TL;DR: Constant lip licking in cats typically signals nausea, oral pain, or stress. While usually not an immediate emergency, you should consult a veterinarian if the behavior persists or is accompanied by drooling, lethargy, or a loss of appetite.
What does it mean if my cat is constantly licking their lips?
It can be worrying to see your feline friend licking their lips over and over. In cats, this behavior is often a physical sign of nausea, oral discomfort, or even psychological stress. While it can sometimes be a simple reaction to a lingering taste or a pending hairball, persistent licking usually indicates an underlying health issue that needs professional attention.
When is constant lip licking considered an emergency for my cat?
- The urgency level is generally low if your cat is breathing normally, staying hydrated, and acting like themselves.
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours if licking is accompanied by heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, or a complete refusal to eat.
- Seek immediate emergency care if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin or is showing signs of respiratory distress.
How can a photo or video help a veterinarian triage my cat's behavior?
- Capture a quick video of the licking behavior to help a professional assess its frequency and intensity.
- Take clear photos of your cat's gums and teeth to check for visible redness, swelling, or foreign objects.
- Use this visual evidence to help the veterinarian distinguish between simple stomach upset and more serious dental problems, ensuring your cat receives the appropriate care quickly.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Constant lip licking in cats can be associated with a variety of underlying causes including oral inflammation (stomatitis, glossitis, ulcerations) due to infectious agents such as feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus. Traumatic stomatitis from plant material or fiberglass exposure, ingestion of irritant plants (Dieffenbachia), contact with processionary caterpillars, or heavy metal toxicity (Thallium) can also cause oral inflammation. Uremia can result in stomatitis and oral ulcers. Inflammation of the lips (cheilitis) may be acute or chronic and can be caused by extension of infection, parasitic infections, autoimmune skin diseases, or neoplasia. Clinical signs associated with lip licking include pawing or rubbing at the mouth, foul breath, excessive salivation, and/or anorexia. Medical management of lip fold dermatitis includes clipping the hair, cleaning the folds with benzoyl peroxide or a mild skin cleanser 1-2 times daily, and keeping the area dry.
Chapter: Pathology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 362)