Help! My Cat Licks the Walls? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Skittles loves to lick our walls. This doesn’t happen all the time, but mainly when I groom her, since I do this on a table that is next to a wall. What does this mean?“ – Marilyn
Quick Info about Skittles
Hi Marilyn,
It sounds like Skittles has developed a little grooming routine of her own during your brushing sessions. Cats often explore textures and surfaces with their tongues, and in many cases, wall licking is simply a displacement behavior, similar to how some people hum or fidget when they are being groomed or handled. The table and wall might be creating a small corner where she feels secure, and licking could be her way of self-soothing in that setting.
That said, it is always worth considering possible medical and environmental factors. Sometimes licking unusual surfaces, called pica, can be linked to nutritional imbalances, gastrointestinal discomfort, or even dental disease. If it happens only in that specific context and not at other times, it is more likely to be a behavioral rather than a health concern. To be safe, make sure your grooming area is free of residues like cleaning agents or paint flakes, as ingesting those can be harmful. You might also try redirecting her attention with a grooming mat or a lick mat with a safe treat nearby, so she has something more appropriate to focus on while you brush her.
If you begin to notice Skittles licking walls or other non-food objects frequently outside of grooming sessions, it would be wise to mention this to your veterinarian so they can rule out medical causes. For now, keeping the grooming area safe and offering her a more suitable outlet is a gentle and effective way to manage the behavior. I hope this helps!
Best,
– Dr. Paola