My cat has been licking his lips as if he has dry
mouth. He's been doing it for a couple of days. It is new
behavior and I wonder if it is a sign that something is wrong. (Jessica Pappas, California)
Licking of lips can be an indicator of a range of different problems.
It could be a sign of mild anxiety; an allergy of some sort (especially if they are licking another area of his body);
or a sign of an obstruction somewhere in the digestive
process (he may have swallowed an object or piece of
string). In rare cases this could be a sign of something more serious such as CRI (Chronic Renal Insufficiency) where the kidneys
aren't functioning properly. CRI also includes symptoms like increased thirst/urination and nausea so is unlikely to be the cause if the only symptom.
It suggest you take your cat to the vet for a
thorough examination, especially if the licking is
accompanied by any of the other symptoms I have
mentioned.
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are only able to answer several questions per week so not everyone gets a
published answer. And, unfortunately we can't answer by email.
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Litter Box Manners
Cats are extraordinarily fastidious creatures. Outdoors they tend to
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My cat has been licking his lips as if he has dry
mouth. He's been doing it for a couple of days. It is new
behavior and I wonder if it is a sign that something is wrong. (Jessica Pappas, California)
Licking of lips can be an indicator of a range of different problems.
It could be a sign of mild anxiety; an allergy of some sort (especially if they are licking another area of his body);
or a sign of an obstruction somewhere in the digestive
process (he may have swallowed an object or piece of
string). In rare cases this could be a sign of something more serious such as CRI (Chronic Renal Insufficiency) where the kidneys
aren't functioning properly. CRI also includes symptoms like increased thirst/urination and nausea so is unlikely to be the cause if the only symptom.
It suggest you take your cat to the vet for a
thorough examination, especially if the licking is
accompanied by any of the other symptoms I have
mentioned.
