Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

If your cat is licking you, they’re trying to tell you something through this instinctive grooming behavior. It’s subtle, but licking you shows that they want to comfort you or that they trust you. It could even mean that they’re marking you as one of their own. If you want to know why your cat licks you, why they lick you in certain places, and how to stop, read on. 

Why Do Cats Lick People?

Cats licking you is a totally normal feline behavior. Some of the reasons why cats lick you include:   

• Affection: When they are kittens, cats know their mother is caring for them and being affectionate with them by licking them. When they lick you, they’re offering you a sign of affection.
• Attention: If your cat licks you and you respond, they’ve figured out how to get your attention. They might do this repeatedly if they’re hungry or looking to play.
• Comfort: Licking can help a cat deal with stress. They might lick you to calm themselves down.
• Grooming: Cats groom people they trust, so if your cat is licking you, it might be a bonding moment for them.
• Marking: Cats are inherently territorial, and they can “mark” you with a lick.
• Curiosity: If you’ve been out and about, put on lotion, been sweating, or are wearing perfume, your cat might be licking you as a way to see what’s up.
• Weaning: Cats that were weaned too early might excessively lick.  

Why Do Cats Lick Your…

There are certain body parts that your cat might take to, licking over and over again. Here’s why they do some of these strange behaviors.

Why Do Cats Lick Your Hands or Fingers?

Your hands do a lot for your cat, such as playing with them, feeding them, and petting them. Licking your hand might be a way of thanking you for all you do, or checking out scents they pick up on.

Why Do Cats Lick Your Face?

If your cat is licking your face, it’s a sign of affection. It means they trust you, and it mimics the grooming behavior of bonded cats.

Why Do Cats Lick Your Hair?

Cats lick your hair because it reminds them of cat coats. It might also smell or taste interesting to them.

Why Do Cats Lick Your Feet or Legs?

If your cat licks your feet or legs, it could be because you’re sweaty or because you’ve been exposed to new smells.

How to Get Your Cat to Stop Licking You

Most cat licking is harmless, but if it seems like it’s getting out of control, there are a few steps you can take to get your cat to stop licking you: 

1. Redirect: When your cat starts licking you and you don’t want them to, engage in a play session as a form of distraction.
2. Leave: If your cat is licking you and you move away from them, they should get the picture that your grooming session and bonding time are over.
3. Add stimulation: Cats can lick out of boredom or habit, or when they’re anxious. A calm and happy cat is a mentally tired one, so add more games and places for them to expend physical energy into their routine.
4. Groom regularly: If your cat is trying to groom you, groom them instead. Lead the bonding session for them.  

When to Contact a Vet About Cat Licking

If your cat is excessively licking, it could be related to a health issue, such as stress or other concerns. If your cat is doing any of these behaviors or showing any of these symptoms in addition to excessive licking, it might be a good idea to check in with your vet:

• Changes in behavior: Hiding, sudden clinginess, aggression, or other unusual behavior.
• Bald spots or skin irritation: Overgrooming can lead to raw skin, a cat rash, hair loss, or even open sores, which could be skin conditions or allergies.
• Prolonged periods of sticking out their tongue: Blepping, or sticking out their tongue, is something harmless and cute that cats do. Persistent tongue exposure might mean that something else is going on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Licking

What Does it Mean When a Cat Licks You?

Cats lick for all sorts of reasons, including bonding, affection, marking, self-soothing, or just out of curiosity. There’s generally no reason to be concerned if your cat licks you every now and then, but you should check in with your vet if it becomes excessive.

Is it Safe to Let Your Cat Lick You?

Most of the time, it’s safe to let your cat lick you. Keep them away from open wounds or broken skin, which could lead to a bacterial infection, and try not to let them lick your face, if possible.  

Why Does My Cat Lick Me and Then Bite Me?

Your cat might lick you and then bite you if they are being playful or if they are telling you they don’t like something. You’ll know it’s a positive bite if they are purring or playing with you. If their tails are twitching or their bodies are stiff, it’s likely a warning sign that they’re not into something.  

Do Cats Lick to Show Affection?

Licking is one of the ways cats show affection. They might even “groom” you as a sign of trust.  

Conclusion

If your cat is licking you, it’s more than likely a sign of affection, or they’re curious about your scents and smells. There’s no reason to be concerned if your cat is licking you unless it’s excessive. In that case, call your veterinarian to check on them and make sure nothing else is going on.

For more expert tips on caring for your cat, explore our other understanding cats articles.