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- Written by:Jana Blagojevic
Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by Catster Editorial Team
Like any other devoted pet owner, you’ve probably spent hours staring at your cat and studying its every move. No doubt—cats are unique and fascinating beings, and they exhibit some very strange behavior. You surely noticed your lovely furry feline friend smacking their lips occasionally. Is this a weird ritual they have, or is it a reason for worry? Lip-smacking is usually an entirely harmless behavior that cats exhibit right after a delicious meal or during a cuddle. However, there are certain situations when lip-smacking can point to severe medical conditions.
Read more on this topic below to find out all the possible scenarios when a cat might smack their lips and whether you should be worried.
Click to Skip Ahead:
- Causes of Cats Smacking Their Lips
- When Should You Worry?
The 4 Possible Causes of Cats Smacking Their Lips
Every cat owner will notice their cat’s small daily rituals and most of the time, these rituals are entirely normal. Lip-smacking is a normal routine a cat occasionally enjoys. Below you can find some common reasons a cat may smack their lips, most of which are usually harmless.
1. After a Meal
As you’ve probably noticed, dogs and cats absolutely adore showing you how delicious their meal was by grooming themselves afterward. This ritual includes smacking their lips and licking their gums to remove leftovers. The cat will usually lick the fur around the lips, gums, and teeth as a regular grooming ritual after each meal, so a little lip-smacking is nothing to worry about.
2. During Petting
Cats have a habit of licking themselves and smacking their lips when they are content. These feelings are most likely to appear when petting or cuddling your cat, so if you see the cat licking itself, don’t worry about it. This is the cat’s unique way of communicating how content and appreciative they are of all the attention received.
3. Dental Issues
Many unavoidable health complications in cats come with old age, such as dental diseases. While plaque and tartar are undesirable conditions, they are not entirely unexpected in older cats. They can cause bacteria to develop, and you can expect your senior cat to do a lot of lip-smacking and licking if they have an oral issue causing excessive drooling.
4. Bad Taste
Since cats are natural predators, they may find insects and strange plants they’ll want to play with and nibble on, so it’s not uncommon for them to stumble upon a bad-tasting plant with a strong flavor. This unpleasant experience can cause the cat to produce more saliva and smack their lips. This is typically harmless—as long as the plant they’re chewing on is non-toxic—and it’s the cat’s way of dealing with an unpleasant taste in its mouth. Of course, it’s best to avoid letting your cat chew on any plants, no matter their toxicity.
When Should You Worry?
While we’ve mentioned the most common causes of cats smacking their lips, there are some moments when lip-smacking can be a cause of worry. Usually, when the cat smacks their lips excessively and is accompanied by other strange behavior, you may need to see your local veterinarian for some advice.
Stress
Stress has one of the most harmful effects on your pet’s body. When your cat is stressed, you will notice many clear symptoms, such as vocalization, agitation, and aggressiveness. Sometimes, the stress in cats can be very subtle, with only a few signs. Excessive drooling, swallowing, and lip-smacking can sometimes be a clear sign of a stressful situation for cats. If you notice this behavior, try to remove the cause of the stress or remove your cat from the stressful situation.
Nausea
Feeling nauseous is a common reason for lip-smacking in cats because of the excess saliva their body produces. When you know your cat has stomach problems, you can expect to notice them smacking their lips. While stomach problems are not normal, they are not always a cause of worry and can happen due to hairballs or changes in diet. However, if there is repeated lip-smacking, it’s time to speak with your vet.
Final Thoughts
Cats smacking their lips is usually an entirely normal reaction to something they’ve eaten or a simple expression of satisfaction. The cause for this behavior can be as simple as a delicious meal or as complex as an underlying medical condition. Acquiring all the information you need will be valuable, as you can rule out any potential risks of quickly finding out that your cat is simply grooming itself.
If you are still unsure and worried, you can always take your cat for a checkup at the vet.
Featured Image Credit: Karina Chilanti, Shutterstock
- 1 The 4 Possible Causes of Cats Smacking Their Lips
- 1.1 1. After a Meal
- 1.2 2. During Petting
- 1.3 3. Dental Issues
- 1.4 4. Bad Taste
- 2 When Should You Worry?
- 2.1 Stress
- 2.2 Nausea
- 3 Final Thoughts
About the Author
Upon completing my degree from the College of Fine Arts, I embarked on a quest to find a platform to manifest my wild imagination. It was then that I discovered my passion for content writing, which swept me off my feet. As a freelance writer, I am always on the move, with an adventurous and restless spirit that propels me forward. When I am not typing away in my cozy writing nook, I spend my time honing my skills as a sculptor, painter, and woodworker in my workshop. Writing has become my primary medium of expression, and I plan to nurture this passion further, using it as a conduit for my never-ending creativity.
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As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including the concepts mentioned in the article "My Cat Is Smacking Their Lips, What’s Wrong? Vet-Approved Reasons & Advice" by Jana Blagojevic. I can provide information related to the causes of cats smacking their lips and when you should be worried. Let's dive into the details!
Causes of Cats Smacking Their Lips
Cats may smack their lips for various reasons, most of which are usually harmless. Here are some common causes:
1. After a Meal: Cats often groom themselves after a meal, and this grooming ritual may include smacking their lips and licking their gums to remove leftovers. It's a normal behavior and nothing to worry about.
2. During Petting: Cats may lick themselves and smack their lips when they are content, especially during petting or cuddling. It's their way of expressing satisfaction and appreciation for the attention received.
3. Dental Issues: Older cats may develop dental diseases, such as plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth. This can cause excessive drooling and lip-smacking as the cat tries to alleviate discomfort. If you suspect dental issues, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Bad Taste: Cats are natural predators and may come across insects or plants with strong flavors that they want to play with or nibble on. If they encounter something with an unpleasant taste, it can cause them to produce more saliva and smack their lips. This behavior is typically harmless, as long as the plant they're chewing on is non-toxic. However, it's best to prevent cats from chewing on any plants, regardless of toxicity .
When Should You Worry?
While lip-smacking is usually harmless, there are situations when it may be a cause for concern. If your cat exhibits excessive lip-smacking along with other strange behaviors, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian for advice. Here are two potential reasons for concern:
1. Stress: Stress can have harmful effects on a cat's body. Excessive drooling, swallowing, and lip-smacking can be signs of stress in cats. If you notice these behaviors, try to identify and remove the source of stress or create a less stressful environment for your cat.
2. Nausea: Cats may smack their lips when they feel nauseous due to stomach problems. Excess saliva production is a common response to nausea. While stomach problems are not always a cause for worry and can be due to hairballs or dietary changes, repeated lip-smacking may indicate the need for veterinary attention.
In summary, lip-smacking in cats is usually a normal behavior that occurs after a meal or during contentment. However, if lip-smacking is excessive or accompanied by other unusual behaviors, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions or sources of stress.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
