He never used to do that, now suddenly he can't leave them alone. I haven't changed his food or anything but I wonder if he's missing some mineral from his diet. Has anyone else had this problem?
2006-10-24 08:19:21 · 11 answers · asked by odandme 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, one of my cats is a photo licker! We can't keep any pics lying around or he will find them and start licking. He's also very susceptible to the effects of catnip. I'd say they like the taste of chemicals, or else it makes them a little high!
2006-10-24 10:05:53 · answer #1 · answered by Lee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember a couple of cats over the years doing that. (They've all gone to the great litter box in the sky now). I'm just guessing that since their senses of smell and taste are more intense than ours, it's simply something that appeals to your cat. Why does a cat lick photographs or plastic bags?
"It has been speculated that they are tasting the slight "odor" that emanates from these products. They may also enjoy the texture of the items on their tongue."
If you are using a major brand of food, maybe give occasional vitamins, and the cat has no apparent health problems, I wouldn't worry about past licking. But I'd discourage it in the future;the chemicals used to "fix" the photos, let alone develop them cannot be good for your cat. Most is certainly washed away after the "fixing" but there must be some residual.
2006-10-24 08:34:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just caught my cat licking the glass computer desk....and then the corner of the monitor....lol. They really can be very weird.
Since this seems to be an obsessive thing, I would think there's more to it than just a passing fancy. He could like the smell and/or taste of the pictures. Are they printed at home or from a professional photo lab? Because I know the ones I print at home smell a lot more pungeunt than the ones I have developed at a lab.
As far as a definite reason why, I don't think anyone here can tell you that. I'd talk to a vet about it. It could be nothing, it could be physical, or it could be mental. Some cats develop compulsive behaviors (yes, animals can develop obsessive compulsive disorder). If it's mental, the vet will be able to put him on a medication. If it's physical (like something lacking in his diet), the vet should be able to help with that, too.
Good luck!
2006-10-24 08:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Cat Does That. She Also Loves To Lick Plastic To.Your Cat Might Think She Is Looking At Someone To.
2006-10-24 08:32:19 · answer #4 · answered by mks 7-15-02 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because of the chemicals used in the process. Don't let them lick them... Not healthy. You wanna see something else toss them a tinfoil wrapper from a stick of gum. Or better yet leave a pack of extra out for them to get into. I'd watch them though... It can become a choking hazzard... but funny as hlel to watch....lol
2006-10-24 08:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by Nunya M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My one cat has a thing for plastic bags...I think it is a texture thing...I wouldn't let him/her do it though....the chemicals probably aren't good.
I also had a cat that loved to lick concrete...I wouldn't let her do it, except for what became designated as her "licking brick" because other wise I never knew what had been on the concrete previously.
2006-10-24 08:28:13 · answer #6 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has maybe discovered a taste he likes in them, my mums dog loves to lick anything metal, including the hinges on the doors, but you should be careful as there might be harmful chemicals in the photos, you could check with his vet.
2006-10-24 08:24:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cats love to lick photographs and chew the corners, they also love to chew on plastic trash bags. It may be a chemical in them, or just the smooth texture.
2006-10-24 08:24:06 · answer #8 · answered by x 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of this and I have had cats my whole life... perhaps it is the subject matter on the photographs. Is it pictures of you fishing? Or perhaps of another cat? or maybe they are pictures of a mouse or something.... hmmmm
2006-10-24 08:29:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the topic of the photos? Cats can recognize pictures, so maybe he thinks he knows something/ someone?
2006-10-24 08:24:48 · answer #10 · answered by renhoez 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