Why Does My Cat Chew on My Hair? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

Have you ever been cuddling or cradling your cat when they start chomping on your hair? While this behavior may not be that bothersome, it could raise some questions. Is it normal for felines to chew on hair? What are the reasons behind this odd behavior?

Kitties are complex creatures and display many mind-boggling behaviors. To help you better understand your cat’s craving for hair, we’ve compiled an extensive list of reasons for this behavior, including some ways to discourage it.

The 6 Reasons Why Does Your Cat Chew on Your Hair

1. Playing and Affection

Some cats will chew your hair, as well as try to nibble your face and hands, simply because they are young and playful. Long hair especially is very attractive to kittens and they may see it as an inviting toy when it’s hanging loose and moving unpredictably. Other cats will try to show their affection for their owners by chewing their hair and giving them gentle love bites, or kneading on the top of their head. Some cats will just like the taste or texture of your hair or the smell of the shampoo you used recently, while the way your hair moves may initiate their hunting instinct.

2. Seeking Attention

If your cat prefers to chew your hair early in the morning, the explanation may be simple. They’re hungry. Some cats will meow, follow you around persistently, rub against your legs, or jump up on you while you’re sleeping, trying to nibble you and chew your hair if they think it’s time for breakfast.

3. Self Soothing

Anxious cats may chew or bite your hair to alleviate their stress or anxiety, especially if they are very closely bonded with you. Indulging in this habit enables your pet to deepen the strong bond you two share, as well as acting as a soothing mechanism. If you notice your feline friend munching on your hair, they may be trying to self-soothe. Other signs of stress in your kitty may include increased vocalization, hiding, changes in appetite, toileting issues, overgrooming, and more. Consult your vet if your cat is showing any of these signs.

Moreover, cats that were weaned too early may exhibit various suckling behaviors. Suckling on your strands of wool may be the feline equivalent of a human toddler sucking on their thumb.

4. Grooming

In the wild, cats that are part of a community will spend large amounts of time grooming each other. Grooming behaviors include snuggling, biting, and licking. If you’re spending some quality time on the couch with your feline friends, they may start chewing your hair in an effort to “groom” you. It is their instinctual way of saying they love you.

5. Possible Health Issues

Although this is not as common, sometimes cats that are suffering from various health issues may start eating or chewing your hair. Gastrointestinal problems, dental disease and oral pain, health conditions that increase appetite such as hyperthyroidism and many others, may cause changes in your cat’s behavior and appetite, as well as signs of pain. Schedule an appointment with your vet right away.

6. Pica

Pica is a medical syndrome where pets consume items that aren’t edible. If you notice your cat snacking on your hair, the carpet, or dirt, they may have pica. Speak to your vet to get to the bottom of this issue.

Tips for Stopping the Hair-Chewing Behavior

Hair chewing can be annoying for you and dangerous for your pet. Here are some steps you can take to discourage this behavior:

• Determine the Cause: Is your kitty showing you affection, or is their hair chewing a sign of an underlying medical condition? Schedule a vet appointment to find the root of her behavior.
• Reduce Stress: Stressful cats are more prone to chew on hair. Reduce your cat’s anxiety by stocking up on cat-calming pheromones, sticking to the same daily routine, enriching their environment, and spending quality time with your pet.
• Move Away: If the behavior isn’t medically related, discourage your cat from chewing your hair by immediately distancing yourself from them once they start to chew. For this strategy to be successful, you must act swiftly and consistently. After a few weeks, your cat will get the picture.
• Switch Hair Products: Try using a certain-scented shampoo or hairspray to dissuade your cat from chewing your hair. Felines turn up their noses at citrus-scented products, so opt for hair products that smell like lemon.
• Distract Them: To get your pet to leave your hair alone, give them something else to chew on. Offer them treats, toys, or cat grass. However, avoid constantly giving your cat treats as it may lead to weight gain.

The Bottom Line

If your cat is constantly chewing on your hair, they might be exhibiting a sign of an underlying health condition. Take them to the vet to rule out any potential health issues. If your feline is simply displaying signs of affection, you can discourage the behavior by distracting them or distancing yourself.

Figuring out the cause of your kitty’s weird behavior can help you detect potential health concerns and put an end to the hair chewing once and for all.

Check out some of our other interesting cat behavior posts:

• Why Does My Cat Lick the Wall? Reasons for This Behavior

• Why Does My Cat Eat My Hair? Reasons for This Behavior

Featured Image Credit: lenina11only, Shutterstock