Have you ever seen your cat licking their paws and body and wondered what the reason is for the peculiar habit? It turns out that they don't just do it to be clean. As dedicated followers of a regular grooming routine, cats spend a lot of time making themselves look good, but this grooming behavior is also tied to your kitty's physical and emotional well-being.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws?
Paw licking is one way that cats clean themselves — distributing saliva all over their body helps them with grooming. And primping takes up a lot of a cat's time: "Cats typically spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves, says Dr. Pamela Perry, a veterinarian and an animal behavior resident of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Because evaporating saliva helps cats cool off when they're overheated, licking their paws provides the added benefit of cooling relief in high temperatures.
According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, one other reason that cats lick themselves is that licking — and grooming in general — releases endorphins, the body's feel-good hormone. It's a calming activity.
Excessive Paw Licking
If your cat is paying too much attention to their paws (or other parts of their body), it likely indicates an underlying medical issue. Instead of trying to stop the habit itself, bring your kitty to the vet, so they can identify and treat the issue behind your cat's behavior.
There are several physical and psychological issues that can lead to excessive grooming, explains the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, including:
- Allergies
- Fleas
- Dry skin
- A neurological condition
- Stress or anxiety
Causes of cat anxiety include being separated from their pet parent; environmental changes, like moving into a new home; and perceived threats, such as having another pet in the household.
Tasty Tips
Diagnosis and Treatment
Is your cat licking too much? If you think their behavior is excessive, keep a closer eye on them. Take note of when they lick their paws or other parts of their body and how long they spend doing it. Note any changes to their skin or fur, such as irritation or hair loss. Additionally, check for any signs of pain. If you notice any of these changes make sure to bring them in to their veterinarian. This information will help your vet determine whether your kitty is licking too frequently or too abrasively.
At the appointment, your vet will complete a physical exam of your cat. They'll probably run a few tests to help determine the cause of and treatment for their behavior. Treatment will vary based on what your veterinarian diagnoses, but may include skin cream or shampoos, oral or injected anti-inflammatory medicine, changes to your cat's food, flea and tick prevention medicine, pheromone therapy or environmental modifications, says Vetwest. Adding that antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine may also be an option in some cases..
Environmental modifications, or enrichments, are opportunities for your cat to get more activity and stimulation within your house. This can be as simple as feeding them using a food puzzle, providing them more opportunities to utilize their climbing instincts by installing cat trees or shelves, and having them hunt for their toys.
Your vet may also refer you to a cat behaviorist if they think that environmental or social modification could help, notes International Cat Care.
In general, your cat licking their paws isn't cause for concern. But if they show signs of excessive licking, speak with your vet as soon as possible. Together, you and your vet can determine the best treatment for your furry friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Related articles
What's Behind My Cat's Weird Behaviors?
Learn about the most unique & mystifying cat traits, as well as their meanings. From kneading to hiding, they make us appreciate being cat parents.
When Are Cats Full-Grown?
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
How to Talk to Cats (and Are They Really Listening?)
Learn tips for talking & communicating with your cat, including suggested gestures like blinking, as well as how to tell if they are actually listening.
Cat Clicker Training for Beginners
Learn the benefits of using a clicker to help train your kitten to have good habits and follow the correct behavior.
All About Feline Bartonella
Explore the signs of feline bartonella and learn if it can be transmitted to other pets or humans. If your cat is showing symptoms, learn how you can help.
How to Clean Cat Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your cat need help keeping their ears clean? Check out this guide on how to clean cat ears, from when to consider it to what to use.
Pain Relief for Your Cat: Dangerous Medications to Avoid
Know the risks of giving your cat over-the-counter pain medications, and how to properly care for their pain.
Smart Litter Boxes: What You Need to Know
Learn helpful information about self-cleaning litter boxes, including how they actually work, overall benefits, typical costs and transitioning tips.
How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Scratching Post
Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase.
Why Your Cat's Nose Is Running (& How to Help)
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
Cats & Slow Blinking: What Does it Mean?
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
IBD in Cats: What You Need to Know
Learn about IBD in cats, including differences between IBD vs. IBS, symptoms & how it's related to colitis, and steps your vet might recommend to treat it.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?
Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.
Feline Urinary Tract Diseases & Infections: Facts & Nutritional Tips
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of urinary tract disease in cats and the affect on your cat's health and well-being.
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
Choosing the best food for your cat, starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Choose the Right Kitten: What You Need to Know
Get help tips for choosing a kitten, such as personality & knowing her health history, and how to prepare for her arrival at home.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Coccidia in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
While coccidia in cats is a common infection, it's good to know the common symptoms, how it's treated and what you can do to prevent it. Learn more.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.