If your cat is licking her lips and shaking her head, these behaviors often signal discomfort or an underlying health issue that warrants your attention. It's your cat's way of communicating that something isn't quite right.
Understanding Lip Licking in Cats
Lip licking in cats, especially when frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, is a common indicator of oral discomfort, nausea, or anxiety. It's important to observe when and how often it occurs.
Potential Causes for Lip Licking
- Nausea: If your cat is licking her mouth frequently, especially if she's also not eating or drinking, it can be a significant sign of nausea. This could stem from various digestive issues, dietary indiscretion, or more serious internal problems.
- Oral Discomfort or Pain: A foreign body lodged in her mouth, such as a piece of string, bone, or plant material, can cause significant irritation and lead to lip licking as she tries to dislodge it. Similarly, a growth or mass inside her mouth could be causing discomfort. Dental issues like gingivitis, tooth resorption, or a broken tooth are also common culprits that cause cats to lick their lips due to pain.
- Dehydration/Dry Mouth: A cat experiencing dehydration may lick her lips to try and moisten her mouth.
- Taste Aversion: Sometimes, if a cat has just eaten something unpleasant or tasted a medication, she might lick her lips excessively to get rid of the lingering taste.
- Anxiety or Stress: In some cases, lip licking can be a displacement behavior related to stress or anxiety, similar to how humans bite their nails.
Deciphering Head Shaking in Cats
Frequent head shaking is typically a strong indication of irritation or pain originating from the ears or head region. Cats shake their heads vigorously to try and alleviate discomfort.
Common Reasons for Head Shaking
- Ear Infections: Shaking the head frequently is a classic symptom of an ear infection. These can be bacterial, fungal (yeast), or a combination. Other signs might include redness inside the ear, discharge (waxy, dark, or pus-like), a foul odor, swelling, or sensitivity when you touch her ear. Learn more about ear infections from reputable veterinary sources.
- Ear Mites: These microscopic parasites are a very common cause of ear irritation, especially in younger cats. They cause intense itching and a characteristic dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds.
- Foreign Body in the Ear: A piece of grass, a small insect, or other debris can become lodged in the ear canal, causing irritation and vigorous head shaking as your cat tries to remove it.
- Allergies: Both environmental and food allergies can manifest as skin irritation, including in and around the ears. This can lead to itchiness, inflammation, and subsequent head shaking.
- Aural Polyps or Growths: Less commonly, benign or malignant growths inside the ear canal can cause discomfort, leading to head shaking and other ear symptoms.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
It's crucial to consult a veterinarian if your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or accompanied by other signs of illness.
| Symptom Combination | Potential Urgency | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Licking lips + not eating/drinking | High | Immediate vet visit to rule out nausea, oral pain, or systemic illness. |
| Shaking head + ear discharge/odor | High | Vet visit within 24 hours for diagnosis and treatment of ear infection/mites. |
| Licking lips + pawing at mouth | High | Vet visit within 24 hours to check for foreign body or dental emergency. |
| Persistent, unexplained lip licking | Moderate | Schedule a vet appointment soon to investigate oral discomfort or other causes. |
| Occasional head shaking (no other signs) | Low | Monitor closely; if it becomes frequent, schedule a vet visit. |
Signs that Warrant Immediate Veterinary Care:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Visible foreign body in the mouth or ear
- Swelling or bleeding from the mouth or ear
- Foul odor from the mouth or ears
- Hiding or changes in behavior
What You Can Do at Home (Temporarily)
While you should always consult a vet for a proper diagnosis, you can take a few steps to observe your cat and prepare for the vet visit:
- Observe Closely: Note the frequency and intensity of the behaviors. Look for any other accompanying symptoms like changes in appetite, thirst, energy levels, or litter box habits.
- Gentle Visual Check: If your cat allows, gently lift her lips to check for any obvious foreign bodies, redness, or swelling. Do not try to remove anything lodged deeply or if your cat resists, as you could cause more harm.
- Check Ears (Carefully): Look for any obvious discharge, redness, or swelling around the outer ear. Again, do not attempt to clean deep into the ear canal or insert anything.
- Ensure Fresh Water: Make sure she has access to clean, fresh water.
- Avoid Self-Treating: Do not administer any human medications or home remedies without consulting your veterinarian, as many can be toxic to cats.
Licking lips and shaking the head are clear indicators your cat needs attention. A prompt veterinary examination is the best course of action to diagnose the underlying cause and ensure your feline friend receives the appropriate treatment.
