Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 2 year old male cat who is neutered. I adopted him when he was a kitten from an animal shelter. I recently moved into a new home back in the beginning of May. He actually seemed to adjust pretty well.

But a few weeks ago, when I turned on the AC in the house because it's starting to get really hot and humid out, he has been licking the vent the air comes out in my bedroom. o_O Whenever he comes into my room, he goes straight for the vent and will just sit there and lick it. Yet, I don't see him doing it to any other vents in the house, just the one in my bedroom. Lol.

I don't know if this is true or not, but my coworker told me that if a cat starts licking the refrigerator or other kitchen appliances (lol) it could mean he/she has leukemia. My cat doesn't seem to be acting strangely otherwise, I've just never seen him do this before, not even back at our previous house.

Just posting in case anyone may have clues as to why he may be doing this. Maybe he likes the feel of the cool air on his tongue? (But I think he licks it even when the air is not blowing out too.) And why would it only be the vent in my bedroom?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Hi There,

My guess would be that your kitty simply enjoys the cool air from the vent. Why he chooses the one in your room is a mystery though. Perhaps he is attached to the room just because it is yours and everything in it has your smell?

Licking things is not a sign of feline leukemia, although some cats will lick or eat strange things if he or she is anemic. Most likely an anemic kitty will eat clay cat litter, though.

One of my cats loves to lick plastic. Anything from the computer to the shower curtain to trash containers. I have to be very careful to not leave any plastic bags out because he will eat them.

Regards,
PHKitkat

There may be some sort of water condensation on the air-vent. This condensation is going to be pure water with no chlorine or chemicals present in tap water. I'll bet the cat is enjoying a sort of "purified water" cooler.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

You may want to get your kitty a drinking fountain and put it by the vent. Not too sure all that dust and particles that come through the vents is all that great for kitty.