Ever wonder why your kitty licks your face? Did you know that a cat’s tongue is similar to a human tongue, only longer and with more taste buds? Oh, we forgot to mention one other important fact: it feels really gross! But if it weren’t for these malleable spines, cats wouldn’t be able to clean themselves. There are a number of reasons why cats lick you and how to stop them if you does not like them licking you
A lot of cat owners like their cats to lick them on the face. But what do cats get out of this seemingly strange behavior? Cats lick their owners as a way to bond with them. Studies have shown that domesticated kittens who were licked and groomed by humans showed more trust in humans later in life than domesticated kittens who weren’t.
Licking and grooming is a way for your cat to show its affection for you despite its lack of voice. So next time your kitty licks your face, don’t push her away! It’s a sign of love!
Making a territory that you are mine
A cat’s territory is vital for her to maintain her feeling of security. The feline region, whether it be your house or a favorite tree, consists of things that smell like the cat and are filled with hormones called pheromones. Cats leave these scents in particular areas to mark their territory as theirs.
Puffy meow does much more than just claim her space. She licks to establish her range and let all the other cats know that she is in charge. Your cat might lick you or other people in your family, which is her way of claiming you as part of her domain.
Showing affection is also one of the reasons cats lick you
Once you come to understand the meaning behind your cat’s licking, you’ll find it easier to deal with. Just as you might cuddle with your kitten when it licks you, give your cat the attention it seeks through licking regularly. And, if the attention has been a one-way street for too long, simply sit down and interact with your kitty.
Cats lick people primarily to show affection. They’re not trying to clean you but as a way of showing their love and adoration for you. Your cat may use licking as a sign of affection or friendship, much as people hug, shake hands or pat a dog on top of the head. That’s why it is one of the greats reasons why cats lick you.
Cats want your attention that’s why cats lick you
Did you know that cats lick you to get your attention? It’s true, and there are lots of reasons why. For one, cat saliva is very bitter to taste, and they enjoy the flavor of your skin on their tongue. Sometimes cats lick because they want your attention. Other times, licking can be a sign that your cat is asking for food. Some cats lick you to show affection. Some cats just like to lick things they find interesting, like plants, the bottom of their water bowl, or even you! You may realize now what are the major reasons why cats lick you.
Why cat licking hurt so much
The cat’s tongue is specially designed for a thorough cleaning and removing dirt and loose fur. The tiny hooks that give the tongue its rough texture face backwards so they can comb out fur. Many people have been on the receiving end of Fluffy’s grooming sessions, and some have even questioned whether it is actually painful–or if the cat just likes the attention.
When a cat grooms itself using the tongue, it takes advantage of this feature to remove all the dead hair, making it easier for them to keep themselves clean and free from pests such as fleas.
How to stop my cat licking me
If you have a cat who likes to lick, you’re not alone. Many cats like to lick their owners and their other animals – even if it’s not affectionate licking. For distracting and preventing your cats from doing so, you must know the reasons why cats lick you.
A cat’s rough tongue can be one of the most irritating aspects of having a cat. It may be cute when they’re kittens, but older cats with longer, sharper teeth and heavy salivation can be extremely annoying if they lick you constantly. Try to be normal and friendly while doing these, otherwise cats will start hating you.
The best thing you can do is try to interrupt the behavior. Rather than letting your cat lick, pet with them or use a toy to play with them instead. Similarly, you could try walking away from them or possibly blocking their access to you in order to stop the licking.
Sometimes, though, cats lick us to show affection. So while licking isn’t something to worry about in and of itself, if at any time you are concerned with your cat’s behavior, it may be a good idea to reach out to your veterinarian for advice.
Dr. Musa is a veterinarian, writer, and the creative force behind Puffy Meows. As a lifelong pet lover, Dr. Musa is dedicated to helping pet parents provide the best possible care for their furry friends. With a focus on education and empowerment, Dr. Musa’s blog offers expert insights and advice on pet health, wellness, behavior, and training.
