It can be confusing and a little gross to see your cat licking the rug. While it might seem like just a “weird cat thing,” there is usually a specific reason behind it.
Here is a breakdown of why cats lick carpets and what you can do about it.
Common Reasons Cats Lick the Carpet
1. Spilled Food or Interesting Smells
Cats have an incredible sense of smell. If you recently dropped food or spilled a drink, your cat might still smell the residue. Even if the spot looks clean to you, your cat might be licking up the tiny leftover particles or salt.
2. Texture and Sensory Play
Some cats simply enjoy the way carpet fibers feel on their tongue. The rough texture of the carpet is similar to a cat’s tongue, and licking it can be a way for them to explore their environment or stimulate their senses.
3. Stress or Anxiety
Licking is a self-soothing behavior for cats. If your cat is feeling anxious due to a move, a new pet, or a change in their routine, they may lick the carpet to calm themselves down. This can eventually turn into an obsessive-compulsive habit.
4. Boredom
If a cat doesn’t have enough toys or mental stimulation, they might turn to repetitive behaviors like licking the floor just to pass the time.
5. Medical Issues (Pica)
Pica is a condition where animals eat or lick non-food items like plastic, fabric, or carpet. This can be caused by:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: They are looking for vitamins or minerals missing from their diet.
- Anemia: Some cats lick odd surfaces when they have low iron.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Licking can be a sign of nausea or an upset stomach.
How to Stop the Behavior
If the licking is constant or you’re worried about your cat’s health, try these steps:
Visit the Vet
The first step should always be a medical check-up. A vet can run blood tests to see if your cat is missing important nutrients or if there is an underlying health issue like Pica or anxiety.
Deep Clean the Area
Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors from the carpet. These cleaners break down proteins from food or pet accidents that regular soap might miss. This removes the “reward” of a tasty smell.
Increase Playtime and Enrichment
If the behavior is caused by boredom, try to keep your cat busy:
- Use puzzle feeders to make mealtime more exciting.
- Set aside 15 minutes a day for active play with wand toys.
- Provide a variety of scratching posts and climbing trees.
Use Safe Deterrents
You can apply a cat-safe “bitter spray” to the specific area of the carpet they like to lick. Most cats hate the taste and will quickly learn to avoid that spot.
When Should You Worry?
Licking the carpet once in a while is usually harmless. However, you should call your vet if:
- Your cat is also vomiting or has diarrhea.
- They are pulling out the carpet fibers and swallowing them (this can cause dangerous intestinal blockages).
- The behavior is so frequent that the cat stops eating or sleeping to lick the carpet.
