Why Is My Cat Licking Their Lips and Pawing at Their Face?
- understanding-this-cat-behavior-what-it-means – Understanding This Cat Behavior: What It Means
- top-causes-of-lip-licking-and-face-pawing – Top Causes of Lip Licking and Face Pawing
- is-it-normal-or-a-sign-of-trouble – Is It Normal or a Sign of Trouble?
- case-study-luna-and-the-unseen-allergy – Case Study: Luna and the Unseen Allergy
- what-you-can-do-at-home – What You Can Do at Home
- when-to-visit-hidden-brook-veterinary – When to Visit Hidden Brook Veterinary
1. Understanding This Cat Behavior: What It Means
Noticing your cat licking their lips and pawing face repeatedly? While the occasional lick or scratch can be normal, frequent repetition could be a sign that something isn’t right. Cats often express discomfort subtly, and facial behaviors are their way of signaling irritation, pain, or stress.
2. Top Causes of Lip Licking and Face Pawing
This peculiar combination of behaviors—lip licking and face pawing—can stem from various causes, some more serious than others:
Dental Issues: Cats suffering from dental pain, inflamed gums, or oral abscesses often lick their lips or paw at their face to self-soothe.
Allergic Reactions: Whether it's food, pollen, or flea bites, allergies can cause facial itching that triggers these behaviors.
Foreign Objects: Something as small as a grass seed or piece of food stuck in the mouth can cause irritation.
Nausea: A cat feeling nauseated may excessively lick their lips, often followed by pawing at their face in frustration or discomfort.
Neurological Problems: Though rare, nerve disorders can also lead to involuntary or compulsive face-touching behavior.
3. Is It Normal or a Sign of Trouble?
Occasional lip licking or face pawing after a meal or grooming session is typically harmless. However, if your cat does this frequently, especially when combined with drooling, facial swelling, or changes in appetite, it may be time to dig deeper. Monitoring frequency and triggers is key to understanding the underlying issue.
4. Case Study: Luna and the Unseen Allergy
Luna, a 3-year-old tabby, began excessively licking her lips and pawing at her face out of the blue. Her owners thought it was a hairball issue, but it persisted for days. A visit to Hidden Brook Veterinary revealed a poultry allergy—something as simple as switching her to a new chicken-flavored kibble had triggered the reaction. With a hypoallergenic diet and antihistamines, Luna recovered swiftly. Her story shows how subtle behaviors can point to very specific problems.
5. What You Can Do at Home
If your cat starts showing signs of face irritation:
– Check for visible irritants or swelling.
– Remove new foods, toys, or detergents that may be causing allergic reactions.
– Clean the facial area gently with a damp cloth in case of external irritants.
– Monitor behavior patterns: when, how often, and during what activity do the symptoms appear?
6. When to Visit Hidden Brook Veterinary
When in doubt, a veterinary consult is the safest route. Hidden Brook Veterinary offers thorough diagnostics to determine if the issue is dental, dermatological, or internal. Our expert team takes the guesswork out and provides both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
If your cat is licking their lips and pawing their face excessively, don’t wait. Get the clarity and care they need with a visit to Hidden Brook Veterinary—where your pet’s health comes first.
