When you lounge on your couch, your feline companion may climb onto your lap. Sometimes, it begins to lick your hand, lips or face just like you continuously sip your coffee. Though this behavior might seem cute (or slightly odd), many cat owners have wondered, “Why does my cat lick me?”
Licking is one of the various entertaining behaviors cats engage in. It has many meanings. Sometimes cats suck on blankets. From expressing affection to seeking attention, this guide explores the interesting reasons behind this licking behavior, and offers tips on how to address overlapping.
Why Do Cats Lick You? Decoding Their Behavior
Cats may lick you because of affection, bonding, grooming, seeking attention, marking territory, relief from stress and anxiety and sometimes for health issues. They are fascinating creatures and their strange behavior often comes from instinct, social bonding, or environmental factors. Licking is one of them. Below are details:
1. Affection and Bonding
The uppermost reason as to why your cat licks you is to demonstrate affection. Adult cats groom their buddies (you included) as a sign of trust and affection towards them, just how mother cats groom their kittens. This behavior, known as allogrooming, is a way of strengthening social bonds.
- Did You Know? One cat grooms another to create a group identity within the household. If your cat licks you, it means it has accepted you into the “tribe.”
2. Grooming and Maternal Instincts
Grooming is one of the most fundamental habits of cats, taking up about 8 percent of their waking hours as they clean themselves. When your cat licks you, they may be trying to groom you like a mother cat does with her kitten. This behavior is both nurturing and instinctive. If your cat kneads or purrs on you when licking, it is a sign of comfort and contentment of their early kittenhood.
3. Seeking Attention
Have you noticed that your cat seems to lick you even more if at the time you get busy with something else? Cats are clever beings, learning easily that licking grabs attention, so whether one’s reactions are petting, talking, or even gentle shoving away, the cat has accomplished what it desired-interaction!
Pro-tip: If you notice this behavior continuously, try to redirect it with positive reinforcement by playtime or toys.
4. Marking Territory
Marking territory is a natural instinct among cats, and they establish ownership through their scent. By licking the owner, they evaluate that you have been marked with their scent and are under the impression that you belong with them. Between rubbing against your legs and licking your fingers, your feline friend is simply leaving their mark. Cats also sleep on your head, chest, legs or other parts of the body for marking territory.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Licking can be a type of displacement behavior for cats when they are under stress. Just like some people bite their nails or fidget, cats might lick themselves, objects, or the person in their company as a way to soothe themselves. If your pet excessively sucks on you or shows other signs of anxiety like hiding or aggression, you should immediately contact a professional vet.
6. Investigating Scents and Tastes
Cats are natural creatures that are born curious. They lick with tongues, as a method, to maybe taste or sniff unfamiliar scents and flavors that might include the salt or lotion on your skin. Perhaps you tried a different lotion or handled something fragrant recently; whatever it is, the investigative licks of your cat surely learn more about it.
Caution: There are various topicals or ointments that are not as toxic for cats as they are for humans, so always use caution with any products being applied to your skin.
Why Do Cats Suck on Blankets?
Besides sucking on you, you may also notice your furry friend suck on your blankets. Cats do it for more or less the same reasons as licking their owners. It is also comforting, attention seeking, territory marking, stress, anxiety and more. Discover the reasons why cats sucking on blankets in detail.
When Licking Becomes a Concern
Although generally harmless, there are quite a few instances of concern over the process of “licking”. That are:
- Open Wounds: Cats have bacteria in their saliva that causes conceivable infections if they lick open cuts or wounds on the skin.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: It is possible for some individuals to manifest allergy symptoms to the saliva of cats, which causes skin irritation or a rash..
- Excessive Licking: Excessive licking by your cat can be a sign of some medical or behavioral problems. The conditions like nausea, pain, or stress may show their symptoms owing to excessive licking.
If, therefore, licking keeps being compulsive or is suddenly more, consult your veterinarian for advice.
How to Manage and Redirect Licking Behavior
If your cat’s licking is becoming excessive or unpleasant, here are some practical steps to redirect this behavior:
- Redirect Their Focus
Give them mental stimulation by offering interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles. It will keep them engaged and free from boredom. Cats also love to lick on soft blankets, you can give them pet-safe blankets for sucking.
- Positive Reinforcement
Delight your cat whenever it is doing non-licking exercises. This kind of reinforcement can come in the form of a gentle pat, some fun playtime, or even just a few encouraging words.
- Environmental Enrichment
Environment is a great factor to redirect his behavior. Ensure your home is cat friendly with enough spaces, scratching posts, and cozy napping spots to reduce boredom and stress-induced licking. For creating a truly cozy resting area that caters to your cat’s need for comfort and security, consider providing soft blankets and enclosed houses, like the range you can find at Catspo.
- Interrupt the Behavior
Gently remove your hand or walk away when your cat starts licking. It’s best to steer clear of scolding, since that can create feelings of anxiety or confusion.
- Consult a Veterinarian
If licking continues or if it is coupled with more behavioral changes, definitely find a professional to make sure there are no underlying medical or emotional issues in the pet.
Understanding the Risks of Cat Licking
While most interactions with your cat are safe and endearing, there are some precautions to consider:
- Avoid open wounds: Never allow your cat to lick cuts or scratches on your skin, as this may lead to bacterial infections.
- Watch for toxic products: If you put lotions, essential oils, or any medications on the skin, then prevent your cat from licking those things. A few ingredients could be toxic to specific felines.
- Practice hygiene: After being in contact with your cat, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water, especially if your cat has licked you. This is very important for immunocompromised persons.
Final Thoughts on Feline Licking Behavior
An owner’s cat lick is more than just weird behavior; it is communication. They will lick you because they want to show their focus on you, get some attention, or simply claim you as “theirs”. There are many more ways to connect with these little creatures. You may get the answer to the question “why do cats lick you?”. Beside potential risks associated with it and how to overcome this.
Understanding your cat’s behavior is important when bringing you two closer together. With a little suggestion and love, you’ll make sure that their licks are sweet and not obnoxious.
