Cats are amazing creatures, and if it were up to me, we’d have at least three at home. Growing up with cats, you can’t help but notice their quirky — and sometimes downright weird — behaviors. I actually had a cat that loved licking everyone in the family. I can still remember that rough, almost sandpaper-like feeling when her tongue brushed against my fingers.
So why do cats do this? After all, cats spend up to 8% of their waking hours grooming themselves (and around half their day napping), so licking is totally normal. But why do they choose to lick you instead of themselves or another cat? What does it really mean when your cat licks you?
Cats’ licking behavior can feel puzzling, and scientists haven’t completely pinned down why they do it. But there are several theories that might explain why your furry friend can’t stop licking you.
It’s likely not because you smell like a tasty snack or because your cat thinks you’re dirty. In fact, there are several reasons cats lick their humans, and most of them are just their way of showing love.
1. Your cat is showing affection
One common reason is simple love. Licking can be an affiliative behavior—a way cats show friendship and care. Just like mother cats groom their kittens, or cats groom each other (called allogrooming), your cat may be licking you to strengthen your bond and nurture your relationship.
2. Your Cat Wants Attention
Let’s be honest: licking gets a reaction. If you talk to your cat, pet them, or otherwise respond when they lick you, they quickly learn that this behavior brings attention. Sometimes, it’s their way of saying, “Hey! Notice me!”
3. Your cat sees you as part of the group
Cats communicate a lot through scent. Mother cats often lick their kittens to create a shared family smell, and your cat might do the same with you, marking you as part of their “clan.”
4. Kitten behavior lingers
Kittens knead and suckle while nursing. If your cat was weaned too early, licking you can mimic that comforting nursing experience. You might also notice them kneading or purring while they lick, a throwback to their kitten days.
5. Your cat likes the taste
Sometimes, cats simply enjoy the way you taste. Skin and hair can carry interesting scents, lotions, shampoo, or even sweat, which contains sugar and salts cats may find appealing. Just be careful, some topical products can be toxic to cats, so don’t let them lick after you’ve applied anything harmful.
6. Your cat is anxious
Licking can also be a stress response. Known as a displacement behavior, it’s a way for your cat to soothe themselves. Usually, stress shows up as excessive self-grooming, but it can be directed at you, too.
Pay attention to triggers — guests, loud noises, or changes in routine — and if the licking gets compulsive, consider talking to your vet.
7. Medical reasons might be behind it
Excessive or sudden licking can sometimes signal a medical problem. Pain, nausea, or discomfort may cause a cat to lick you or objects around them. If the behavior is new or extreme, a vet check is always a good idea.
8. How to stop it
If you’re trying to get your cat to stop licking you, don’t push them away or punish them. They won’t understand what they did wrong, and it could make them anxious, which might lead to even more unwanted behaviors.
Instead, when your cat starts licking, redirect their attention to something they enjoy. Try brushing them, tossing their favorite toy, or engaging them in play. This way, they can still bond with you, without your skin having to endure that sandpaper-like tongue.
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