The reason cats lick their owners is not because they think you’re tasty or need a wash. It’s more likely that they want to form a close bond
If you’ve ever felt your cat’s rough, sandpaper-like tongue on your skin, you may be wondering why cats sometimes lick their human owners.
It’s probably not because you taste like their favourite meal, or that they think you’re particularly unclean. There are actually a few possible reasons why your cat licks you, and most of them are signs of affection.
4 reasons why cats lick their owners
1. Bonding
Cats are usually quite happy to just groom themselves, using their rough tongue to remove any dirt and excess fur from their body. However, if they’re in the same social group as another cat, they may lend a helping tongue and groom each other, known as allogrooming. This helps them to form a close bond, and it can sometimes happen across species too. So, if your cat starts licking you while you’re cuddled up together, it could be that they’re trying to show affection and make friends with you. Don’t think this means they want you to lick them back though, they’d much prefer you use a brush to groom their fur.
2. Sharing scent
Another reason cats sometimes lick other cats they’re bonded with is so that they can share their scent, transferring their saliva to make the other cat smell more familiar. This helps them tell, with a simple sniff, that the other cat is part of their social group and can therefore be trusted. By licking you, your cat could simply be marking you as safe and letting you know you’re part of the family.
3. It feels good
As well as helping cats keep themselves clean, the act of licking also causes the release of ‘feel good’ hormones, called endorphins, in their brains. This gives them a natural ‘high’ so it’s understandable that they may want to do it at every opportunity, even if that means licking you instead of themselves.
4. They’re anxious or stressed
While most of the time a casual lick from your feline friend is nothing to worry about, occasionally it can be a sign that they’re not happy. If they’re licking you excessively then they could be feeling stressed or anxious, so take them to a vet to see if they can help identify a cause. Cats will also sometimes lick people when they are being handled but don’t want to be, and this can often be quickly followed by biting or scratching if the handling continues. If your cat is swishing or flicking their tail, or if their ears are pinned back, leave them alone to avoid causing them further stress.
How to get your cat to stop licking you
If you want to discourage your cat from licking you, then it’s important not to push them away or punish them for doing it. They won’t understand what they’ve done wrong and will likely become stressed, which can lead to more problem behaviours. Instead, when your cat starts licking you, try distracting them with something else they enjoy, such as grooming them with a brush or playing with their favourite toy. This will help them to continue bonding with you while protecting your skin from their sandpaper-like tongue.
For more information about cat behaviour, visit www.cats.org.uk/behaviour
FAQs
It is a common behavioral interaction that cats usually engage in. This ritualistic "small bite" can be perceived as an act of affection between cat and owner, mainly if the petted animal happens to curl up with its human partner. Your cat is showing you how much they care by giving affectionate licks and bites.
What can I put on my cat's skin to stop licking? ›
You can also try Yuck! No Chew Spray, a topical product that can be sprayed on the skin lesion. The bitter taste of this product is meant to discourage licking of the area. However, some cats will continue to lick the area even with the Yuck spray applied.
What happens if a cat licks Advantage 2? ›
If your cat licks the solution, either directly or off their paw after scratching, the bitter taste will often cause excessive drooling, and may cause vomiting. If this occurs, offer your cat some wet food or tuna, and water. The product should only cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort and should pass.
Should you let your cat lick you? ›
Should you let your cat lick you? It is okay to let your cat lick your hands and arms but avoid your face, especially if your immune system is compromised as cats carry bacteria in their mouths.
Why does my cat grab my hand and bite me gently? ›
They can be friendly, affectionate, and playful, but sometimes they may also bite. Your cat might be biting for various reasons, such as love biting, fear, anxiety, being a pet, frustration, rough play, social pressure, illness, or pain.
Why does my cat lick me and not my husband? ›
If your cat is licking you more than your husband or another member of your family, it might just be a sign that they like the way you taste! Your hands might smell or taste of food (yours or theirs!), or they might love the taste of your skin lotion, shampoo, or perfume.
Why do cats act weird when you scratch their lower back? ›
Hyperesthesia is an extreme sensitivity in an area of a cat's skin, almost always on the back, and often in the area right in front of the tail. This condition is often noticed when owners go to pet this area and their cat suddenly reacts.
How do I train my cat not to lick? ›
A treat as soon as they stop licking. When trying to stop licking, never punish your cat or scold them. This can only hurt the bond you have with your cat. Additionally, they stop when you want, make sure to give them rewards and praise to reinforce the wanted behavior.
How do I get my cat to stop obsessively licking me? ›
Distracting your cat with a tasty treat is a great way to encourage them to stop licking you. We do however recommend trying to play with them first, as too many treats aren't good for their health – they should always be part of their daily food allowance.
Is Frontline or Advantage better for cats? ›
For cats, Advantage II and Frontline Plus are both effective medications for eliminating fleas in all life stages and also last up to a month. Dr. Kim Podlecki, DVM, says that Advantage II is generally more affordable, with potential discounts for larger purchases and the availability of online coupons or deals.
Advantage 2, like all topical flea prevention products, can cause skin irritation. Some cats develop hair loss at the site of application, and your cat might develop redness, itching, or rubbing at the application site. Gastrointestinal signs are also possible, such as: Vomiting.
What's the difference between advantage and advantage 2? ›
What is the difference between Advantage I and Advantage II? The original Advantage product contained only imidacloprid, which can only kill adult fleas. In 2011, Advantage II was released containing the additional ingredient pyriproxyfen, which can also kill flea eggs and larvae.
Where your cat sleeps on your bed and what does it mean? ›
Your cat is seeking safety
While there is no predator in your home, by sleeping in your bed, your cat trusts that you will protect them. Cats also enjoy sleeping at a height as it gives them a vantage point and makes them feel safer than sleeping on the floor and therefore allows them to relax and rest.
What does it mean when your cat sleeps next to you? ›
Companionship
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
What does it mean when a cat bites you gently? ›
Cat bites can range from gentle, little nips to nasty, skin-piercing wounds. When a cat gently nibbles their owner, they may be doing so as a sign of affection. They're attempting to bond with you, completely unaware they're actually hurting you.
Why does my cat rub against me then bite me? ›
If your cat bites you when they rub against you, it could be that they are overexcited. Cats are natural hunters and if they don't have appropriate prey, such as cat toys, to pounce on, they might misdirect this behaviour onto you instead. This type of biting is usually relatively gentle but can still be painful.
Why does my cat go from cuddling to biting? ›
If your cat bites you whilst you're stroking and cuddling them, then this is their way of telling you that they are overstimulated; they have reached their sensitivity threshold and they've had enough human interaction now.
How do I know if my cat loves me? ›
If your kitty rubs up against you and rumbles in the morning, or makes biscuits while purring loudly in your lap, it's a sign of their deep attachment and comfort. For many cats, purring is synonymous with “I love you.” Slow blinks are one of the clearest ways a cat demonstrates affection.
