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Cat Licking Lips – 13 Possible Reasons for This Behavior

It’s the most cute scenario – your kitty is sitting in your lap, looking up at you with those big eyes, and giving her little pink tongue a good lick of her lips. But excessive lip licking in cats can be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Almost every cat owner has witnessed their feline friend licking their lips from time to time. But if your cat is excessively licking her lips, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In this article, I’ll explore 13 possible reasons for why your cat might be licking her lips excessively, and what you can do about it.

13 Possible Reasons For A Cat Licking Lips

13 Possible Reasons For A Cat Licking Lips

If you notice your cat suddenly licking their lips a lot, it could be due to any number of things. Most of the time, lip licking is a sign that your cat is feeling stressed or anxious about something.

Here are thirteen possible reasons why your cat might be licking their lips:

1. Grooming (self-care)

Every cat owner knows that cats love to groom themselves. It’s one of the reasons they’re always so clean and well-kept. When cats groom themselves, they often lick their lips as part of the process.

According to The Spruce Pets, self-grooming is one of the most common reasons why cats lick their lips. If your cat is licking her lips after she’s been grooming herself, there’s no need to worry. This is perfectly normal behavior.

2. Anxiety or Stress

Anxiety or stress can cause cat licking of her lips

As we mentioned, one of the most common reasons for lip licking in cats is anxiety or stress. If your cat is feeling anxious about something, she may start licking her lips as a way to calm herself down.

There are a number of things that can cause stress in cats, including loud noises, changes in the home (like a new pet or baby), and even changes in the weather. If you notice your cat licking her lips when there’s been a change in her environment, it’s likely that she’s feeling stressed.

3. Nausea or Motion Sickness

Another common reason for lip licking in cats is nausea or motion sickness. If your cat starts licking her lips while you’re driving, it’s possible that she’s feeling car sick. According to VCA Hospitals, some cats start to feel nauseous when they’re in the car, and will lick their lips as a way to soothe their stomach.

If your cat is feeling nauseous, you may also notice her yawning or drooling more than usual. If your cat is licking her lips and showing other signs of nausea, it’s best to talk to your vet. They can prescribe medication to help ease your cat’s motion sickness.

4. Pain or Discomfort

Sometimes, lip licking can be a sign that your cat is in pain or discomfort. If your cat starts licking her lips while you’re petting her, it’s possible that she’s experiencing pain in that area. According to PetMD, some cats start licking their lips when they’re in pain as a way to self-soothe.

If you think your cat is licking her lips because she’s in pain, it’s best to take her to the vet. They can help determine the cause of your cat’s pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

5. Hunger

Another common reason for lip licking is hunger. If your cat starts licking her lips while you’re cooking, it’s likely that she’s feeling hungry and smells something tasty.

Cats usually eat small meals throughout the day, so if your cat is suddenly licking her lips a lot, it could be a sign that she’s not getting enough food. If you think your cat is licking her lips because she’s hungry, talk to your vet about increasing her food intake.

6. Thirst

Thirst can cause cat licking of her lips

Lip licking can also be a sign of thirst. If your cat starts licking her lips while you’re drinking water, it’s likely that she’s thirsty and wants a drink.

Cats need fresh water to stay hydrated, so if your cat is licking her lips and doesn’t have access to water, it’s important to give her some as soon as possible. If you think your cat is licking her lips because she’s thirsty, make sure she has plenty of fresh water available at all times.

7. Allergies

Another possible reason for lip licking is allergies. If your cat starts licking her lips after coming into contact with something she’s allergic to, it’s possible that she’s trying to get rid of the allergen.

According to The Spruce Pets, some common allergens for cats include pollen, dust, and certain types of food. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of an allergy, it’s best to talk to your vet. They can help you identify the allergen and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

8. Respiratory Infection

Another possible reason for lip licking is a respiratory infection. If your cat starts licking her lips after sneezing or coughing, it’s possible that she has a cold or other type of respiratory infection.

According to PetMD, some other signs of a respiratory infection in cats include runny nose, watery eyes, and fever. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of a respiratory infection, it’s best to take her to the vet. They can prescribe medication to help ease your cat’s symptoms.

9. Oral Infection

Thirst can cause cat licking of her lips

Another possible reason for lip licking is an oral infection. If your cat starts licking her lips after eating or drinking, it’s possible that she has an infection in her mouth.

There are different types of oral infections that can affect cats including gingivitis, stomatitis, tooth resorption, and oral tumors.

