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Biting and Licking the Back, Sides, and Paws in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE for self-injury, extensive Skin lesions, severe Itching, sudden new onset, or simultaneous aggression/"hypersensitive" reaction. RED for severe neurological signs.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

Biting and licking the back, sides, and paws in cats is a behavior that often indicates skin irritation or other health problems. It can occur occasionally, but if it becomes excessive or compulsive, it is often a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral disorder.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

This behavior can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from physical to psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. factors. One of the most common causes is a skin disease caused by parasites such as fleas or mites. These parasites can cause intense Itching, which prompts the cat to lick or bite itself excessively.

Food allergies or intolerances are another common cause. Certain ingredients in cat food can cause allergic reactions that manifest as skin irritation. These reactions often lead to Itching and discomfort, causing the cat to lick or bite the affected areas.

PsychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. factors can also play a role, especially in cats suffering from stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or boredom. In such cases, licking and biting can be a self-soothing behavior that helps to reduce stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or keep the cat occupied.

Infections, whether bacterial or fungal, can also irritate the skin and lead to excessive licking and biting behavior. These infections can occur secondary to other skin problems or be primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it..

Hormonal imbalances, such as those occurring with hyperthyroidism or hormonal disorders, can also affect skin health and cause similar symptoms. These endocrine problems can impair metabolism and skin function.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Skin redness: Visible redness on the skin caused by constant licking or biting, indicating inflammatory conditions.
Hair loss: Patchy baldness in the affected areas caused by excessive licking.
Crust formation: Formation of Crusts or scales on the skin as a result of injuries and infections.
Behavioral changes: Increased irritability or withdrawal, often in response to discomfort or pain.
Increased scratching: Frequent scratching that occurs in addition to licking and biting and increases the itching.
Unpleasant odor: A strong or unusual smell coming from the skin, indicating infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

When to see a vet?

A visit to the vet is urgently required if the behavior occurs suddenly or worsens. Immediate action should also be taken if the skin shows bleeding Wounds or severe Inflammatory conditions.

If the cat shows signs of Pain, such as avoiding touch or unusual Vocalizations, this is another reason to see a vet. These symptoms can indicate serious conditions that require immediate treatment.

A sudden change in behavior, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, in connection with licking and biting, should also be clarified by a veterinarian to rule out serious health problems.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

The pet owner should pay attention to how often and in which situations the licking and biting occurs. Close observation of which body parts are affected can also be helpful.

The vet will usually start with a thorough clinical examination to identify signs of skin diseases or parasites. This often includes using a flea comb or a magnifying glass to make parasites visible.

In some cases, it may be necessary to take skin samples and test them in the lab for infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or allergic reactions. Blood tests can also be performed to rule out endocrine disorders or systemic diseases.

The vet will also take a detailed medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. to assess possible environmental factors, feeding habits, and Behavioral changes that could contribute to the symptoms.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

At home, the pet owner can try to distract the cat from the affected areas by offering toys or attention. This can help minimize the behavior in the short term.

It is important to keep the cat’s environment clean and vacuum regularly to reduce possible parasites like fleas. Cleaning sleeping areas and blankets can also be helpful.

A balanced diet specifically tailored to the cat’s needs can help prevent allergic reactions. In some cases, a hypoallergenic diet may be necessary.

If stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or boredom is suspected as a triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats., providing additional enrichment opportunities or introducing new toys can help reduce the behavior.

It is important that the pet owner does not use any medications or topicals without veterinary advice, as this could worsen the situation or complicate the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

Outlook on current research

Current research is intensively investigating why cats show the behavior of biting and licking body parts such as the back, sides, and paws. One of the main theories is that it is a behavioral disorder triggered by stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or anxiety. Many studies focus on how environmental factors, such as changes in the living environment or the introduction of new pets, can influence this behavior.

Another area of research examines the link between this behavior and possible skin diseases or allergic reactions. Scientists analyze the biochemical processes that can lead to Itching or skin irritation to understand how these factors might triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. licking and biting. Research into allergens and their specific effects on cats is facilitated by modern laboratory technologies that allow for more accurate and faster analyses.

There are also studies dealing with the influence of diet on cat behavior. Some researchers suspect that certain nutrient deficiencies or intolerances could intensify licking and biting. By analyzing diets and the nutrient content in cat food, attempts are being made to establish correlations between nutrition and behavioral abnormalities.

In addition, the genetic component is being investigated, as some cat breeds seem more prone to this behavior than others. Researchers look at genetic markers and hereditary factors to determine if there is a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. that influences this behavior. In the long term, these studies could help improve breeding practices to increase animal welfare.

Behavioral research also analyzes how social interactions and the relationship between cat and owner can influence this behavior. Studies show that a strong bond between cat and human can have a stress-reducing effect, which in turn could reduce biting and licking. Research in this area helps pet owners develop strategies that promote the well-being of their animals.

Additionally, there are new approaches to using technology to monitor and analyze cat behavior. Wearables and cameras can continuously collect data that help researchers recognize patterns in behavior and understand how certain triggers are linked to licking and biting.

Research into the treatment of this behavior is also diverse. Scientists are testing various therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. methods, from behavioral therapies to medicinal approaches, to find out which approaches are most effective. A focus is on finding solutions that are minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. and do not impair the cats’ well-being.

Finally, attention is also paid to preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring.. By identifying risk factors and developing preventive measures, researchers hope to reduce the occurrence of this behavior. This could happen through better education of pet owners and the development of products tailored to the specific needs of cats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why does my cat constantly lick and bite its paws?

This behavior can have various causes, such as stress, boredom, or skin irritation. It is important to observe the cat's living environment and consult a vet if necessary to rule out possible health problems.

2. Can my cat's licking and biting be a sign of allergies?

Yes, allergies are a common cause of Itching, which can lead to excessive licking and biting. A vet can perform tests to determine if allergies are present and recommend suitable therapy options.

3. Should I worry if my cat licks its back more often?

Occasional licking is normal, but if it occurs frequently or compulsively, it could be a sign of a health problem or stress. A veterinary examination can help clarify the cause.

4. How can I help my cat deal with stress that causes licking and biting?

A stress-free environment, regular playtimes, and a familiar routine can help lower your cat's stress levels. In some cases, calming aids or pheromone products can also be helpful.

5. Can parasites like fleas trigger biting and licking in cats?

Yes, parasites are a common cause of Itching in cats. Regular flea prevention can help avoid this problem. If parasites are suspected, a vet should be consulted.

6. Is it normal for my cat to lick its sides more often?

While occasional licking is normal, frequent licking can indicate a problem, such as a skin disease or behavioral disorder. Consult a vet if the behavior persists.

7. Could my cat's food be affecting the licking and biting?

Yes, certain ingredients in food can trigger allergies or intolerances that lead to Itching. Switching to hypoallergenic food can be helpful in some cases.

8. How can I tell if my cat's biting and licking is caused by boredom?

If your cat has no health problems and the behavior mainly occurs when they are alone, boredom could be the reason. More toys and interactive activities can help.

9. What should I do if my cat injures itself by biting and licking?

It is important to see a veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of the behavior and begin appropriate treatment to prevent further injury.

10. Can a behavioral change help reduce excessive licking and biting?

Yes, Behavioral changes such as offering more play opportunities, changing the environment, or introducing new routines can help influence the behavior. A pet behaviorist can provide further support.