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Cats might explain what they’re actually doing when they lick and paw at our hair if they could communicate, but because cats are cryptic and secretive by nature, humans who study them can only speculate on the significance of their behavior. A cat’s tongue is one of its most valuable attributes.
The tongue is often coated with papillae, which are curved spines that help them groom themselves. These activities are thought to be a type of allogrooming, a social and bonding behavior that generally occurs between cats that have a friendly or family relationship, according to experts.
1. They’re claiming their turf.
“Cats lick their owners to identify them as theirs,” explains Lovelia Horn, owner of Every Creature Counts, an animal rescue organization. “Even if the cat isn’t your pet, they’ll mark you with their saliva since it signifies that you’re part of their territory.”
This view is echoed by Animal Planet, which claims that grooming is in reaction to the pleasure they get from being touched. They appreciate being touched and think it to be similar to being licked, so they want to reciprocate.
The site also adds that licking is a territorial activity derived from how a mother cat grooms her kittens to establish her smell and “claim” her litter. Isn’t that a lovely thought? It’s great to think that your cat is so attached to you that it wants to claim you as its own.
2. They are vying for your attention
Scraping their moist tongue against your skin is a common way for a cat to notify you to a problem. Perhaps they want to snuggle, or perhaps they’re informing you that it’s time to clean the litter box. However, in most cases, the problem is minimal.
In less common cases, licking the owner could be a sign of stress:
- Hiding
- Refusing food
- Having accidents outside the litter box
During times of substantial upheaval, such as moving to a new house or adding a new pet to the family, cats are more prone to want comfort.
3. They’re grooming you
“Cats are expert groomers who spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves. Grooming habit can sometimes extend to social partners, including humans”. – Crista Coppola, CAAB, SeniorTailWaggers certified animal behaviorist, agrees.
The purpose of a cat’s tongue isn’t merely to eat food. They can also be used as grooming tools. The small, rigid spines known as papillae are buried in the tongues of cats. As your cat’s tongue sweeps through their coat, these hook-shaped spines grab on strands of fur and act as a natural detangling brush, while their saliva washes away filth. Sometimes cats lick their owners to groom them. Even though they do not know that licking you is not making you clean in any way, they are doing something that they were born to do. Their moms lick them while they’re young to groom them and teach them how to groom themselves. They also do this to demonstrate affection and bond with the kittens.
Tip: If your cat is grooming you, you may reciprocate by scratching them behind the ears or brushing them with a gentle brush.
4. Weaning Before Time
Some cats may have been abandoned by their moms or weaned before they were ready. This causes them to develop an obsession, causing them to lick compulsively.
This is because the cat did not have enough time to acquire milk from its mother, therefore they began licking humans and themselves since they had no other choice. They are frequently longing for the comfort that they received from their moms’ breastfeeding.
You should not be concerned if this is the reason your cat is licking you. To guarantee that it has alternatives, you can find other cats for social bonding.
5. Why do cats lick you so much?
Cats who lick you excessively may be attempting to communicate with you that they are worried about you. “In the wild, cats would groom each other to assist each other keep clean so they don’t attract larger predators,” explains Dr. Ochoa.
So, when a cat licks you a lot, what does it mean? Your cat, on the other hand, is indicating that they consider you to be kin. Your cat thinks you need help with personal grooming procedures, much like they bring you a dead rodent because they think you’re too inept to hunt for yourself. Adult cats can spend up to 50% of their day grooming and are innately compelled to clean themselves, so don’t expect to keep up with them.
Maybe because you have an intriguing flavor on your skin, your cat may lick you. Your cat may lick you till the taste is totally gone as a result of this flavor.
6. Is it Safe for Cats to Groom Humans?
Anything your cat’s tongue comes into touch with might be consumed, so don’t let her lick your head or skin if you’re using pharmaceutical treatments, Kirby-Madden advises.
If you don’t enjoy being your pet’s personal ice cream cone, you can discourage the licking but do it gently. Try to distract her by petting her or giving her a fuzzy mouse, fishing line or other appealing toy to play with, Johnson-Bennett says, adding that it’s important not to become angry with or reprimand your pet for licking you. Whatever you do, don’t get angry.
“Try to appreciate and comprehend what an expression of devotion it is,” Johnson-Bennett advises. “Avoid shoving your cat away. If you shout at the cat or force her off the bed, it will be highly harmful to your relationship. You want to maintain a cheerful attitude.”
FINAL THOUGHT
Getting licked by your cat isn’t usually a reason for concern. In fact, it’s frequently an indication of good connection.
However, if your cat licks you more than usual or exhibits other troubling or odd behaviors, the licking might be due to something else, such as nervousness or stress. Your veterinarian can help you narrow down potential causes and provide you advice on how to make your cat feel less stressed.
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