Why do cats lick you?
Nobody knows for certain. Cats are certainly not telling us in words but when you have a close relationship with your kitty then you probably have a good idea. Here are some of the reasons :
Your cat is telling you that they love you!
Your cat can’t tell you that they love you, but they can show you. One of his earliest memories would be being groomed by his mother cat. Adult cats sometimes groom each other and this is called allogrooming. When animals of different species groom each other it is called social grooming, and this is what is happening when your cat licks you.
Cats spend around 8% of their time grooming themselves with their sandpaper-like tongue, and when they transfer their attention to you it means that they are expressiong their affection for you.
Your cat wants your attention
Think of what you do when your cat licks you. You probably pet them or talk to them, or interact with them in some other way. That’s what your cat is looking for.
Cats learn quickly. She wants your attention, and knows that licking you is a sure-fire way of getting it as you always respond.
Your cat likes how you taste
Your cat may simply like your taste. If you lick your arm you will realise that you actually do have a taste. In summer when it is hot, you will probably taste a little salty, and at other times you may smell of shampoo or soap. Cats are inquisitive, and they love investigating any interesting odours.
Your cat is owning you
Cats mark their territory with their scent. You will have noticed your kitty rubbing his face on objects – that is his way of establishing ownership. Its normal for cats to do this to their owner’s iPads and laptops to show that it belongs to them.
If your cat licks you then he is marking you with his scent and identifying you as one of his group – or even belonging to him!
