Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

When cats lick you, the behaviour stems from instincts buried deep within feline psychology and their social dynamics. Understanding why cats lick people not only enhances our knowledge of feline activity but also helps us build stronger, more empathetic relationships with our beloved pets.

Common reasons include:

One of the primary reasons why cats lick us is to express affection. See it as a form of social bonding that can transcend beyond species – a trait inherited from their early life when their mothers groomed them. It was not only a cleaning mechanism, but also a way of nurturing and showing care. As your cat licks you, they extend this familial gesture, welcoming you to their family.

Both wild and domestic cats are highly territorial creatures. Licking might be another way of marking their territory. It might sound surprising, but when a cat licks you, they leave a subtle trace of their scent to claim you as their own. It's why cats lick each other, too. They’re identifying members of their group and establishing a communal scent.

Another common reason why cats lick people is to seek attention. Cats quickly learn that their actions elicit responses from their human companions, and when they realise licking results in affection or interaction, they might use this behaviour to gain your attention.

Just like humans exhibiting certain behaviours when anxious, cats may resort to licking as a coping mechanism. If you notice an increase in licking, especially if it seems compulsive or obsessive, it might be worth investigating if your cat is experiencing stress or anxiety. Consult with a vet to ensure you’re maintaining proper cat care.

Some cats exhibit licking behaviours reminiscent of their kittenhood, especially when weaned early or separated from their mothers at a young age. Such cats might lick to seek the comfort they associate with nursing.

Cats are curious by nature, and similar to young human babies, they use their tongues to explore different tastes and textures. If you've applied a lotion, cream, or any other substance that has an intriguing scent or taste, for example, your cat might lick you out of sheer curiosity.

Now that we have provided some answers to the question, ‘Why does my cat lick me and other people?’, we should also consider any safety and health implications of this behaviour.

For the most part, a cat's lick is harmless, but their mouths, like any animal's, contain an array of bacteria which may be harmful. The risk of transmission of any disease from cat to human through licking is quite low, though it is still prudent to exercise caution, especially if you have any open wounds, scratches or a compromised immune system.

On the other hand, any topical products you might have on your skin, such as lotions, creams, or medicinal ointments, can be harmful if ingested by your cat. If you've recently applied any such products, it's advisable to deter your cat from licking those areas.
 

It’s cute at first, but if you’re asking, ‘Why do cats lick me over and over again?’, it helps to have a few ways of stopping them, especially when that turns into a bite.

Here are several effective methods to gently deter your cat from licking you:

• Use toys to distract your cat from licking, enhancing your bond through play.
• Offer treats to divert attention, but avoid overuse to prevent reinforcing licking.
• Show alternative affection like petting or cuddling to fulfil your cat's need for closeness.
• Walk away calmly if your cat licks you, teaching them that licking results in less attention.
• Cover your skin with long sleeves or a blanket to deter your cat from licking.
• Praise and reward your cat when they interact without licking to reinforce non-licking behaviour.
• Provide a stimulating environment with cat trees, perches, and toys to reduce boredom-induced licking.
• Speak with your veterinarian regarding excessive or sudden changes in licking behaviour to rule out underlying issues.