Why does my cat lick me?

 

Cats spend long periods of the day licking themselves. This unique aspect of their behavior is what keeps them so clean and why they can be considered among the neatest animals on earth. It is also common for cats to lick each other. Sometimes cat try to extend that duty to their owners and other amenities within the home including their toys. And although this may look like a show of love when your cat licks you, there are other reasons why she would lick your body the same way that she licks her kittens. Below are some of the reasons why your feline would feel duty bound to lick you.

To establish ownership of her territory

Licking is one way the cat tries to mark her territory and establish ownership. Whenever it licks, it leaves her scent behind. This scent tells other animals that may want to intrude to stay away from her properties. Mother cats lick their kittens to establish ownership of them. And any time your cat extends the same activity on you, like it does her kittens, it is only trying to mark you as one of her own and have a bonding with you. Below are also more possible reasons why your cat may lick you.

The cat is grooming you

Your cat never forgets how her own mother licked her to keep her neat.  So whenever your cat is licking you, she is trying to repeat what her mother did to her. She tries to groom you same way her own mother groomed her, to keep you neat, to establish a bond of affection with you and mark you as a member of her family.

The Cat is seeking your attention

It is also possible that the reason your cat may lick you is to capture your attention. It may be that she wants you to pet her or feed or pay attention to her. Although cats have different ways they seek your attention, such as meowing and pawing, one more way she can crave your attention is to lick you.

To taste something interesting on your skin

Your cat may also lick you if she tastes something interesting on your skin. If you have mistakingly spilled something on your body or come in contact with something that has left a lasting odor on your body, if your cat likes the odor, it will definitely lick you up. Exercises can leave a salty residue on your skin from the sweat that comes out of your body. That salty taste from your skin may be why your cat is licking you.

Anxiety and Stress

Your cat may also lick you to relieve himself of anxiety and stress. Usually when cats are anxious, they engage in excessive licking of themselves, up to the extent of peeling off a few spots in their bodies to baldness. When cats move to a new house, for example, they may become so anxious due to the change of environment. One way they can cope with their anxiety is to lick, not only themselves but other cats and their owners. However, excessive licking of this type may also indicate a medical issue. In this case, you will need to see your vet.

Should you get your cat to stop licking you?

Licking is a general cat behavior and should not give you cause to worry. However, if your cat grooms you excessively you may become irritated because the cat’s tongue is rough and sharp as the human finger nails and so it will make you feel hurt. The roughness of the tongue is why cats are able to groom themselves and detangle their furs, remove all dirt and redistribute oil around their body. Therefore, when a cat licks you with their sandpaper-like tongue, it is most likely to hurt.

What can you do to stop your cat from licking you?

 If you want to curb the behavior of licking by your cat, the major thing you may do is to redirect his attention to some other activities. You may begin by petting and cuddling him so as to distract him from licking you. Furthermore, a play toy may also be what you need to remove his mind from licking. Another way you can distract the cat is by the use of food. Giving your cat a good tasty treat is one sure way of encouraging him to stop licking you. Lastly you may want to move away from the cat whenever the licking becomes excessive.

 

 

 

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