My cat Diego is a bit of a strange boy. He's got this habit, no compulsion to lick... everyone. And not gentle "I love you" licks, fierce "you are dirty and must be CLEANSED" licks.
He wakes up- he must lick. He's starting to settle in for a nap- he must lick. Another cat is close enough- he must lick. He's on someones shoulder- well, you get the idea, he does a lot of licking.
What's worrisome is he also does it to himself, and currently has licked himself to the point of raw open sores on the inner parts of his hind legs and bald patches on his forelegs.
He's not at a loss for company or attention, since we have 3 other cats who are pretty mellow that he loves to groom, and at least one human is always here at home.
He had a clean bill of health when we got him from the shelter in March, but I am a little concerned about this behavior.
He's acted like this since day one, but it's just recently he's actually managed to hurt himself- I only discovered the sores today.
I'm wondering if I should put some antibacterial ointment on those wounds, but I'm afraid he'd lick it off and I don't want to make things worse. And they're of course not things he wants me to touch- I think I'd be even more worried if they were!
Beyond the compulsive licking behavior he's a completely normal happy and (I hope) healthy cat, appetites fine, plenty of fluids, no out of place attitude or complaining when I pick him up. He's around 1 year old, possibly less.
Sorry for the large post, I just want to give as much background as possible when asking for advice.
compulsive licking behavior
Re: compulsive licking behavior
Please get him to your vet promptly for a full exam, your vet can then rule out mites, flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy, eosinophilic granuloma, etc, all of which are first rule-outs in a skin condition. Other problems may be anal gland problems, spinal problems, urinary tract problems etc,
Also, rule out stress. You said he appears fine and all, but he may be stressed about something unbeknownst to you. Watch his routine, behavior, interaction with the other cats (and your human family), etc for signs of stress or dislike to something.
Vet visit first.
Also, rule out stress. You said he appears fine and all, but he may be stressed about something unbeknownst to you. Watch his routine, behavior, interaction with the other cats (and your human family), etc for signs of stress or dislike to something.
Vet visit first.
..........Traci