Why Is My Cat Licking Everything?

If your cat seems to be licking everything in sight, from blankets to plastic grocery bags, don’t think it’s just your cat!  While the occasional licking of items is perfectly normal, excessive licking in cats can raise red flags for pet parents. This odd but surprisingly common behavior can stem from a variety of causes, including emotional stress, dietary deficiencies, and even underlying medical conditions.

It’s important to understand what’s driving your cat to lick non-food items in order to help them feel better and live a healthier life.

Is This Licking Normal or a Sign of Something Bigger?

Cats groom themselves as a natural way to stay clean and regulate their body temperature. But when licking extends to items like your furniture, your clothes, or random household objects, it could signal something more.

Known as pica in cats, this behavior describes the act of eating, chewing or in some cases, obsessively licking, non-edible items. While it may look harmless at first, pica can lead to dangerous situations, such as ingesting string, hair ties, or other items that may block the digestive tract.

If your cat constantly licks one specific object or seeks out unusual materials like fabric, plastic, or even wood, it’s worth investigating what the reason is behind it. Not all licking is a cause for alarm, but chronic or compulsive behavior shouldn't be ignored.

What Are The Common Triggers for Excessive Licking in Cats?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to excessive licking in cats, but below are some of the most common culprits:

1. Stress or Anxiety

Just like people might bite their nails or pace the room, cats often resort to repetitive behaviors when they’re feeling anxious. Changes in your cat’s environment, like a move, a new pet, or even loud construction noises, can lead to compulsive licking. Some cats use licking as a way to self-soothe when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Cats lacking certain nutrients, such as fiber, minerals, or even certain vitamins, may begin licking or chewing on non-food items in an attempt to compensate. If your cat is eating a low-quality diet or not getting the right balance of nutrients, you may notice them licking odd textures like wool or cardboard.

3. Medical Conditions

Underlying health issues can also cause changes in behavior. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders, or even dental disease might result in a cat licking more than usual. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet if this behavior is new or increasing.

Why Your Cat Is Licking Fabric

Have you noticed your cat repeatedly licking the couch cushions, your favorite sweater, or a cozy blanket? Cat licking fabric is often associated with comfort-seeking behaviors. Some cats who were weaned too early or separated from their mother too soon may develop a lifelong habit of licking or sucking on soft materials. Cats tend to view this as a way of replicating the soothing sensation of nursing. Other cats may simply enjoy the texture or associate certain fabrics with safety and familiarity.

However, if your cat starts chewing or ingesting fabric, this could be a sign of pica in cats and may require immediate veterinary attention to prevent blockages.

Why Your Cat Licks Plastic

You may have caught your cat enthusiastically licking plastic shopping bags, wrappers, or even the corner of your laptop. As strange as it seems, this is a common quirk. So why exactly do cats lick plastic?

Plastic often has a smell or taste that cats find appealing. This can come from manufacturing chemicals, the scent of food that was previously stored in the bag, or even cornstarch or gelatin coatings used in biodegradable plastics. Some cats are drawn to the smooth, cool texture as well. In some cases, licking plastic is simply about sensory curiosity.

However, compulsive licking of plastic could indicate boredom, anxiety, or even nausea. If your cat is consistently licking plastic over toys or food, it might be time to investigate further.

When to See the Vet

While occasional fabric or plastic licking may not be dangerous, repeated or compulsive behavior should be taken seriously.

Talk to your veterinarian if:

• The behavior has suddenly increased or started recently

• Your cat is trying to eat the items, not just lick them

• Your cat shows signs of stress, vomiting, or changes in appetite

• The licking is interfering with their daily activities or your home environment

Your vet may want to rule out any underlying medical conditions, and they might recommend changes to your cat’s diet, enrichment routines, or even behavioral therapy. In more extreme cases of pica, anti-anxiety medications or environmental adjustments may help reduce the behavior.

How To Help Your Cat Break the Habit

If your cat is licking everything out of boredom or anxiety, providing mental stimulation can help. Try rotating toys, offering food puzzles, and creating more vertical space like cat trees or window perches. You can also redirect your cat’s attention with interactive play sessions or offer safe chew toys made for cats.

If fabric or plastic is the obsession, try to remove access to the tempting items whenever possible. Switch to non-toxic, non-plastic storage bags or keep laundry out of reach. For fabric-specific licking, consider offering alternatives like a fleece blanket infused with calming pheromones.

Final Thoughts

While some licking is just quirky cat behavior, too much of it can point to stress, health concerns, or even nutritional deficiencies. By identifying the cause, whether it’s anxiety, curiosity, or pica in cats, you can help redirect your feline friend toward healthier, safer habits. And as always, your vet is your best resource when it comes to understanding and managing unusual behaviors in your cat.