- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Has your cat taken a strange liking to…earwax out of all things? Earwax, or cerumen, is a naturally occurring waxy substance found in our outer ear canals—and our pets’! So, why do cats like earwax? As gross as it is to us humans, our cats like earwax because it smells or tastes good, says Dr. Amy Attas, DVM, veterinarian and author of Pets and the City.
While earwax sniffing seems odd to us, it’s completely normal for cats. Plus, Dr. Attas says it isn’t harmful for them to lick or ingest earwax.
We spoke to veterinary experts to get the scoop on exactly why cats like earwax and tips on how to get them to stop licking and eating it.
3 Reasons Cats Like Sniffing & Eating Earwax
“Cats are natural groomers and often groom other animals and humans as a sign of affection and social bonding,” Dr. Attas says. This grooming behavior extends to eating and sniffing substances that come off our bodies, like earwax.
Below are a few reasons why cats like earwax:
They like the scent
Earwax contains sweat, which has a variety of proteins and fats that cats find intriguing, explains Dr. Stacie Atria, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, CVTP, owner at Lotus Veterinary Alternatives.
Because cats have a superior sense of smell, these fatty acids and proteins emit a strong scent and mimic the scent of prey or other food sources.
Dr. Attas adds that cats may also be attracted to the odor of a cat with an ear infection. So, the licking might be an attempt to remove the debris and clean them.
They like the taste
We cringe at the thought of finding earwax to be delicious. But our kitties strongly beg to differ.
Dr. Atria says that earwax has a salty, fatty taste that cats are naturally drawn to. This is similar to how they might be attracted to certain types of human foods that are salty and savory.
They’re curious and playful
It’s no secret that cats are curious. Dr. Atria says they have a grooming instinct to clean themselves and their littermates.
So, when they encounter earwax’s distinctive texture and scent, they can’t help but want to investigate it—with a lick.
Do Certain Cats Like Earwax?
Cats of all ages can lick and eat earwax. However, Dr. Atria says it’s more common in kittens since they’re more curious and playful.
Meanwhile, adult and senior cats might like earwax less as their curiosity mellows with age.
Is Earwax Bad For Cats?
There are some behaviors that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Fortunately, this one isn’t and is merely just quirky. If your cat decides to lick another cat’s or your earwax, Dr. Atria says it’s harmless.
But if they’re repeatedly licking at a companion’s ear, Dr. Attas says the other cat might have an infection. Additionally, if cats lick you too much, their rough tongue can irritate your ear canal and might give you an infection.
It’s always a good idea to consult a vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behavior changes, especially if the behavior becomes obsessive.
How To Prevent Cats From Licking & Eating Earwax
Is your cat overgrooming their companion’s ears? Or are they always on the hunt for used Q-tips? While earwax is harmless, the behavior can lead to problems later.
Dr. Attas shares the following prevention tips on how to stop your cat from licking or eating earwax:
- First, make sure that the other cat’s ears are clean and free of debris and infection. This may require a veterinary exam.
- Encourage the grooming cat to engage in other stimulating activities. These include interactive cat toys, cat videos on a TV or iPad, or puzzles.
- Use positive reinforcement when cats engage in the desired behavior to encourage more play and less grooming. Provide them with plenty of praise, treats, and pets!
If your cat is rummaging through your bathroom trash desperately trying to get to cotton balls or Q-tips, consider getting a trash can with a lid to keep them out. Additionally, keep belongings like earbuds or earplugs out of reach.
With these tips, you can keep your feline friend safe—and your earwax uneaten.
