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  #1  
Old July 17th, 2007, 09:35 AM
gtexan gtexan is offline
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How can I get my cat to stop licking me so much!

I have a 1 year old siamese tabby mix cat that I adopted from a local animal shelter. She's the sweetest cat, and is very affectionate. Her favorite thing to do is jump up next to you, cuddle up, start purring, and then start licking.

At first, it was adorable. I thought "she must really love me" But now its getting to be a little strange. Her licking behavior seems extremely compulsive, not loving. She prefers to lick the inside part of your elbow, but will settle for any exposed skin she can find.

She used to sleep in the same room as me, but she licks so much I could never get to sleep for more than an hour or two.

Its gotten to the point that her rough little tongue is actually really irritating my skin.

I love the affection, but I can't help but feel there is something very strange about this behavior. Is there anything I can do? I've tried for months of simply not letting her lick, but as soon as she gets into my lap its like she becomes a slave for the licking.

Thanks!
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Old July 17th, 2007, 10:04 AM
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Winston Winston is offline
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Have you addressed this with a Vet? I would be concerned about the obsession and licking would drive anyone crazy...However I read your other post and if she crys all night long to be let into the room maybe she has more issues than you know! Perhaps if you visit the vet and they determine the licking problem it may solve the crying at your door problem?

Cindy
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  #3  
Old July 17th, 2007, 10:43 AM
gtexan gtexan is offline
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actually, i have 2 cats. One licks, one meows. They are a tag team of annoying behaviors Ah, life with cats is interesting indeed!
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Old July 17th, 2007, 11:17 AM
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ancientgirl ancientgirl is offline
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Maybe she's missing something in her diet that she gets from your skin? LOL, I know that sounds odd, but I can't think of anything else. I do agree this should be addressed with your vet. Maybe there's a medical issue. If so, then some medicine or a different diet might help her stop the licking.
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Old July 17th, 2007, 11:35 AM
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want4rain want4rain is offline
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i have a cat, Hunter, that gives me a bath several times a day. very persistent too.

all of my cats are vocal but i think thats because we talk back to them.

-ashley
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Old July 17th, 2007, 11:40 AM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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You know, it does sound a bit like an obsessive compulsive disorder. I have a cat with OCD, but he licks his own belly (bald, in fact). There are some anti-anxiety drugs that can be helpful, but like others have said, a medical issue should probably be ruled out first. Good luck! In the meantime, you might just have to wear long-sleeved shirts!
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Old July 17th, 2007, 11:44 AM
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dtbmnec dtbmnec is offline
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Isn't it something to do with the salt?

Sweaty = Salty = "must lick every inch of skin I can possibly find" syndrome?

My cats would lick my friend's head when it was almost bald (he shaved it). He'd sit on the couch and you could have sworn that he had hair again

Megan
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  #8  
Old July 17th, 2007, 11:49 AM
gtexan gtexan is offline
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We did mention it to the vet once, and their response was that the cat was probably taken away from its mother too young.

Not really sure what this means, but when dealing with cats, I guess you never do!
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Old July 17th, 2007, 11:58 AM
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ancientgirl ancientgirl is offline
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Hey, maybe rub yourself with Orange juice. Cats don't like the taste of citrus. It's worth a shot!
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  #10  
Old July 19th, 2007, 09:47 PM
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I_love_mischa I_love_mischa is offline
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Cat licking!

That's really odd, but it doesn't surprise me! My friend used to have a cat that as soon as you would pet her...she'd start licking the floor nonstop! We thought it was funny but maybe theres a reason behind it..? If you ask your vet, let us know what they say...I'd be interested in finding out!

Angel
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