What does it mean when a cat licks its paws?

Cat licking its paws is usually caused by various reasons such as wounds on the paws, cleaning the paws, itching caused by parasite infections, boredom, anxiety and stress, and nutrition intake. Since there are many causes for a cat to lick its paws, if the owner cannot determine the exact reason why the cat is licking its paws, it is recommended to consult a pet doctor or take the cat to a pet hospital for inspection. This will ensure peace of mind if there are no issues.

1. Wounds on the paws

If a cat's paws have wounds, it will feel uncomfortable and painful. At this point, the cat will lick its paws constantly to alleviate its pain and discomfort. Therefore, when a cat continuously licks its paws, the owner should check promptly. If the cat's paws are injured, the owner should promptly disinfect, bandage, and equip the cat with an Elizabeth collar to prevent it from licking the wound and medicine.

1. Cleaning the paws

It is well known that cats are very clean animals and spend one-third of their daily time licking themselves to clean their fur. The paws are one of the key areas they focus on cleaning. Therefore, if your cat not only licks its paws but also licks other parts of its body, it is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to worry too much.

1. Itching caused by parasite infections

A cat licking its paws may also be due to a parasite infection, causing itching and discomfort, hence the constant licking. The owner should regularly worm their cat and generally recommend an external deworming every month and an internal deworming every three months.

1. Boredom

Some cats will lick their paws when they feel bored, and they will do so diligently and meticulously. This is also one of the ways cats entertain themselves, just using it to kill time. If the cat does not repeatedly lick its paws, there is no need to worry too much, and spending more time with the cat is sufficient.

1. Anxiety and stress

If a cat keeps licking its paws and there are no inflammations or wounds on its paws, it may be licking due to anxiety and stress, using it to calm its emotions. Some cats may also exhibit howling, poor sleep, and destroying the house when they are anxious. In this case, the owner should check if there is anything around that is causing the cat stress, find the source of the cat's discomfort, and comfort the cat to ensure its mental and physical health.

1. Nutrition intake

Research shows that when a cat is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D, and its saliva can dissolve vitamin D in its fur. Therefore, when a cat licks its paws, it is sometimes actually trying to supplement its nutrition!