As gross as it may sound, foraging for earwax is a pastime activity for some cats. You may find your cat licking your Q-tips after you have used them or simply licking your ear. However, there are surprisingly good theories as to why the substance that oozes out of our ears has such an appeal to our furry companions.
Perhaps the best explanation is that earwax is appealing to cats because it’s a good source of nutrition for them. Also, cats have over 200 million scent sensors that can even detect earwax on Q-tips.
Although the true answer may forever remain a mystery, this article highlights the possible reasons that some cats like earwax and how to discourage them from consuming it.
The 5 Possible Reasons Why Some Cats Like Earwax
1. Attraction to the Fatty Acids and Protein in Earwax
Also known as cerumen, earwax is a waxy and protective oil produced by glands found in the ear canal, which doesn’t sound like a delicious ingredient for cat food. However, a study conducted in 1991 on earwax discovered that it contains dead skin, cholesterol, and fatty acids, among other things.1 Therefore, earwax contains a variable amount of protein.
As obligate carnivores, cats must eat meaty, protein-filled diets to get the required nutrients. With their keen sense of smell, they can probably smell the animal proteins in your earwax, hence the possible appeal.
2. To Show Affection
If your cat keeps nudging on your earlobes or licking your ear, it may have nothing to do with the sticky substance itself. Your kitty may just be grooming you, but it’s not because you are filthy; it’s just their way of expressing affection. Grooming for cats is not only pragmatic, but it is also a way to socialize.
Usually, this sign of affection is displayed around the face and head area. It is also a cat’s way of creating a communal scent of familiarity, which they use to identify and recognize other animals. This type of behavior is usually witnessed when a cat is well-bonded with their owner.
3. To Understand the Smell
Usually, healthy earwax has a light odor or doesn’t smell at all. So, if the wax oozing out of your ear has a pungent odor, this could be a sign of an ear infection, and it’s piquing your cat’s interest. The cat will try to understand the new smell and remember it for future reference.
In the wild, cats use their smell for guidance and to avoid potential predators. So, as disgusting as it may be, cats will naturally want to smell your earwax in a bid to understand it.
4. To Mark Territory
Some cats might prefer not to lick or smell the earwax on your Q-tips; instead, they would rather rub their cheeks onto the Q-tips’ surface! These furry creatures have scent glands located in their cheeks, which is why you may find your cat rubbing their face on various surfaces in your living space, along with your hands and legs.
So, if your cat is rubbing their face on your used Q-tips, it may not be because they are obsessed with earwax. They may just be trying to mark their territory, making everything their own, as they do with everything else in the home.
5. Playfulness and Pure Curiosity
When you are out of the house and your cat doesn’t have a lot of entertainment opportunities, they may use your discarded Q-tips as playthings. However, this doesn’t mean your cat would rather play with wax than anything else. It simply means they’re bored with their old toys, and you need to rotate them to prevent further boredom.
How to Prevent Your Cat From Eating Earwax
While human earwax may not be harmful to cats, it may be disgusting for some people to witness. Some cat owners may even want to stop their pets from licking it.
- Get a Covered Garbage Can for Your Washroom. A covered waste disposal bin will prevent your cat from climbing over and retrieving your used disposables. This not only prevents them from licking the dirty swabs that might have bacteria, but it also prevents your cats from ingesting more dangerous products.
- Redirect the Behavior. If your cat is overly prone to allogrooming and it’s becoming annoying rather than endearing, try redirecting the behavior using cat treats or toys. You can divert your cat’s attention to more constructive activities. So, whenever they come closer for a sniff, use the treat or toy to guide them away from your face.
Conclusion
To many people, the idea of licking, let alone smelling, earwax is horrendous enough, as it probably should be. But that doesn’t mean we can humanize a cat’s actions too much since our rules and norms do not apply to them. That said, few cats are actually attracted to earwax.
As obligate carnivores whose diet mainly consists of meat, they may be curious and attracted by the fatty acids and cholesterol that make up the earwax. This is why you may find a cat licking Q-tips or your earlobes. They might also be licking your ears just to show affection.
Featured Image Credit: karamysh, Shutterstock
