Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my cat lick non-food items? Could it be pica or anemia?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 11 months old | 14.5 lbs

Why does my cat keep licking the road?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2019

Licking walls and floors can also be a form of pica, as the cat is probably ingesting at least a small amount of material. One of the more serious problems that could be behind your cat's odd habit is a nutritional deficiency. Anaemia is a very common issue with cats and is often the underlying cause of pica. Have Chester seen by a vet for this.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 11 year old indoor cat who eats dry food only has started licking the legs of a wrought iron table on my screened patio. Is she missing some mineral or something in the dry food that is causing this bizarre behavior?
This behaviour could indeed be caused by mineral deficiency, as it's not likely to be because of the food in her case it could be either because of kidney failure or intestinal disease. You should take her to the vet in order to have a blood test done ASAP.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat literally licks the furniture sometimes. So my question is why? She is about 8 years old and she’s been spayed (4 or 5 years ago). She’s basically a house cat, only goes out when she has to pee or poop. And she’s been kinda hyped lately, playi
This is problem (called pica commonly) is sometimes related to anemic state or metabolic disorder (hyperthyroidism for example). Considering there is hyperactivity as well related to it I would recommend a check up and possibly a blood test to investigate further this clinical sign. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
I’ve had my cat 1 1/2 years. For the first time ever he ate his own poop and threw up. He’s been acting fine since then other than the fact that he’s started licking the wall- a lot. I have no idea what’s gotten into him today.
It's very rare for a cat to eat his own poop and the fact that he is also licking the walls make me suspect that he might be suffering from some sort of mineral or vitamin deficiency. i would recommend to take him to the vet for a checkup and in order to have a blood test done, hopefully this will help diagnose the condition.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat lick everything?
Licking can be a compulsive behavior in cats, but the answer to your question depends on whether you are talking about your cat licking himself or routine household objects. When cats lick themselves excessively, that's often referred to as "over-grooming," and it's usually in response to itchiness or pain. When cats lick objects, like the floor or furniture, it's often a sign of gastrointestinal disease, and I would look for intestinal parasites or other problems, like inflammatory bowel disease.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
I have just started letting my 6 month old kitten outside. All he does is like the patio slabs (wet or dry) I’m wondering if he has some sort of deficiency? It’s like a cow with a mineral lick!
Pets can certainly exhibit some odd behaviors. If you are feeding a commercial diet that is AAFCO Certified, it is unlikely he is suffering any deficiencies. These diets are tested and certified to meet all the nutritional needs of pets. It may be related to the novelty of the texture. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Hi, just a silly question about Tom, every once in a while I notice her licking my blanket. Not always the same one. I don't eat with my blankets so there wouldn't be any food on them. I guess I just assumed that maybe she licked something she didn'
Not a silly question at all! It may be a comfort thing, but it can be a sign of pica. I'd be more concerned about pica if she was doing it all the time, but since Tom only does it once in a while, it's likely just for comfort. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat eats every dirty object of my clothing he can and has destroyed several articles of clothing. His eating is regular and his thirst is high. Is Pica what he has or is this just a bad behavior?
Either is a possibility. I would recommend a visit with your veterinarian and possibly blood work to make sure he isn’t anemic, which is a cause of Pica. I would recommend clothes hampers with lids (I have to do this at my house too). The lidded hampers have been really helpful in preventing this behavior. I hope this is helpful! Good luck to you and Milo.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, my dog keeps sniffing and licking the ground and corners of rooms. It's kind of odd to me because the floors have been swept and mopped and it's almost like she's obsessed. She does this even after she's ate. I just got her on Saturday and I
You may want to have Sadie examined by a veterinarian. Sometimes dogs will lick the floor when they are nauseous or have an upset stomach. Ingesting non-food items like clumps or hair or dust could be a form of pica which can be a sign of anemia and related to fleas. It is also definitely possible that this is a compulsive behavior she developed at some point, but it would be best to rule out medical problems first.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 9 month old cat has been eating clumping litter. Is this a sign of anemia, pica, or what? And how much iron should my cat get daily to prevent anemia?
I would make sure you are feeding Floof a well balanced diet of cat food. If he is on this already then I would recommend trying the Breeze litter box. I would also not supplement any Iron unless you have had blood work performed that says Floof is anemic. You can get it here: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/tidy-cats-breeze-litter-box-system This system uses pellets instead of litter. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! I have a 5 year old female cat who has a strange habit of licking and gnawing the side of her mouth against things. In the past, it's been an off and on occurrence, but in the past 24 hours she is CONSTANTLY chewing on SOMETHING...anything...plas
A dental problem is possible and sometimes it can be difficult to see signs of dental disease in cats or lesions can be present below the gum line. Eating non-food objects can be behavioral, but in some rare cases it can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency or gastrointestinal disease. If this abnormal behavior continues I’d recommend having Lika examined by your vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Cat Food Cat Supplies Wet Cat Food Canned Cat Food Cat Slow Feeders & Licking Mats Puree & Lickable Cat Treats Cat Potty Training Cat Treats Cat Toys Cat Furniture & Scratchers Lickable Spoons Cat Supplies Kitty City Cat Slow Feeders & Licking Mats Lickable Spoons Cat Treats Sticky Paws Cat Training & Behavior PlaqueOff Cat Health & Wellness Inaba Puree & Lickable Cat Treats P.L.A.Y. Cat Food PlaqueOff Cat Supplies Pet Loo Cat Potty Training Iams UTI Cat Food
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored