Does anyone elses cat like to lick pictures?
One of my cats LOVES to lick pictures. Not pictures from magazines, photos developed from film. She's 13 and has been doing this ever since she was a kitten. Anyone have any idea why? And does anyone elses cat do this?
I don't keep pictures out where she can get to them. And whenever I caught her doing it I always shooed her away. I know its not healthy. I was just wondering why she did it.
Public Comments
1. I've never heard of this, but it can't be too good for her health. Think of all the chemicals used to process film...2. yes
3. nO MACIE MY CAT DOESNT! I GUESS IT LIKES THE WAY IT TASTES
4. Yes! My cat always did that. I wonder what it is that they like the taste of? She did it right up until she died and she was 19..
5. Perhaps she likes the smell of the chemicals they use in developing. I had a dog who used to lick the bottom of the bed...I found out it was the wax I was using on the wood! I cahnged wax and she stopped.
6. Hi there...Cats who chew, lick, suck non-edibles such as photos are known to have a condition called PICA. Here's an article about PICA and how it's treated: http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html
What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.
Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.
...please consider visiting the website to learn more about PICA and how it's treated.
7. IM NOT TRYING TO BE MEAN,BUT YOUR CAT HAS PROBLEMS. IT COULD BECOME VERY VERY SICK AND DIE...
TAKE IT TO THE VET AND FAST BEFORE IT DIES!!!!!
concerned bcuz i luv catz...
TABBY CAT
8. i would stop your cat because its trying to get the toxins off it and it could kill your cat maybe today maybe tommarow maybe in 2 weeks.
9. one of my cats licks everything, walls, skirting boards, papers, desk, you name it anything. its like an obsession,that turns into habit.
10. OMG that's so cute! And no my cat doesn't do that. Oh I think your cat likes to lick people right? Your cat probally thinks that the picture if a real person?
11. Yeah I had 2 cats that licked my pictures down to the paper!!! I don't know whats in it. The vet says its an aphrodisiac to cats in the chemicals. Like a catnip thing. I did notice they felt pretty proud of themselves afterwords. I too learned to keep my photos where they couldnt get to them. Haha isnt that too weird, I thought I was the only one!!!!
12. nope
