My cat really likes eating hair...

[iRowan]

One of my cats is addicted to chewing and eating human hair. He leaves mine alone since I've dyed it, but he eats one of my family member's hair - while it's still attached to her - all the time and it's driving her nuts! Is it something to worry about or is he just a bizarre cat? Also, what can we do to discourage him from doing it?

[AnnieBrooke]

Change your shampoo.  My cat loves my coconut conditioner, but is not fond of the flavor of my hair when I use the one that smells like chamomile.

[iRowan]

Sorry for the late reply... but thanks for the advice! The cat seems to be doing it a bit less, though he can't/won't give it up completely.

[opus88]

yes I too have had cats that like to 'lick' my hair.....grooming like ariley states is likely.
I will add that do NOT allow your kitty to eat any hair....hair doesn't dissolve in their tummies, it sits there and accumulates into a large hair mass and will block the intestines while trying to pass...its a very dangerous situation, you will have to find a way to stop kitty from doing this...gently move him away from the person he's 'grooming' and tell him NO. use a squirt bottle with water to deter if needed...never punish but you must discourage this behavior.  

[ariley13]

Hi! I also have a kitty that likes to chew on, and lick my hair. I wake up some nights with her laying on my pillow doing it! I don't know if she is 'grooming' me or what. It is kind of strange, and I don't have the answer to why, but know your kitty is not alone!