Cats are the most popular pets in the world. They are cute, cuddly, and can be great companions for humans. Feline friends are known for their unique personalities, but did you know that they also have a strange obsession with licking cement? Cat owners have asked this question. Why does my cat like to lick concrete? There are a variety of reasons why your cat might be licking the floor.
Your cat could be trying to get rid of some excess hair on its tongue by grooming it. Alternatively, cats may lick cement because they are trying to ingest sodium from the ground which will help keep them hydrated in dry climates. Why does my cat lick concrete if you have been searching for this question? Look no more because you are at the right place to get your answer!
In this blog post, we will explore what’s going on inside your pet’s mind when he or she licks concrete!
Your Cat Has Feline Pica
Feline pica is a complicated disease in which cats feel impelled to swallow or lick non-food things for a variety of unknown causes. However, not every instance of a cat licking something weird is caused by pica, and many other incidents of cat licking can be explained in various ways, as will be shown subsequently.
There are some basic solutions for your cat’s habit of licking concrete, but it’s also possible that he or she is afflicted with nutritional deficiencies, which might produce pica symptoms. Pica is usually coupled with an underlying illness, such as anemia or nutritional deficit, which can be perplexing. A concrete-licking cat may have pica as a result of anemia or another condition, to put it another way.
Some veterinarians believe that licking concrete is caused by a lack of calcium. Many cats with chronic renal disease have an excess of calcium or a calcium deficiency, prompting them to lick concrete, cement, and other hard surfaces. This, in fact, is what makes pica, a compulsive eating disorder, and this behavior is so perplexing!
There are various reasons why do cats lick concrete! They all, however, come under the category of feline pica. If you notice a sudden shift in your cat’s behavior, such as your cat licking cement or anything else, you should bring him or her to the clinic.
Concrete Is a Favorite Texture for Cats
If you’ve ever sat or lain down on your concrete driveway, you know it’s not very soothing. This is not the case with your cat since the varied texture of concrete delights him. Felines, of course, not only enjoy the feel of concrete, but they also lick it due to the surface. Cats prefer to lick smooth surfaces.
Cat tongues feature barbs that allow them to grab and pull, mostly through their hair. Despite the fact that their tongue is used for grooming, they enjoy the sensation of the rough pavement. Licking the ground feels like a tongue massage. appreciate this stimulation, and it might aid in your cat’s relaxation.
When your cat feels comfortable and secure, they may lick their surroundings as a show of their happiness. Because they are comfortable, your cat may be licking the concrete while they rest their bellies on the ground. You might have often seen your cats licking their food, toys, and coat because all of these behaviors are common in cats. They may also lick non-food items that also count in normal behavior.
Cats Control Their Temperature by Licking Concrete
Cats have a greater body temperature by nature. They can range in temperature from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and it might be difficult for them to keep their body temperature stable. Depending on the season, concrete is either hotter or colder than the ambient air temperature.
When it’s a hot day outside, concrete can keep you cool as long as it’s not directly in the sun. Your cat may lick it to help regulate the temperature in his or her mouth. Licking, together with stretching their bodies out on the chilly concrete, can be a natural cooling method.
If it’s a cold day and there’s a sunny patch of warm pavement nearby, you could see your cat licking it. The heat is preferred by them due to its feel and warmth. Because cats thrive and seek warmth, licking a patch on the pavement is a means for them to warm up.
Your Cat Is Thirsty
Cats usually lick concrete when they’re thirsty. A cat might investigate a puddle of water on the concrete floor, but if there is no water, he or she may start licking the wet concrete. Concrete has a higher moisture content than air, so licking it will help your cat get some hydration.
Cats drink 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of their body weight, so you should always keep fresh water in your cat’s bowl. Cat parents should keep an eye to notice how often my cat drinks water.
Cats Might Lick to Indicate Illness
As mentioned before, cats lick various objects as a part of their normal behavior. If your cat usually licks but all of a sudden starts licking the concrete, there might be an underlying health problem. Veterinarians believe that if your cat is licking the ground and is healthy, he or she may have anemia or another nutritional deficiency.
If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s health, take him or her to the veterinarian for a checkup. There are many reasons why cats lick concrete, and most of them are benign. It’s only when your cat changes their behavior and begins licking different surfaces that it might be indicative of a health problem. Keep an eye on your cat and if you notice any sudden changes in their behavior, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Cats May Lick Concrete to Induce Vomiting
If your cat has ingested something poisonous, one of the ways he or she may try to get rid of it is by inducing vomiting. Licking concrete is one way to do this. If your cat is constantly licking concrete and you can’t find an explainable reason for it, take him or her to the vet to see if there’s an underlying medical condition.
