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Cats can be quirky. And anyone who has ever owned multiple cats in their lifetime knows of one who is the “lover” in the bunch. These are the cats that are always looking for a warm nap to rest on and a willing participant for a little friendly grooming.

Considering that cats spend from 30 to 50 percent of their day grooming, it’s natural for them to want to share an activity that makes them feel comfortable and connected. While it may feel to you like you are getting a bath via sandpaper, to them they are paying you a big compliment.

So why does your cat lick you? Here are seven reasons to consider that we’ve seen time and time again at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics.

1.) She Loves You

It’s really often that simple. Your cat is expressing her affection for you in the most significant way she knows how–by sharing a grooming experience like her mother did with her as a kitten. By licking you, she’s actually petting you.

2.) She’s Grooming You

This is a bonding experience as much as a cleanliness exercise. Cats learn how to groom from their mother, so when she gives you a “bath”, she’s showing you that she’s completely secure with you and considers you part of her family.

3.) She’s Claiming You As Her Own

Licking helps your cat establish territory by marking the things she cares most about. Top of the list is probably you, followed by toys and other pets in the house.

4.) She Wasn’t Properly Weaned

Many who have rescued kittens from dumpsters or left on the roadside know they were unfortunately often weaned before it was time. Often, they were left because their feral mother was already pregnant and due to deliver another litter. Cats weaned too young missed out on their fair share of suckling, which can result in an oral fixation as adults. This is the closest thing they can get to the soothing comfort nursing gave them. Cats exhibiting this kind of behavior may also knead and purr as they lick you.

feeding kittens

5.) She’s Enjoying a Taste on your Skin

Ever notice how you cat particularly likes to lick you after you’ve been exercising or have sweat on your skin? That’s because she’s tasting the salt in your sweat. Or perhaps you just finished cooking breakfast and there’s a minute spot or two of bacon grease on your forearm. Salty and savory are a cat’s favorite tastes beyond their cat food. However, cats have a much more muted sense of taste than their human owners. In fact, cats are the only mammals that are known to not be able to taste sweets.

6.) She’s Seeking Your Attention

It’s hard to ignore a cat that’s licking you and she knows that. That’s why she often licks you when she’s hungry, wants some pets, or wants to play. In short, it’s her way of saying “you can’t ignore me, now.”

7.) She’s Coping with Anxiety or Stress

The comfort that comes from the act of licking can be a coping mechanism when your cat is anxious or stressed. She may be reacting to a new pet (or person) in the household, loud noises from construction nearby, or she’s sensing stress in her owner. This may manifest as her licking herself, or it may be directed towards her owner. There can be other signs of stress to watch for such as your cat stops using her litter box.

cat licking itself

When Should You Consider Your Cat’s Licking To Be A Health Issue?

Some of the cats that we’ve seen at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics who have excessive licking issues pointed to internal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, skin allergies, or nausea, pain, or discomfort from a wide range of medical or emotional issues. It’s important that we perform a thorough veterinarian examination to get to the heart of the obsessive behavior.

Is It Safe To Let Your Cat Lick You?

Generally, yes. Cats do carry certain bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to infection if they lick an open wound. Immunocompromised people are at most risk from infection from a cat’s licking. It’s safest not to let your cat lick your face or any cuts on your skin. Some of the products we use on our skin can be harmful to cats as well. If you regularly use products on your skin and hair and your cat is ill after licking you, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian to determine if it’s a toxicity issue.

The veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic are familiar with all kinds of kitty behaviors. Have questions about non-urgent issues? Be sure to ask during your next regular exam.