Why do cats lick you is the topic of today’s bizarre scientific inquiry, which many cat parents have. My cat licks me constantly, says Kendraw. While she will tolerate pets, her true desire when she needs attention is to lick me everywhere there is skin. Thank heavens [my cat] won’t lick my face, but he’ll certainly lick my arm, elbow, and hand! She will actually clean me while squeezing me between her paws. She is extremely thorough about it; it’s not just a few licks. The bitter spray has been attempted. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Can I gently persuade her to quit even though I know it’s an expression of affection?
So, why do cats lick you? First, let’s talk about why cats lick you, and then give you some tips on how to persuade your cat that there are much more awesome options than grooming you until your skin is raw.Why do cats lick you? Cat licking is a way of bonding.
1. Social bonding
The first step in answering “Why do cats lick you?” is knowing that kittens groom each other, and older cats who aren’t related but get along well also spend time grooming one another. Often, they’ll get the spots that are hard for a cat to reach by themselves, such as the top of the head and inside the ears. Exchanging scents through grooming also increases the bond between a pair of cats.
2. Paying you a huge compliment
Another answer to the question, “Why do cats lick you?” Well, a tongue bath from your cat is an indication that she feels totally safe in your presence. You are truly a member of her family, and she reinforces that by cleaning you like her mother cleaned her when she was a kitten. Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation Cat licking isn’t always a positive thing.
3. Anxiety
Sometimes, the answer to “Why do cats lick you?” isn’t so positive, though. Some cats get so stressed that they begin licking compulsively. (One mysterious condition is called feline hyperesthesia.) Cats who lick themselves bald are often trying to comfort themselves because they’re stressed. Other compulsive kitties might lick and suck on fabric, plastic or even your skin.
4. Hurt or feel so rough
Now that you’ve got a few answers to the question, “Why do cats lick you?” you probably have a few follow-up questions — like, “Why does it hurt when my cat licks me?” Your cat’s tongue feels like sandpaper because it’s covered with papillae — backward-facing hooks made of keratin, the same material that makes your cat’s claws. The papillae help cats rasp meat off bones, and they also assist in grooming by acting like a comb to pull out loose fur and dirt.
5. Distract your cat to prevent her from licking you.
Learn the signs that your cat is about to start licking. Before she starts washing your arm raw, redirect her attention with a toy. If your cat likes catnip, slip a catnip-filled kicker toy in front of her when she’s about to lick you. If she’s not a catnip fan, try a treat-dispensing toy instead.
6. Play interaction with your pets to reduce stress.
Healthy play is always good for your cat. It keeps your cat fit and trim, and it strengthens the bond between you. Not only that, but the chemicals released during exercise help your cat to relax and feel content.Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation
7. Be patient when your cats lick you
It’s not easy to retrain a cat who has gotten used to performing a habitual behavior such as licking. Remember to stay gentle and avoid yelling or intense physical reactions like shoving your cat or tossing her off your lap. And never, ever hit your cat.