Cats dedicate up to 10% of their awake time to grooming (and 50% to napping), making licking a typical behaviour for them. But why do cats lick you instead of themselves or other cats? Why Does My Cat Lick Me? What does it signify when a cat licks you?

Here's what you need to know about this common feline behaviour.

Researchers have yet to completely understand why cats lick people, but several intriguing theories have been proposed. While the precise reasons remain a mystery, experts suggest that these behaviour may be linked to various factors.

Licking serves not just as a grooming tool but also as a way cats show their love. When your cat licks your face or other parts of your body, it’s a behavior that stems from kittenhood, when their mother would groom them to show care and affection. This "love lick" creates a social bond and is a common behavior in the feline social group. Many cats carry this habit into adulthood, using their sandpaper like tongues to lick their owners as a way to mark territory and show affection.

As a pet parent, understanding this normal cat behavior can help you interpret your cat's body language. Excessive licking, or licking and then biting, may indicate that your cat wants to play or is trying to communicate something else. The reason a cat licks you can vary, but it's often a sign of affection and an attempt to include you in their social group.

Cats also lick other pets or themselves as a grooming mechanism, but when they lick you, it's a special gesture. This licking behavior can even have benefits for your immune system by exposing you to different bacteria in a controlled manner. So, when you let your cat lick you, know that it's a sign of their love and an effort to strengthen your bond. Understanding why your cat starts licking and recognizing the nuances can make you a more attentive and responsive pet parent.

While there are several ways cats can mark their territory, such as cheek rubbing, scratching, and, regrettably, spraying, licking is another behavior that cats might employ to claim something as their own. In this case, if your cat is licking your face or other parts of your body, they’re attempting to ensure that other cats or animals know who you belong to them!

This affectionate gesture not only reinforces their bond with you but also communicates to others in their social group that you are part of their territory.

Even though your cat may not realize that licking your face or other parts of your body doesn't actually help you "get clean," this behavior is completely natural to them. As we mentioned earlier, mother cats groom their kittens not only to teach them grooming skills but also to express affection and strengthen their bond - a behavior known as allogrooming, common among many mammals and birds.

In fact, a certified feline behavior and training consultant, in a social group of cats, there's often an "allo-groomer" - a cat designated to lick and groom the others in the group.

So, if you find your cat licking you, it might be trying to fulfill its role as the "allo-groomer," cleaning you and establishing your membership within their social group. This affectionate act not only reinforces your bond with your pet but also serves as a way for them to communicate their love and care for you.

As seemingly simple (and perhaps even humorous) as it may appear, your cat might be licking your face or other parts of your body because they detect something intriguing on your skin. It's possible you've spilled something or encountered a substance that has left a residue, and your cat finds the taste appealing. For instance, if you've been active or if your skin is warm, your sweat could have left behind a salty residue, which your cat may find enticing.

Curiously, although cats' tongues are primarily designed for grooming and have a sandpaper-like texture, they possess a significantly less sensitive sense of taste compared to humans. In fact, cats are among the few mammals that are unable to taste sweetness. So, while your cat's licking behavior may seem unusual or excessive, it's simply their way of exploring and interacting with their environment.

Another potential reason your cat licks your face or other parts of your body is that they want your attention. Whether they seek you to pet them, feed them, or pick them up, your cat may use licking as a means to capture your focus.

In this scenario, licking serves as a form of attention-seeking behavior, similar to other actions like pawing at you or meowing persistently. It's a way for your cat to communicate their desires and needs, showing affection and engaging with you through their natural behavior.

Finally, your cat might lick your face or other parts of your body because they're feeling anxious or stressed. While excessive licking or grooming can indicate a common cat behavioral problem or a medical issue, cats often resort to licking themselves or their owners as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.

You might find your cat licking you more frequently after moving to a new home or experiencing changes in their environment. Generally, this type of licking isn't cause for concern unless your cat grooms themselves excessively, leading to raw skin or bald spots. If this occurs, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian for guidance on addressing this behavior and ensuring your cat's well being.

Why does my cat lick me then bite me? There are several potential reasons for this behavior. One possibility is that your cat is engaging in interactive play. In the wild, cats often play-fight with each other, which can involve both licking and gentle biting. Your cat may be trying to initiate play with you in a similar manner.

Another explanation could be that your cat is displaying affection through grooming, but their excitement escalates, leading to a playful bite. Cats sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between grooming and play, especially if they become overly stimulated.

It's also important to consider whether there are any underlying issues causing your cat stress or discomfort. Sometimes, cats may exhibit biting behavior as a response to feeling anxious or in pain.

Observing your cat's body language and the context of the behavior can provide clues to their intentions. If the biting seems aggressive or becomes a frequent occurrence, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist to rule out any underlying medical issues and address the behavior appropriately.

If your cat's licking causes discomfort when they lick your face or other parts of your body, it could be due to several factors. The texture of a cat's tongue, which has backward facing barbs called papillae, can feel rough, almost like sandpaper, on human skin. Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to proteins in their cat's saliva, leading to irritation. Skin sensitivity or overstimulation from prolonged or forceful licking can also result in discomfort or mild pain.

However, it's important to note that licking is a normal behavior in cats. They may lick their pet owners as a sign of affection or to groom them, mimicking behavior they learned from their mother. Observing your cat's body language and adjusting interactions accordingly can help minimize discomfort during licking sessions. If the discomfort persists or if there are signs of allergic reaction, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues or allergies.

If you're looking to discourage your cat from licking your face or other parts of your body, there are several strategies you can try. One approach is to redirect their behavior by offering them a toy or treat when they start to lick you. This helps shift their focus away from licking onto a more appropriate activity.

Consider using deterrents such as bitter sprays or citrus-scented products on your skin to discourage licking. Ensuring your cat has plenty of opportunities for appropriate grooming and affection is important too. Regular brushing and interactive play sessions can help fulfill their needs and redirect their attention away from licking.

Setting boundaries is also essential. If your cat's licking becomes excessive or uncomfortable for you, gently remove yourself from the situation. This teaches your cat that licking you excessively results in the end of interaction.

Rewarding desirable behavior can also be effective. Offer praise and treats whenever your cat refrains from licking you and engages in alternative activities. If the licking behavior persists despite your efforts, seeking advice from a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist may be necessary for further guidance and support. Understanding your cat's body language and motivations can also help address this behavior effectively.

Allowing your cat to lick your face or other parts of your body is generally safe, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Some people may be allergic to their cat's saliva, which can cause itching, redness, or hives. If you experience any allergic reactions, it's best to avoid letting your cat lick you. While a cat's saliva contains antibacterial properties that help keep their fur clean, it can also harbor bacteria. If your cat has any open wounds or dental issues, there's a small risk of transferring bacteria through licking. The rough texture of a cat's tongue, with its tiny backward facing barbs called papillae, can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort on sensitive skin.

Excessive licking from your cat could signal underlying behavioral issues, stress, or anxiety. If your cat's licking becomes obsessive or bothersome, it's essential to address the root cause and seek guidance from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Ultimately, whether or not to allow your cat to lick you depends on your comfort level and any specific health considerations. Understanding your cat's body language and motivations can also help address this behavior effectively. If you're unsure or have concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

Besides licking their human owner’s skin, cats often enjoy licking items around the house such as blankets, cat toys, and perches. You may also find your feline friend kneading these materials.

And there you have it! Six likely reasons your cat licks you. Most of the time, licking is simply an innocent display of affection. However, if it becomes incessant, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice.