Cats are not typically known for eating odd things – dogs, yes; cats, not so much. But some cats have a real habit for eating human hair. This may seem like a very odd, random thing for them to do but there are some logical explanations for this behaviour. Here, we’ll explore what these reasons are and when they may or may not cause a problem. 

Table of contents

5 reasons for hair chewing…

1) Affection. 

Thankfully, the number one reason why your cat may eat your hair is purely as a sign of affection. Within family groups, cats will groom one another to cement relationships and to show love and care for each other. If your cat is licking or chewing your hair, it’s a good sign that they like you, though we don’t advise you return the favour! 

2) Play

Especially amongst younger cats, a dangling ponytail or stray lock of hair can be a very tempting prospect. Kittens can actually hone their hunting skills by pouncing on and chewing the unsuspecting hair. It’s probably best to try to encourage them to play with a proper cat-safe toy instead; but ‘attacking’ your hair, occasionally, is unlikely to be harmful. 

3) Attention seeking

Just like a toddler may purposefully do something naughty as they know will get their parent’s attention, a cat may start to chew or attack your hair as a way to make you notice them. Your cat eating your hair will inevitably get your attention, which will immediately reward that behaviour for your cat as they have got what they wanted. So they will often repeat that behaviour whenever they want something. The best way to prevent this pattern is to ignore the behaviour as much as you can, so that they learn it is not acceptable. 

4) Stress

So far, although annoying, none of the reasons we’ve covered indicate an underlying problem for the cat. But one of the biggest problematic causes of hair-chewing is stress. Stress in cats is not uncommon and will often lead to urinary issues, aggression or over-grooming. The latter can be seen as a type of distraction therapy, a behavioural response to a stressful event. This can also be extrapolated to chewing on human hair, especially if you have a very close relationship with your cat. If they are doing this but also potentially showing other signs of stress, then it is important you speak to your vet to try to determine the underlying cause and help prevent it. 

5) Nutritional or health reasons

Although unlikely, in some cases, if your cat is eating your hair, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem or even nutritional deficiency. Conditions that cause an increase in appetite (such as hyperthyroidism), neurological illness or pica (where an animal has a habit of eating inedible items) may all result in hair-chewing. There would almost certainly be other symptoms evident which should always prompt a visit to your vet. 

What is the problem with hair chewing?

Even if the cause of the hair chewing is not seen as a problem for the cat, the consequences can be. Just like if they over-groom themselves, excess hair ingestion can lead to hairballs, constipation or even intestinal blockages so is not a habit that should be encouraged. 

How do I stop it?

The first thing is to ensure there is no negative reason for the cat to be showing this behaviour. If there is, this underlying cause needs to be resolved, preferably with help from your vet. 

Discourage the behaviour by moving away or moving them away from you and distract them with treats or play. Shouting or physically reprimanding them is not advised and could lead to further stress, causing other problems. 

Some people suggest changing hair products to those with a citrus scent which many cats don’t like, but there is little hard evidence to support this. 

Overall, as long as your cat doesn’t actually ingest your hair, and they aren’t stressed, then you can see this behaviour as bonding and a sign of love and affection. Odd though it may be, your cat is simply seeing you as part of their family.  

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