You’re petting your cat, enjoying a quiet moment together, when you see it. Your feline friend is licking your arm or their own paw and suddenly starts chewing on a loose strand of hair. It seems so strange and leaves you wondering, why on earth would they do that? While it might look bizarre, this behavior is more common than you might think.
Cats are complex creatures with instincts and behaviors that can sometimes puzzle us. Eating hair, whether it’s their own, yours, or even from a hairbrush, can stem from a few different reasons. Some are perfectly normal, while others might be a sign that your cat needs a little extra help.
Is It Just a Quirky Grooming Habit?
Often, hair-eating starts with grooming. Cats are fastidious cleaners, and their tongues are designed to catch loose fur. Usually, this fur is swallowed and passes through their system or is vomited up as a hairball. Sometimes, a cat might simply get a little overzealous and start chewing on longer strands they find, treating it like a normal part of their cleaning routine. It can be a harmless, if odd, habit.
When It Might Signal a Deeper Issue
If your cat is actively seeking out and consuming large amounts of hair, it’s time to pay closer attention. This behavior can sometimes be a sign of pica, which is the consumption of non-food items. Pica can be driven by factors like nutritional deficiencies, where your cat is trying to find missing nutrients. It can also be a symptom of underlying medical problems, such as anemia or digestive issues, so a veterinary check-up is a very good idea.
Could Your Cat Be Bored or Anxious?
Don’t underestimate the power of a cat’s mind. A lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to boredom, and some cats develop compulsive behaviors like hair-eating to cope. Similarly, stress or anxiety from a change in the household, a new pet, or loud noises can trigger this behavior. It becomes a self-soothing action, much like a person biting their nails.
How You Can Help Your Furry Friend
If you notice this behavior, first schedule a visit with your vet to rule out any medical causes. Once you get the all-clear, focus on environmental enrichment. Provide interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and schedule regular play sessions to combat boredom. For cats that seem stressed, creating safe, quiet spaces and using calming pheromone diffusers can make a big difference. Regular brushing also helps reduce the amount of loose hair they encounter during their own grooming.
Seeing your cat eat hair can be unsettling, but it’s often a behavior that can be managed. By observing your cat closely and working with your vet, you can address the root cause and help your companion feel their best, leaving the hair where it belongs.