What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?

Cats spend much of their waking hours grooming with their tongues. But what does it mean when your cat licks you? It’s common for cats to give their owners a lick on the hand, arm, or even face. While licking often signifies affection, it can also have other meanings. Here are some possible reasons for your cat’s licking behavior.

Why Do Cats Lick People?

When a cat licks you, it’s often a sign of affection or a method of cleaning, since cats lick themselves (or their kittens) in order to groom. However, cats will also lick each other to show various types of affection. A lick from a cat could indicate that they are marking their territory or reminding you that you’re part of the family. Even though you can’t read your cat’s mind, you can be pretty sure that your cat is licking you because they like you.

Affection 

Just as you show affection to your cat through petting, your cat might return the favor by licking you. After all, mother cats lick their kittens, creating a strong association with care. If your feline enjoys licking you, they likely want affection in return, which is one of the joys of living with a cat. Consider those little licks as your cat’s way of giving you a kiss.

Marking Territory

Cats use pheromones, scented hormones, to mark their territory. They have small glands in their cheeks secreting pheromones that are detectable by other cats but not by humans. By rubbing their cheeks on furniture, other animals, or your legs, they mark their territory. Similarly, your cat might lick you to claim you as their own.

Licking and head rubs are affectionate ways for cats to claim you as their own. When your cat licks or rubs against you, they reaffirm your importance to them, signaling to other cats that you are taken. Sometimes, you might notice other cats shying away from you, possibly because they sense you belong to another cat.

Attention Seeking

If you always react when your cat licks you, they quickly learn that licking gains them attention. You may find your cat licking you when they want food, petting, playtime, or a cuddle session in your lap.

Teaching and Nurturing

Many joke that cats think they’re humans, and their behavior towards owners often supports this. Some cats may leave dead mice or birds on the doorstep to share a treat or perhaps teach you to hunt. Clearly, many cats view their owners as family members while also considering them somewhat inept at cat duties. Female cats often show stronger nurturing behavior.

When cats lick you, they could be teaching you to groom yourself, reminiscent of their mothers’ care, showing affection. Cats also lick other household pets to calm them. They are attentive to their owners’ moods, often becoming more affectionate when you’re stressed or unwell, trying to alleviate anxiety as you would for them.

You Taste Good

One clear reason your cat might lick you is the presence of something tasty on your skin. If you’ve handled fish, meat, or other enticing foods, your cat may want to lick the flavor off you.

Soothing Behavior

Cats use licking for various purposes, primarily grooming themselves or their kittens. However, they also lick to soothe themselves when upset, angry, or anxious. By extension, your cat might lick you if they sense your sadness, anxiety, or distress, displaying affection, care, or a mothering instinct.

Early Weaning

Kittens orphaned or weaned prematurely may grow up using licking to fulfill missed early oral stimulation. If your cat frequently licks you and enjoys kneading or “making biscuits” on your skin, they might not have been sufficiently raised by their mother.

Is It Safe to Let a Cat Lick You?

Generally, it’s safe to allow your cat to lick you occasionally. However, be aware of potential risks: cat mouths harbor bacteria that can make humans ill, so avoid letting your cat lick any open wounds. Individuals with compromised immune systems should be cautious and avoid facial licks due to possible sensitivity to feline oral bacteria.

For your cat’s safety, avoid allowing them to lick you if you’ve applied lotions or topical medications, as they might ingest these substances. When unsure, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

How to Stop Your Cat From Licking You

A thorough cat licking isn’t always comfortable. It can feel like sandpaper because cat tongues have backward-facing hooks designed to pull and clean fur similar to a comb.

Remember, licking feels good to your cat, so they don’t realize it might hurt you. If licking becomes uncomfortable, redirect your cat’s behavior. Move away or offer a toy or petting instead. If they persist, withhold attention until the licking ceases and then praise them when it does.