In this article, I am going to explain why does your cat chew on your hair. I love my cat, and they are really friendly to me. But, they do have some weird behavioral problems that may surprise you sometimes.
We all know how cats can have different kinds of quirks and fixations. One of the most puzzling habits that you can observe in some of the cats is chewing your hair for no apparent reason.
However, you can’t think that all the cats have this notion of eating your hair. Cat owners have reported that their cats adopted this unnatural habit out of nowhere.
If your beloved feline has this practice as well and is bothering you, you can help them grow out of it. We will address the different reasons that could trigger this behavior and help you deal with this. Let us start from the beginning.
Why does my cat chew my hair?
Discovering the main reason behind this quirky behavior can be a tough job for any cat owner. It is possible that the cat wants your attention or showing its love for you.
However, it is also possible that your beloved feline is suffering from an underlying illness. So, we need to know the possible reasons behind this habit and address it as soon as possible.
1. Showing affection to the owner:
If your cat is chewing your hair when you are sleeping or sitting on a couch, it is most likely a way of showing affection to you.
We all know cats show their love in several ways. This unusual behavior can be another way of doing particularly that.
You have seen how cats take care of their fur. They like to keep the coat clean and free from any debris.
Your cat is probably doing the same to you because it cares about you. You need to accept this behavior and be grateful that your cat loves you so much.
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2. It is a way of stress relief:
Cats often suffer from anxiety-related issues if there has been a recent change in their schedule. It might be a new cat in the neighborhood, a new animal or human in the household, a change in their diet, or even a loud noise.
If a cat is overstressing, it will start to bite and chew its coat. It will result in loss of hair and whisker, and you need to find the source of this anxiety as soon as possible.
The cat might be chewing your hair as an extension of this problem. Do keep track of their daily activities and find the thing that is stressing them.
If you cannot figure out the reason, it is better to take the cat to a behaviorist or veterinary clinic.
3. They might like biting hair:
Your cat could be chewing your hair utterly because it loves the act, or it is pleasurable for it. Cats like toys which they can chew comfortably, and it probably chose your cat as the toy.
Biting your hair might seem natural to them, and you should not mind it as long as it doesn’t get excessive. Excessive chewing can indicate a plethora of problems, and you should consult a veterinarian in that case.
4. Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that they acquire at old age. It is one of the main concerns if your cat has developed the ailment of chewing your hair at later life stages.
When the cat reaches the age of 12 years, they start developing a condition of continuously eating. They even start to lose weight excessively.
If your old cat starts to chew your hair, you should consult a veterinarian to control the diet and lifestyle of the cat.
5. Getting attention:
Cats love getting their owner’s attention. If they do not like the amount of care they receive from their owner, they will let you know clearly.
One of the ways to crave your attention is by pulling, chewing, or biting your hair or even not leaving you alone. So, you should be attentive to their needs and love them when they show this behavior.
How to stop your cat from biting your hair?
As you have probably understood already, you should not worry about the habit of chewing hair as long as it is limited to a moderate amount.
It might be a way of showing affection. However, if the cat starts to follow this habit excessively, you need to act accordingly. You can use the following tips and tricks to mitigate this situation-
1. Actively discouraging:
One of the best ways of tackling this problem is by actively discouraging the cat from biting your hair. You can walk away from the cat as they start chewing your hair to show that this behavior is not acceptable to you.
2. Deal with anxiety:
If the cat starts eating your hair excessively, it is most likely due to anxiety or stress in their life.
You should spend sufficient time with the cat and follow a strict routine to get it back to its natural state. Giving close attention can help you deal with the problem.
3. Distract the cat:
Your cat is probably eating your hair because it likes to chew anything. In this case, gift a new chewy toy to the cat and keep it distracted. You can also train the cat regularly to give it sufficient physical exertion and mental stimulation.
4. Different hair product:
If necessary, you can even change the shampoo or conditioner to stop your cat from eating your hair. Switching to citrus-based shampoo can be a great choice as cats do not like the smell of lemon or any citrus-based product.
5. Visit veterinarian:
Your cat may have developed this chewing habit due to an underlying ailment like Hyperthyroidism or Pica. In those cases, you need to consult a vet to get started with the treatment. Both of these ailments are curable, and it is necessary to begin the recovery as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
Cats are mysterious animals, and probably we will never know why a cat is performing a particular action. While an activity may seem entirely peculiar to you, it can be a natural kitty behavior.
If your cat starts biting your hair all of a sudden, you need to accept this behavior and be happy that it likes you very much.
It is only when they perform this activity in excess; you need to be careful. In conclusion, we can say that you should always love your cat and accept their unique behaviors.
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Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.