Q&A for How to Stop a Cat from Chewing on Your Hair

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Why does my cat chew on my hair?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Most cats chew hair because it gets them attention or because they find it fun. This is usually seen as playing with their owner.

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Question

Should I stop my cat from chewing my hair?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

If this bothers you, yeah. Make sure you give your cat lots of appropriate ways to play with you, like interactive toys. You can also buy some scratching posts and food puzzles to get the cat to burn their energy out.

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Question

Why does my cat try to groom my hair?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This grooming behavior is part of cat communication. Mutual grooming, such as licking your hair, can be a sign of submissive affection or a way of indicating that you belong to them!

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Question

Why does my cat bite his hair out?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Over-grooming is a common problem and it can be down to itchiness (due to parasites or an allergy) or behavioral and due to stress or anxiety.

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Question

Why is my cat ripping his hair out?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A vet check is advisable to find out if an allergy or parasites are causing itchiness. If these tests are negative, then the cat may have a behavioral problem. Some cats overgroom because it makes them feel good, in the same way that a child sucking their thumb feels comforted.

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