Why Does my Cat Lick Me?

Cats don’t only lick themselves but at least when they do, we can easily understand why. It gets a little murkier when they decide to lick us or sometimes, you’ll even catch them licking their other feline friends if you have a multi-cat household. It’s not like you can just tap them on the shoulder and ask why they’re giving you a bath. Are they calling you dirty? Should you be offended?

The short answer is no, there’s no need to take offence. Sometimes when your kitty licks you it might even be more for their own benefit than actually trying to express something to you. We’ve done some research into the main reasons why it’s thought that your feline friend chooses to lick you.

One of the most common reasons why your cat might be licking you is because they’re showing you affection. We build strong bonds with our feline friends by feeding and caring for them. Cat owners also make sure they stay fit and healthy and give them all the cuddles and lap naps they deserve, so when they lick you, it’s just their way of being affectionate right back to you!

If you have more than one cat you might have noticed, they groom each other. This grooming is a form of bonding in a similar way to a mother cat licking her kittens. Cats lick each other to develop bonds so when they lick us, they’re also strengthening their bond with us.

Sometimes when you bring a new cat home, they might not lick you from the first day and it might actually take a while for them to trust you enough. When they start to lick you it’s a good sign that your bond is developing, and they trust you.

Our feline companions are naturally smart pets, they are always learning and quickly discover what works and what doesn’t. When you first brought them home and they licked you, chances are you likely made a big fuss over it because let’s face it, it’s super cute. Sounding delighted and giving them lots of attention would have quickly told them that licking you is a great way to get your attention.

It might be playtime or their food bowl might be empty, so they could be asking to be fed. If your cat approaches you and licks you but doesn’t seem to settle down as they usually do when showing affection, chances are they’re asking you for something so check some of the basics.

Their litter might need emptying or they might even be asking to go outside. In the case of them wanting something you just have to learn through trial and error what they’re asking for.

While for the most part, your cat licking you is harmless and nothing to worry about, but here are times where you may need to pay extra attention. Your feline could be feeling stressed or anxious and during these times they could lick to soothe themselves. Grooming is one way they can comfort themselves and reduce anxiety, but they can also lick us too when they’re stressed. From moving home, hearing fireworks or other big changes in their routine, it could be safe to assume the extra affection you’re receiving is a form of comfort to them.

To help your feline friend cope with changes around the house and in their routine, there are plenty of options to help reduce their stress levels. Pheromone diffusers like the Feliway Pheromone Diffuser can help to comfort your moggy and reduce their anxiety levels until they adjust to their new routine or a stressful period is over and things return back to normal.

When cats lick, it makes them feel good. In the same way it can soothe them when they’re anxious – their brain releases endorphins when they lick. You might notice that your cat will come over and sit with you where they will most likely lick you before they fall asleep. It helps them relax, so they will often groom themselves or their owners to help settle down ready for their nap.

Sometimes you have to look at the situation to really understand why your cat is licking you and if they quickly settle down for a cuddle and a snooze after, they are just getting comfortable and licking you before it helps to relax them!

While feeling their teeth on your skin might be a surprise at first, especially when they’re past kittenhood, it’s actually quite normal for a lick to turn into a bite. If your moggy is in a heightened state of arousal, meaning they’re quite excited and they lick you to get your attention, this can easily boil over into a little nibble.

Many owners will know exactly what this refers to and even call them “love bites”. It’s nothing at all to worry about, just a sign that your cat is excited, and a quick play session will help get that energy out. If you don’t want your fingers to be on the receiving end of their nibbles then having lots of toys they can bite in their excitement instead will help get their energy out in a more productive way.

For first time cat owners being licked by your new kitten can be a bit strange but for the most part it’s a way for them to express their affection towards you. For everything you need to return the affection and take the best care of your beloved cat, check out our range of cat products available in store and online.