why is my cat doing this?

[Llyra]

My cat has recently become obsessed with licking cast iron pans. I hang them on hooks near the stove, and he climbs up there and spends way too much time licking at them. Other than the gross factor (I have to re-wash them when we want to use them) I'm wondering if there's something wrong with him that he feels so compelled to lick at them.

[Yooper]

I have a window licker. And no, I do not know why cats do stuff like this. I think they like to do things that make us wonder.

[MaWhit]

I think it's likely that he enjoys the flavor of well-seasoned cast iron. It shouldn't hurt him.