Why does my cat lick photographs? she will dig through piles of papers, poke around in drawers - like she knows they're there - and when she finds one, she'll lick it repeatedly. is it bad for her?
by 
medeous
ANSWERS: 8
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my kitty does this too - i just thought it was because she's weird - she also licks dirt in the potted plants - somebody told me it was a vitamin she's missing in her diet
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I would be concerned about her photo licking habits. Unless you're sure that the ink AND the paper that the photos are printed on are completely non-toxic, then there's definitely a chance that some toxic substances are going to be ingested when your cat licks those photos. Keep your photos in airtight containers. That way she won't smell them, and she won't be harmed by licking them.
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My cat used to do that....it seemed something like soda or food was spilled on it and it was that my cat was attracted to. Just an idea.
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My cat does that too, but I stop her when she does it. I am not sure it is safe for her. She gets really excited and seems almost desperate to lick it. I don't know why she does it though.
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I have read that hydroquinone is used in photo development, to keep photos from oxidizing. Some cats (including mine) love antioxidant ingredients, like those in some face creams. Hydroquinone is also an "anti aging" ingredient used in face creams to inhibit melanin production. Sooo....one can deduce that it may be the tart taste of the hydroquinone that your sweetie is finding so delicious. I don't think it's toxic, but I don't let my kitty lick the pictures - though he loves to do it. It's just not worth the risk. Hope this helps.
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mine licks the trash can bags, in my office(no food in it) bathroom, plastic bags from shoping. I think they just like to lick something that doesnt cause hair balls sometimes!!!!
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Perhaps your cat likes the taste of the chemicals that are used to process the photos.
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My cat does the same thing. I was told that the cat is lacking something in there diet. I don;t know what it is.
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