Austin Stephens
Cats licking the roof of their mouths is a common concern for owners. This behaviour can be caused by a number of factors, including a bad tooth, a stuck item, or a reaction to a smell. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an injury or constipation. It is important to monitor your cat's behaviour and seek veterinary advice if you are concerned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Cats have a secondary "nose" on the roof of their mouths, so it could be something they smell |
| Cause | It could be something they've licked, such as a blanket washed with a laundry detergent or dryer sheet with a perfume additive |
| Cause | It could be a sign of an injury or illness, such as an ear infection or fever |
What You'll Learn
Cats have a secondary 'nose' on the roof of their mouths, so it could be something they smell
Cats have a secondary "nose" on the roof of their mouths, so it could be that your cat is licking the roof of its mouth because it smells something. This could be something like a laundry detergent or dryer sheet with a perfume additive, or something else that your cat has decided to bat around, like a jalapeño.
However, it could also be a sign that your cat is feeling unwell. One cat owner reported that their cat was licking the roof of its mouth, shaking its head, and had a fever of 103.8. It turned out that the cat had a bad tooth. Another cat owner reported that their cat was licking the roof of its mouth, shaking its head, and pawing at its mouth after eating. It turned out that their cat had licked Miracle Care 7-R.
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It could be a bad tooth or a stuck item
If your cat is licking the roof of its mouth, it could be because of a bad tooth or a stuck item. This is something that a vet will be able to check for you. Cats have a secondary "nose" on the roof of their mouths, so it could be that your cat is smelling something. It could also be that your cat has licked something with a strong smell or taste, such as a jalapeño, or a product like laundry detergent or dryer sheets.
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It could be a reaction to something they've eaten
Cats have a secondary 'nose' on the roof of their mouths, so it could be that your cat is licking the roof of its mouth because it has smelled something. This could be something they've eaten, such as a jalapeño, or something they've licked, such as a blanket washed with a laundry detergent or dryer sheet that had a perfume additive.
If your cat is also shaking its head, it could be a sign that it has eaten something that has disagreed with it. If your cat is not eating, has a fever, or is vomiting, it is best to take it to the vet.
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It could be a symptom of an ear infection
There are a few reasons why your cat might be licking the roof of its mouth. Cats have a secondary "nose" on the roof of their mouths, so it could be that your cat is smelling something. It could also be a sign of an ear infection. If your cat is also shaking its head a lot, it could be trying to get rid of water in its ears. This could be a sign of an ear infection, especially if your cat has recently had mites. If you are concerned, it is best to take your cat to the vet to get checked over.
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It could be a sign of constipation
There are several reasons why your cat might be licking the roof of its mouth. One possibility is that it has a bad tooth or a stuck item in its mouth. It could also be a sign of constipation, particularly if your cat is older. Cats have a secondary "nose" on the roof of their mouths, so it could be that your cat is smelling something. This could be something like catnip, or a laundry detergent or dryer sheet with a perfume additive.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats have a secondary 'nose' on the roof of their mouths, so they might be licking it because they smell something. However, it could also be a sign of illness, such as a fever or an ear infection.
If your cat is displaying other symptoms such as shaking its head, vomiting, or not eating, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.
There are a few potential causes, including a strong smell, a bad tooth, or a stuck item in its mouth.
It's not uncommon for cats to lick the roof of their mouths, but if it's accompanied by other symptoms or persists for a long time, it's best to consult a vet.
