- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Ever woken up to your cat licking—or chewing—your hair? Chances are, they wanted some attention from you!
Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves to help keep their coats in good condition. The small spines that cover their tongues act like tiny combs, removing dirt, odors, and loose hairs. But some cats extend their grooming habits toward their pet parents. This might result in them licking your hair along with their own, especially if they’re snuggled up on you for a nap.
Your cat may also lick your hair for other reasons, beyond seeking attention. If you’d rather your cat stuck to grooming themselves, figuring out why they’re licking your hair can help find a way to redirect the behavior.
6 Reasons Your Cat May Lick Or Chew Your Hair
Not sure why your cat licks or chews your hair? These six reasons may offer an explanation.
They’re showing you affection
“Cats naturally groom other individuals they are friendly with—including you!” says Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert and consultant at Feline Minds.
You’ll sometimes notice mutual grooming, also known as allogrooming, between two cats. But some cats will also groom their human companions, and this is the most likely reason for your cat licking your hair, according to Delgado.
Licking your hair or skin is one way your cat shows affection for you, just like kneading and bringing you a dead animal or soggy toy as a gift.
They want to play
You might notice your cat tends to grab at your hair when they’re ready for some playtime. They may find it hard to resist taking a swipe at a swinging ponytail or batting a strand of hair away from your face. Once they “catch” your hair, they might even take a lick.
A cat’s play behaviors, from chasing a piece of string to stalking leaves or toys, relate to their innate play drive. Playtime also helps kittens learn important skills and gives adult cats the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive.
While some cats might play happily on their own with their favorite toys, others will prefer interactive play sessions with other cats or pet parents.
They want your attention
Most cats aren’t shy about letting their pet parents know when they want something, whether that’s food, playtime, a good brushing, or some cuddles.
A cat who wants you to notice them may come running up to you, meow, and pat your hand. But if that doesn’t work, or you’re distracted by something else, they may move on to licking or chewing your hair.
They have hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, a common endocrine disease in cats, is caused by an increased level of thyroid hormones. This condition usually affects cats over the age of 10 years.
Symptoms can include an increased appetite, weight loss, and an unkempt coat—but some cats with hyperthyroidism also lick or chew on their pet parent’s hair—though experts don’t know exactly why.
If your cat’s hair licking or chewing happens alongside other changes to their health or behavior, you’ll want to call your veterinarian as soon as possible for more guidance.
They’re trying to soothe themselves
Your cat could also lick or chew on your hair as a way to self-soothe.
Similar to the way a baby sucks on a pacifier, licking hair may help some cats feel calmer when they’re stressed or anxious. Some cats may also suck on blankets as a way to relax.
They have a compulsive need to chew
Compulsive chewing can become destructive if your cat begins to chew things like houseplants, your clothes, or your hair. It could even have serious health consequences if your cat ends up swallowing something they can’t digest, like hair or a piece of fabric.
If you frequently find your cat chewing on unusual things, a vet or cat behaviorist can offer more guidance on how to get to the root of this behavior.
What If My Cat Eats My Hair?
Cats with pica seek out non-food items to consume. Examples include cardboard, paper, plastic, wood, and even your hair.
This health condition isn’t the same thing as licking your hair, Delgado says. In fact, Delgado says, pica can be very dangerous because ingesting non-food items may lead to an intestinal blockage, which can be deadly.
She recommends talking to your vet if you think your cat could have pica.
If your vet diagnoses this condition, a cat behavior expert can help you create a plan to manage your cat’s environment and keep their stress low, Delgado says. She adds that medication may help reduce this compulsive behavior for some cats.
How To Stop Your Cat From Licking And Chewing Your Hair
If your cat’s chewing relates to hyperthyroidism, you can learn more about treatment options from your vet.
Otherwise, you can often prevent your cat from licking and chewing your hair with a few environmental changes.
“Because cats may chew out of boredom, it’s always good to make sure they have an enriching environment and give them lots of interactive playtime with wand toys,” Delgado says.
According to Delgado, it may also help to:
- Offer cat grass.
- Provide your cat with safe things to chew, like teething toys or dental treats.
- Redirect their attention to things like scratching posts and puzzle toys.
- Set up a heated pad to encourage your cat to sleep at the foot of your bed, if they like to chew on your hair at night.
Changing your hair products could also make a difference, as it could be an ingredient in your shampoo attracting your cat. Pulling your hair back or wearing a hat when cuddling with your cat will also make your hair less accessible.
Just take care to never punish your cat for this behavior, since this will only leave them more stressed. “In most cases, this is an affectionate and just mildly annoying behavior,” Delgado says. “But if your cat seems really relentless about chewing your hair, be sure to check in with your veterinarian.”