Why is my cat licking obsessively?

[InsertUniqueNameHere]

I have a cat who is 13 years old. She does have some medical problems as well as some weight issues. She's now on a diet and is doing a bit better. However, my question has more to do with behaviors. For the past two and a half year or so she has been licking obsessively. I've read about this online and found that a lot of cats actually end up licking themselves until they're bald. With Angel though, she licks other things such as my bed spread, the couch, or even people. I swear she is half dog!

When reading on this I've found that cats can have OCD just like us. I have OCD myself so I understand a bit about it but I don't know much about it in the animal world. If this is OCD, how can I ease her mind a bit more so that she doesn't have the need to lick? Could this be a medical issues or is it most likely mental? I would like her to stop since I live in a very humid area and she tends to lick large spots on my blanket which then creates mold. For a couple years now, all I've really been able to do is firmly say her name and maybe tap her on the shoulder. I can tell she knows what she's doing is wrong because she will TRY to be sneaky about it and look at me out of the corner of her eye to make sure I'm not watching. When she realizes I'm watching she then stops and looks at me with that adorable guilty look on her face.

Basically my question is, what could I do to help her feel better and to help her stop? I sort of feel like there are times that she licks that she really can't control and that's one thing. Other times though, it seems as if she's doing it because she can. I thought it could be about needing more attention but I'm chronically ill and stuck in bed all day with her. She'll also do it when I'm at physical therapy or a doctor appointment when I'm not home so I just don't understand what the reason behind it is.

Have any of you ever had the same experience with their furry family member?
Thanks ahead of time!

[3lli31234]

My 8 year old cat does this she literally licks anything that is infringement of her she licks her self and cleans her self constantly her behaviour is the same but I'm just worried about what she licks I just want to know if she is ok can anyone help ??

[opus88]

its a room spray or in a diffuser that just omits a slight mist, you DO NOT put it on her just spray a bit in the room ....its completely nontoxic... and she wouldn't be drinking it or licking it..no worries:)

[InsertUniqueNameHere]

This sounds amazing! Does it say anywhere that it's toxic or shouldn't be ingested? Obviously I wouldn't want her drinking it, but because she has a 'licking' issues I wouldn't want her to be licking it everywhere if it's not safe for her.

Thank you for your answer!

[opus88]

excellent suggestion....I believe the spray you are referring to is called FELIWAY, its avail thru amazon or any good pet store and many Vet clinics..also comes in a room diffuser...

http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-Feliway-Diffuser-separately/dp/B004HFNE4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1368997581&sr=1-5&keywords=feliway+spray

[MYoungAtHeart]

My 3 year old has a form of OCD with scratching, after being treated successfully for fleas and ticks, she still scratches when she is stressed or hungry.

My vet sold me a calming spray that I can spray on the blankets or sheets
or her pillow.  There was also a wall unit that spritzes a bit of the calming spray into the air and that is next on my list of things to purchase.

The can of calming spray actually works very well and does not have an obtrusive or bad smell for my nose either.  I can barely smell it, but it must be phermone based for it to work for my kitty....

Good luck and I hope you can find the spray.  I am out at the moment and cannot think of the name.  

M

[BluCrystal]

Hello!  I know a bit about animals since my 8 year stint working for a vet.  You cat's behavior is neurological.  And it is a form of OCD.  Sounds as if she has a severe case.  But animals react differently to mental issues than humans.  It is very important for you to not compare your cat with human behavior.  She is a CAT.  And she licks.  Everything.  If this were my cat, I would try freezing some chiken broth or tuna juice into some ice cubes, Then offer them to her one at a time (in a bowl so she doesn't make a mess) and allow her to lick it to her heart's content.  If  that didn't work, I would go looking for something acceptable that she likes to lick and allow her only that item to lick.  All other items would receive a water-squirt or another non-violent way of stopping her, and immediately take her to/offer her the item she is allowed to lick.  I hope this is helpful.  Blessings for you and your kitty - Blu

[opus88]

hi and welcome, while excessive licking of themselves is usually attributed to a food allergy...and chewing/eating of objects can be a condition called PICA.

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/unusual-cat-cravings

OCD isn't really common but it does exist, it can also be  related to some medical issues. heres is a site for more reading.

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_compulsive_disorders#.UZd9cpyE704