My cat licks photographs. Why??? Is there some sort of chemical on them that is tasty? My other 2 cats don't lick photographs. I have to be very careful about leaving any photos out because he finds them virtually instantly, and starts licking them. What is his malfunction?
2007-01-15 02:45:13 · 10 answers · asked by CharmedTeri 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...cats who lick, chew, suckle unusual objects or non-edibles have a condition known as PICA. This has been witnessed with cats who lick photograph, plastic bags, wool (aka wool-sucking), etc.
Here's more on PICA by UC Davis Veterinary Medicine:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html
Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.
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 see website for full details on how to treat PICA
2007-01-15 09:04:03 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I used to have a cat with the same photograph addiction. We couldn't leave pictures out because we'd find him licking or even nibbling on them. Even so, he managed to live to a ripe old age of 16. So this particular peculiarity of his didn't appear to cause him too much harm in the long run (although it's possible that it may have accounted for one or two upset tummies).
There are chemicals used in the photo development process, but to be honest i'm not real familiar with the details on what they are. You might want to go to the place where you get your photos developed and ask them about the chemicals they use.
As far as why one cat does it and the other two don't... there's no accounting for taste. These goofy little furballs who we love so dearly all have their own unique personalities and preferences.
2007-01-15 02:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by squidpiggy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes cats will start to do abnormal things like licking labels for the adhesive or the photos for the coating on top of them. They usually get out of it eventually, but for the time being, just don't let the cat eat the pictures.
2007-01-15 04:11:24 · answer #3 · answered by opengirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat who used to do that too. I don't know why they like photographs, but I do know I've heard that the chemicals are not good for them so you should try and keep the photos away!
2007-01-15 02:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by Christina 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure why but my cat used to do the same thing too. Must be the smell or taste. He would lick sand paper clean too.
2007-01-15 02:50:42 · answer #5 · answered by Fish Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hahaha anothet hilarrious bit. Whatever cats do is funny.
Photographs do have a sticky texture and a smell too actually.
Read this article, maybe you'd find it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_paper
2007-01-15 02:56:19 · answer #6 · answered by aishaaaaaa 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nicely from adventure i ought to assert I truly have spent many chuffed n hour licking someones.....err cat...in case you want why do not I come rnd n teach you methods a lot relaxing that's to have your cat licked ......:) cheeky
2016-10-31 04:00:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG!! my cat does the same thing lol its just an instict they have for some reason nobody relle knows why i think its because the photograph has a certain texture thta feels good on their tongue but idk. Its weird tho, i kno.
2007-01-15 02:53:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my cat does it too. I think they like the texture.
2007-01-15 04:49:57 · answer #9 · answered by smedrik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's a cat, they're very odd
2007-01-15 03:09:24 · answer #10 · answered by gerrifriend 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