Cats have their own quirks and habits.
One of these habits may be licking the carpet. Why does a cat lick the carpet and what does it mean by this?
Smells delicious
Cats have a strong sense of smell, so the smell of a spilled drink or food can attract them to the carpet. The pet may even lick the remains of something from the carpet.
There is nothing wrong with this, but if you want to prevent this behavior, try to distract the cat. The best way to do this is with a toy, but you can also spray the carpet with a safe product that the cat does not like.
Trying to relax
A cat will often lick something as a calming gesture. It may feel very comfortable and lick the carpet to relax. The pet will most likely lie down and knead it with its paws.
If your cat is licking your carpet just because she enjoys it, there is nothing to worry about (provided all her needs are met and she is not chewing on it). If you do not want her to lick your carpet, offer her something else.
Boredom
Just like people, pets get bored, so your cat may start licking the carpet for stimulation or because she feels frustrated. To entertain your bored pet, buy some new toys and play with her, or get her a “cat tree” that she can climb whenever she wants.
Behavioural problems
If a cat is worried about something, it will often lick itself and may also eat something non-food in an attempt to cope with the anxiety. This can also be a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
If your pet is feeling this way, you may notice other signs of stress:
- aggression;
- digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation;
- excessive grooming or hair loss;
- lack of appetite;
- sleeps a lot;
- looking for a secluded place;
- goes to the toilet outside the litter box.
Pheromone diffusers that emit calming scents can help in this case. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat's stress and anxiety levels.
Disease
Poor diet and malnutrition can cause a condition called pica.
Malnutrition can also occur in cats that are eating a proper diet but are unable to properly absorb nutrients due to gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory conditions, parasites, cancer, and others.
The underlying disease can be almost anything.
If your cat is feeling unwell, she may use licking as a coping strategy. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your cat is healthy.
Earlier we wrote about how to understand that a parrot is sick.
