Cats sometimes lick or chew on human hair as a sign of affection, like caring for their own feline sibling. This behavior can also be the result of stress or health problems, or it may be that the kitten was weaned too early. You may like the feeling but also don't want your hair to be messed with by cat saliva. Learn why cats are so attracted to your hair. Then, you can take the appropriate steps to get rid of this behavior.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Determining the Cause
Step 1. Notice if this behavior is normal
If your cat regularly licks and chews your hair in small or moderate amounts, this behavior is considered "normal" for the cat. It can be a sign of affection or a way for the cat to mark you as its own. There's nothing to worry about although this behavior can be annoying and you'll want to do something about it.
- Grooming is an important part of a cat's social and emotional life from the moment it is born. Just like when a cat licks another cat to show affection, your cat can lick its hair to show that it loves you.
- Cats can also smell you in order to signal that you are part of their territory or group.
Step 2. Observe the stressful situation
Cats often initiate their licking behavior during stressful times, for example as a result of moving, or when a new pet is introduced to the household. Notice if any major changes have recently occurred that have resulted in (or increased) hair-licking behavior.
- Do not raise your voice or use physical force to stop licking or chewing your hair. This will only increase the stress level felt by the cat.
- Keep in mind that what a cat perceives as stressful may not necessarily be what you think it is. Try to think from the cat's perspective to determine the cause of stress. Common things that cause cat stress are the arrival of guests, listening to family members argue, barking loud dogs around, or seeing other cats through the window without being able to approach them.
Step 3. Take the cat to the vet
If this behavior is constant or you are unable to prevent the cat from licking or chewing by engaging it in other activities, the behavior is considered compulsive and requires a veterinarian examination. In certain extreme cases, mood-altering drugs such as Prozac or clomipramine can help stop the compulsive behavior.
If this behavior begins when the cat is an adult, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. It occurs in 30% of cats aged 10 or older and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Treatment can reduce these behaviors. Otherwise, continue to reduce this behavior until the hyperthyroidism in the cat has resolved
Part 2 of 2: Reducing Behavior
Step 1. Move away from the cat when it tries to chew on the hair
If you're in the same place or petting and talking to your cat as it chews and licks its hair, you're sending a signal that this behavior needs to be done. Instead of doing that, get up and leave the area.
- If you are in bed, you can position your head under the sheets to avoid cats. You can also place a pillow between your cat and yourself (though he can jump on the pillow).
- Remain consistent in reducing behavior. For this strategy to work, you need to block the chewing behavior of every cat that starts to approach the hair. You also have to act quickly. Inconsistent responses (sometimes letting the cat lick their hair and sometimes not) will only confuse the cat.
- It can take weeks or maybe even months for your cat to understand, but eventually he will understand that licking or chewing hair is not acceptable to you.
Step 2. Provide a distraction
One of the best ways to get your cat to leave your hair is by giving her something else to chew on, such as toys, food, cat grass, or even bones. Physical activity and mental stimulation are good distractions and won't cost you a dime. These activities can be done through playing activities with you.
- Five to ten minutes of activity a day is considered sufficient to eliminate unwanted cat behavior by reducing anxiety. You can also use a laser beam or a fur wand to make the cat move.
- While food can be a good distraction, be careful not to overfeed your cat. This can lead to weight gain and health problems.
- Always make sure that the toys provided for your cat are safe and will not cause them to choke.
Step 3. Help the cat relieve stress
If stress is the cause, try to find ways to help your cat get rid of the situation that is causing the anxiety. For example, providing a safe space complete with familiar items can reduce the stress of living in a new home, while spending time together can help relieve anxiety caused by the arrival of a new friend or baby.
- You can eliminate certain causes of stress. For example, if your cat licks or chews hair because he sees a cat through the window, close the blinds so he can't see other animals.
- You can also purchase cat pheromone products which are available in the form of cloth, spray, necklace and diffuser. These chemicals can mimic the pheromones a happy cat releases, which can help a troubled cat deal with things that are out of her or your control.
Step 4. Change hair care products
If your hair licking and chewing behavior persists when you use a certain scented shampoo or use a certain hair spray, stop using the product and try a new one. If possible, choose an unscented product or find a scented product that cats don't like.
Cats tend to dislike citrus-scented products. That's why you can try citrus-scented hair care products to keep cats away
Tips
- If your veterinarian is unable to determine the cause of your hair-licking and chewing behavior and can't provide a solution, they may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
- The first thing a kitten experiences is when the mother cat cleans the kitten's hair with her tongue. On the one hand, when a cat walks into your hair, it shows that it accepts you as a cat friend.
