8 Reasons Why Your Cat Licks You
- Not a replacement for qualified veterinarian assistance.Cats may lick you for a variety of purposes, such as showing affection or transferring their scent. In addition, a cat’s tongue may be abrasive on the skin, so while some cat parents may not mind the occasional lick, others would. A cat will frequently lick its kittens to keep them clean and groomed after giving birth. In addition to helping cats cool off, grooming can get rid of fleas, loose hairs, or anything else that might become tangled in the fur. Cats typically lick you to groom themselves.Here are a few causes of cat licking. We’ll also get into ways to get your cat to stop licking you if it starts to bother you.
Your Cat Is Grooming You
Perhaps your cat is grooming you the same way a mother cat would brush her young. The rough texture of a cat’s tongue is one of their adaptations for self-grooming; the small spines on their tongues are excellent at untangling knots and removing matted fur.Don’t be alarmed if you experience a slight bite while being licked by your cat. A cat’s grooming process includes both biting and licking to get rid of knots. By biting, your cat typically has no malice.
You can always try to divert your cat with a treat or toy if you don’t like her licking you.
Your Cat Is Bonding With You
Building a bond and expressing affection are two of the key motivations for cats to lick their owners. A cat kissing you actually implies that they consider you a member of their family.
Although your cat may lick you to express their love for you, this is not their preferred method. Cats can also express their want for your attention by rubbing up against you, “making biscuits,” and, oddly enough, by accompanying you to the bathroom.
Your Cat Is Letting You (And Other Cats) Know You’re Part Of The Family
Is it an act of territoriality? Possibly.
Cats share their fragrance with you when they lick you because they salivate. With this, you become a member of their family! In this manner, even before they see you, they will be able to tell that you are trustworthy and safe when you enter the house or a room.
Cats can also mark their territory by rubbing up against you or other people or things, or by leaving urine marks on surfaces like your carpet or backyard.
Your Cat Is Actually Smelling You
Cats can smell in two separate ways and have a large number of scent receptors. In addition to using their noses, they also use an organ on the roof of their mouths called the vomeronasal organ to taste and analyze odours.
Like other animals, cats use their lips to explore their surroundings. Your cat is learning more about you and their surroundings by licking you and using their senses of smell and taste.
Your Cat Is Seeking Attention
Cats are intelligent creatures, and it’s possible that they’ve picked up a taught licking behavior. Cats will lick you more to catch your attention if they perceive that you are paying attention to them when they do so.
kitten will also frequently meow at you, bring you toys, and follow you around as a way to get your attention.
Your Cat Is Displaying Kitten-Like Behavior
Kittens suckle at their moms while nursing, which not only gives the kitten milk but also comfort. Therefore, if a cat is weaned too soon from its mother, it may mimic that behavior by licking to find comfort when worried or anxious.
Another kitten activity to watch out for is kneading, which cats may do to find comfort or soothe themselves.
Your Cat Is Licking You Just Because You Feel (Or Taste) Good
Licking can cause endorphin release in cats. This is due to the pheromones included in cat saliva, which when licked, trigger an emotional reaction that makes the cat feel content and safe.
The cat is licking you because you taste wonderful like dinner if, on the other hand, you made excellent food with chicken or tuna!
Your Cat Is Trying To Alleviate Anxiety
Cats lick themselves and people to relieve tension. Think for a moment about whether any of the many factors that could be causing your cat’s anxiety.
Cat anxiety can cause pet parents to worry. However, there are several options you can explore. Try keeping your cat in a different part of the home if, for instance, you have builders staying there for a while so they won’t be bothered by the noise. After that, you can keep an eye on your cat to see if things are improving. Providing your cat with calming pheromones is yet another potential strategy for lowering their nervousness.
If the behavior continues, take sure to consult your veterinarian for assistance from a professional. They will be able to reassure you by advising you on the best course of action.
Why Does My Cat Lick Me Then Bite Me?
Or perhaps your cat licks you after biting you? Your cat’s conduct can be explained in either direction, either manner. Your cat can be telling you to halt what you’re doing or demonstrating to you that they don’t hurt.
Cats typically bite for two reasons: either because they want to play or because they don’t want to be petted. Cats can occasionally become a little overstimulated, but it doesn’t imply you’re doing anything incorrectly.
Pay greater attention to your cat’s body language if they bite a lot. They might not want to be touched in a particular region if they have their eyes closed. If you hear them purring or liking it, you may proceed to stroke them for a brief period of time or give them a quick head scratch.
Don’t let the first nip get you down. Learning the more subtle indications of when petting gets to be too much for them takes time. However, you should always let your cat leave after they’re finished so that they don’t feel the need to bite.
Reading Your Cat’s Body Language
Understanding your cat’s body language will help you figure out why they are licking you. You must pay close attention to your cat’s body language to determine if they are pleased or stressed because cats are excellent at showing rather than telling. Here are a few typical instances of stressed vs. joyful cat body language.
Your cat is stressed/anxious | Your cat is happy |
Hiding | Purring |
Withdrawing | Slow blinking |
Destructive scratching | Head bunting |
Lethargy | Perching |
Frequent escape attempts | Kneading |
Is It Safe To Let Your Cat Lick You?
Let your cat lick you as long as you’re confident it hasn’t turned into an anxious, obsessive activity.
However, it’s better to prevent your cat from licking an open wound if you have one. Cats’ mouths are full with microorganisms that can cause an infection in an exposed wound. If you have come into contact with toxic substances, that is another reason you shouldn’t let your cat lick you. Cats could become ill if they lick your skin.
If you’re in any doubt about whether or not to let your cat lick you, check with your vet!
How To Get Your Cat To Stop Licking You
Because cat tongues are so harsh on the skin, some people could find it unpleasant. Some people might be too busy to want their pets to lick them.
Make sure your cat isn’t agitated or acting in any other worrying ways before attempting to get it to stop licking you, such as by destructively scratching. Then, utilize the following diversionary techniques:
- An interactive toy
- A cozy scratching post
- A treat as soon as they stop licking.
Takeaway
Licking is just one of the many ways your cat may express their affection for you. Cats have a variety of methods to express their love for you, including head bunting, sleeping on you, cuddling, body language, and welcoming you at the door when you get home from work.
Contact a veterinarian, though, if they are excessively licking you and exhibiting other symptoms of stress or distress.