  • Gingivitis: This is the most common type of oral infection in cats. It’s caused by inflammation of the gums and can lead to bad breath, drooling, and pawing at the mouth.
  • Stomatitis: This is an inflammation of the mouth and can be caused by different things including bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Symptoms include drooling, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth.
  • Tooth Resorption: This is a condition where the tooth enamel starts to break down. It can be painful and lead to infection. Symptoms include drooling, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth.
  • Oral Tumors: This is the most serious type of oral infection and can be cancerous. Symptoms include drooling, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth.

If you suspect your cat has an oral infection, it’s important to take her to the vet as soon as possible. They can diagnose the infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment. A statistics shown that older cats are more prone to having an oral infection.

Sometimes, the condition is easy to treat, and sometimes, it may require more intensive treatment, such as surgery. For future prevention of oral infection, you can try giving your cat oral hygiene products designed specifically for cats.

Regular brushings with a cat-safe toothpaste can also help prevent oral infections. To make this journey easier for your cat (and you), start brushing your cat’s teeth when she’s a kitten.

The most important factor in dental health is the food you feed your cat. If you feed your cat a diet of dry food, it’s important to supplement with wet food or give her treats that help clean her teeth.

10. Kidney Disease

Another possible reason for lip licking is kidney disease. If your cat starts licking her lips after urinating, it’s possible that she has a kidney infection or other type of kidney problem.

According to VCA Hospitals, some other signs of kidney disease in cats include increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of kidney disease, it’s best to take her to the vet. They can prescribe medication to help ease your cat’s symptoms.

11. Diabetes

Diabetes can cause cat licking of her lips

Yes, even cats can get diabetes. If your cat starts licking her lips after eating, it’s possible that she has diabetes.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), some other signs of diabetes in cats include increased urination, increased thirst, and weight loss. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of diabetes, it’s best to take her to the vet. They can prescribe medication to help regulate your cat’s blood sugar levels.

12. Cancer

Another possible reason for lip licking is cancer. If your cat starts licking her lips after a sudden change in appetite or weight, it’s possible that she has cancer.

According to PetMD, some other signs of cancer in cats include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of cancer, it’s best to take her to the vet. They can prescribe medication to help ease your cat’s symptoms.

13. Ptyalism

Finally, another possible reason for lip licking is ptyalism. Ptyalism is also known as “drooling” and it can be caused by a number of different things.

For example, ptyalism can be caused by anxiety, nausea, or even something as simple as eating too fast. If you think your cat is licking her lips because of ptyalism, it’s best to talk to your vet. They can help you determine the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Cat Licking Lips and Not Eating

Cat Licking Lips and Not Eating

If your cat suddenly starts licking her lips and doesn’t seem interested in eating, it could be a sign that she’s not feeling well.

While there are many possible causes of this behavior, some of the most common include gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, and stress. If your cat is licking her lips and showing other signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to take her to the vet right away.

Gastrointestinal issues can quickly lead to dehydration, so prompt treatment is essential. If your cat’s symptoms are milder, it’s still a good idea to have her checked out by a vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

In some cases, cats lick their lips when they are feeling stressed. If your cat seems otherwise healthy but is exhibiting this behavior, try to identify any changes in her environment that could be causing stress.

Common sources of stress for cats include moving to a new home, the addition of a new pet or baby to the family, or even rearranging the furniture in their home. If you can identify the source of your cat’s stress, you can take steps to reduce it and help her feel more comfortable.

Cat Licking Lips A Lot and Vomiting

Cat Licking Lips A Lot and Vomiting

When a cat licks its lips a lot and then vomits, it’s usually due to an issue with the digestive system. The most common causes are gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and liver disease.

Cats with these conditions typically have other symptoms as well, such as diarrhea, poor appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain. If your cat is displaying any of these signs, please take it to the vet for an evaluation.

Treatment will vary depending on the underlying condition but may include antibiotics, pain medications, and/or special diets.

What To Do When A Cat Keeps Licking its Lips?

What To Do When A Cat Keeps Licking its Lips

If you notice that your cat is licking her lips more than usual, it’s important to take action. The first thing you should do is take note of any other changes in your cat’s behavior.

For example, has your cat started urinating more often? Or has she been coughing and sneezing a lot? These changes can help you narrow down the possible causes of lip licking.

Once you’ve ruled out any medical conditions, you can start to look at other potential causes, such as anxiety or stress. If you think your cat is licking her lips because she’s anxious or stressed, there are a few things you can do to help ease her symptoms.

For example, you can try giving her a toy to play with or adding a cat tree to your home. You can also try using pheromone diffusers or sprays to help calm her down.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your cat’s anxiety, it’s best to talk to your vet. They can help you figure out the root of the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The Summary

I hope now you have a better understanding of why your cat might be licking her lips and what you can do to help. Remember, if you’re ever worried about your cat’s health, please consult your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice for your specific situation.

Did you ever find out why your cat was licking her lips? Let us know in the comments below!

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