Your Cat Enjoys the Taste of Concrete
Although humans do not consider concrete a tasty treat, your cat may enjoy the flavor of concrete rather than its cat food. It’s tempting your cat to attempt a lick of the hard ground, whether it’s a patio slab or a driveway. Furthermore, numerous people, items, and meals may fall into the concrete, and your cat is eager to try them all.
Your buddy kitty can sniff the ground for an intriguing fragrance to try. Licking the ground may provide a satisfying flavor that cats find appealing. Some fragrances and tastes that your cat likes may be detrimental to their health. It is also considered that cats find licking other objects to be relaxing.
Cats and most other animals are looking for ethylene glycol, the primary element in antifreeze. This sweet-smelling chemical attracts your cat and can be found on your driveway from your automobiles. This chemical has the potential to poison and kill your cat, so keep an eye out for patches on your driveway and safeguard your feline buddy.
Your Cat is Trying to Get Your Attention
Although this is unlikely to be the primary reason, you’d be surprised how many cats continue to participate in a certain activity just because they love the attention they get from their cat parent. There is another major reason; if your cat licks concrete, this could be an underlying health problem. This is why your cat is trying to get your attention. You should visit the vet immediately if you see your cat licking concrete excessively.
Licking concrete or cement is no exception, and if you offer your feline friend attention every time they begin licking concrete, whether it’s because you’re smiling at them, having a conversation with them, or stroking them, your cat will quickly realize that lapping on concrete provides access to their favorite person.
Of course, this isn’t the primary cause why a cat begins licking concrete, but it may explain why cats keep doing so—particularly if there’s another positive reinforcement in the neighborhood. Since the concrete around the table tastes wonderful to a cat, they may lick it and be rewarded when you pay attention to them as they demonstrate this odd behavior.
Is Cement Dust Dangerous to Cats?
Yes, cement dust is toxic to cats. One of the benefits of cement dust litter is that it is less dusty than typical clay litter. However, if your cat already has respiratory issues, even a little bit of cement litter dust might bother him. Cement dust irritates the breathing passages of your cat, making it tough for him to breathe.
Your cat may acquire asthma, viral or bacterial infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. These conditions have the potential to permanently damage his lungs, leading to chronic breathing issues. Although cement dust may irritate your cat’s throat, it is unlikely to be the source of his respiratory issues; rather, it aggravates them.
Here Is How to Prevent Your Cat from Tasting the Ground
Keeping your cat indoors is a simple remedy to excessive licking of concrete. It may be easier to care for an indoor/outdoor cat than a pure outdoor kitty. Keeping your cat indoors will stop your cat from getting attacked by wild animals, and car accidents. Removing the outside can help lessen licking, but it may not solve the problem. If your cat has an underlying issue, eliminating the urge to lick cement will not solve it.
As previously said, getting the assistance of a veterinarian may be essential to fix the problem. Your cat may discover additional items to lick in your home, so be prepared to follow any recommendations given by your veterinarian. If the vet discovers nothing wrong with your cat, you may need to explore for external causes.
Licking concrete might be a method for your cat to demonstrate delight and contentment. However, if you want to cease the benign behavior, have something to divert their attention away from you.
Conclusion
Like many other strange feline hobbies, Licking concrete turns out to be more clever than it looks at first. While the behavior appears to be amusing, it might be an indication of feline pica, a symptom of nutritional deficiency. It might possibly be your cat’s baffling and dangerous hunt for the ethylene glycol found in antifreeze.
It is not all terrible, and a few cats might find the unique tastes, smells, and textures of concrete or cement to be intriguing. However, making assumptions is never a good idea, and if your cat suddenly begins licking concrete, you should go to the doctor right away.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q. Is cement toxic to cats?
Ans: Yes, cement is toxic to cats. If your cat ingests or inhales cement dust, he may experience a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, asthma, and pneumonia. In the worst-case scenario, ingestion of cement dust can be fatal to your cat. Keep an eye on your cat if he’s been known to lick concrete, and make sure he doesn’t eat any pieces of concrete that may have fallen off of the patio or driveway. If you think your cat has ingested cement dust, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
Q. Why is my cat licking a brick?
Ans: There are a few reasons why your cat may be licking a brick. One possibility is that the brick tastes good to your cat. Another reason could be that your cat is trying to get your attention. Licking a brick may also be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you see your cat licking a brick, take him to the veterinarian immediately for a check-up.
Q. Why does my cat keep licking the ground?
Ans: There are a few reasons why your cat may keep licking the ground. One possibility is that he’s trying to get your attention. Another reason could be that he’s trying to groom himself and is having difficulty reaching certain areas of his body. Licking the ground may also be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you see your cat licking the ground, take him to the veterinarian immediately for a check-up.