad habit that I'd try to break if he was mine. Is there any way you can cover up the area to remove the temptation?
If you're in a newer house, lead won't be a problem. I can't be completely certain, but I think as long as the paint isn't peeling, this obsession is basically harmless. It could, however, be a sign of a medical problem (in humans, eating strange things can be a sign of anemia), so if he hasn't been checked by the vet recently, it might be a good idea to make sure all is OK by taking him in for a checkup. In any event, he's developed a bad habit that I'd try to break if he was mine. Is there any way you can cover up the area to remove the temptation?
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Moet likes to lick paint....
I have a cat who likes to lick all sorts of things. She likes to lick the phone cord. She likes to lick anything with adhesive, like tape. She likes to lick the bathtub faucet. She likes to lick people. There have been several occasions where she has woken my sleeping husband by licking his armpit or face. That makes me laugh! When you pet her you must allow her to lick you between pets, or she will get upset and bite you.
J
J
Re: Moet likes to lick paint....
hmercada, please get your kitty to your vet at once and explain to him this behavior. If you haven't had bloodwork/urinalysis/thyroid function testing done for her within 6 months to a year, NOW is the time to do so. ALL cats over the age of 7 should have this done yearly or twice-yearly, and especially in an older kitty.
Do not wait on this, get her to your vet and bloodwork done, including testing her sight and hearing, and discuss her nutrition!
Do not wait on this, get her to your vet and bloodwork done, including testing her sight and hearing, and discuss her nutrition!
..........Traci