Do you know if your cat likes you? Or when she’s happy or not in a good mood?
Since we cannot talk to our furry friends, we often assume how they’re feeling by trying to read their body language and assigning meaning to their gestures and actions.
It’s easier foe people to read a dog’s body language, but people find it hard to decode that of a cat’s.
So, what does it mean if your cat licks you?
In this blog post, we will answer the question, “Why does my cat lick me?” in detail.
Let’s get started!
Here’s the Deal: Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
Have you ever observed your cat go to town on herself?
Cats spend approximately 15 to 50% of their time grooming themselves. They don’t really care where they are or if you’ve got guests over. When it’s time to groom, your cat will lick itself no matter how socially awkward it may be.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why your cat may be licking you!
To Show Affection
Most feline behaviour experts believe that cats lick their owners as a way of showing affection. By licking you (or other pets in your household) your cat is trying to create a strong social bond.
Isn’t that adorable!?
Experts believe that cats learn this form of showing affection during kittenhood from their mum when she grooms them.
To Groom You
Another reason why your cat may be licking you is to groom you.
Doesn’t that come as an ultimate insult!? The idea that your cat thinks you’re dirty!
Well, it’s actually a sweet thing as the behavior comes naturally to cats. If they think you’re one of their own, they will try to groom you. Community cats or feral cats groom each other all the time.
To Mark Their Territory
Another reason why your cat may be grooming you is to mark her territory. Cats do many other things to “mark” things such as scratching, spraying, cheek rubbing, etc.
If your cat is licking you, it’s telling all the other cats to keep away.
Now, that’s adorable!
To Get Your Attention
Your cat may be licking you to get your attention. Your feline friend may be asking you to pet her, feed her, or generally pay attention to him. Other attention-seeking behaviours include pawing at you or meowing at you.
Summing Up: Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
Were you able to figure out why your cat licks you?
Cats lick their human companions for several reasons–and most of them are heartwarming. Why do you think your cat licks you? You can share some stories or reasons with the community in the comments section.
If you have any further questions or concerns, leave them in the comments section, and we will get back to you soon.