Many cat owners have had their cat's tongue feel like sandpaper. You can be glad that you have your furry friend's attention after the initial lick. It's still pleasant after a minute, but your skin can start to feel somewhat more exfoliated. You could start to question, "What's wrong with my cat?" while your cat licks you. Most likely, your cat is just acting like a cat. Cats lick their humans for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are cat-specific and therefore not cause for concern. However, excessive licking could point to an underlying issue, so your veterinarian would want to look into it. You might find the explanations for your cat's persistent licking on this list helpful.
Is it normal for cats lick you?
Since cats spend up to 8% of their time awake (and 50% asleep), licking is typically a behavior that cats engage in.
Anyone who has ever received a cat tongue wash will concur that a cat's tongue feels more like a sandpaper loofah than a soft sponge. This is because your cat's tongue is covered in thousands of papillae, which are little, stiff, backward-facing spines. This brush helps clean your cat's coat of debris and loose hair while coating the fur with saliva to keep your cat cool.
Possible reasons why your cat licks you
1. To show affection
For cats, licking serves both as a means of grooming and of expressing affection. Your cat is establishing a social link with you, other cats, or even other animals by licking them. This practice may have started in kittenhood when the mother of your cat would kiss the kittens' paws to demonstrate love and care. Many cats continue to lick their humans as adults in order to experience the same sensation. Many cats continue to lick their owners with the same emotion as they did when they were kittens.
2. To "mark their territory"
While cats have many different ways to "mark their territory," such as cheek rubbing, clawing, (and regrettably, spraying), licking is another action they can use to stake a claim to anything. In this instance, if your cat is licking you, it's to let other cats or animals know that you are, in fact, them!
3. To groom you
Although your cat may not understand that licking you doesn't actually help you "get clean," they are perfectly capable of understanding this activity. Mother cats groom their kittens to educate them to do the same for themselves, to show them affection, and to create a link, as we previously discussed. In fact, a group of cats living together frequently select a "allo-groomer" — a cat who licks and grooms the other cats in the group, claims certified cat behavior and training specialist Marcy Koski. Your cat may be trying to play the part of a "allo-groomer" by grooming you and establishing your membership in their group if you notice them licking you.
4. To taste something interesting
The reason your cat might lick you is because they find something interesting to taste on your skin, as obvious (and even ridiculous) as it may appear. Your cat might enjoy the taste of whatever you've spilled or came into contact with and left on your skin. It's possible that your cat is attempting to taste the salty residue left behind by your perspiration if it's warm outside or you've recently worked out. It's interesting to note that despite having tongues designed for grooming, cats have a considerably more subdued sense of taste than do us. Cats are the only mammals that have been found to be incapable of tasting sweets.
5. To get your attention
Another possible reason your cat licks you could be that they want your attention. Whether they want you to pet them, feed them or pay attention to them, your cat may try to lick you and get your attention. In this case, licking can be equivalent to any other attention-seeking cat behavior, such as pawing or meowing at you.
6. To cope with anxiety or stress
Finally, if your cat is stressed or anxious, they might lick you. While excessive licking or grooming may occasionally point to a medical issue, cats frequently lick you or themselves as a stress or anxiety management technique. After moving into a new house or going through other environmental changes, you can notice that your cat is licking you. In most cases, this type of licking is harmless unless your cat grooms itself to the point that their skin gets raw or they get bald spots. In this situation, you should consult your veterinarian to find out how to change the behavior.
Is it safe to let your cat lick you
Although there are some potential concerns, getting a bath from your cat is generally harmless. Cats have bacteria in their mouths that, if they lick an open wound, can result in a local or systemic illness. People with impaired immune systems are especially at danger. Even though it's extremely unlikely, don't allow your cat lick your face or have any cuts on your skin just to be safe.
Some medicines can hurt your cat if they are licked off. If you use any product on your skin or hair, tell your veterinarian if it might be harmful to your cat.
How to get your cat to stop licking you
No matter why your cat licks, you could find it uncomfortable or even annoying.
Never use punishment, such as reprimanding, dousing, shaking the coin jar, or using sprays with a bitter taste. This could erode your relationship with your cat and increase their anxiety, which would lead to more licking.
Here are a few suggestions to lessen licking:
- When you engage with them, wear long sleeves and use a small towel or food puzzle to cover your skin.
- Get up and leave if your cat begins to lick. Ignoring your cat's licking will stop the activity if your cat is doing it to get your attention. Only ignore your cat when they lick you; otherwise, keep your distance. If it doesn't cease after a week, your vet should be consulted as there may be another cause for the licking that has to be addressed.
- Toss a cat treat or toy away from you. You can stand up and leave if your cat follows the food or toy.
- Reinforce the behavior by giving your cat praise, food, or play when it engages with you without licking.
- Give your cat a variety of stimulating environments. You can never have too much! To add novelty, purchase a range of toys, hide all but 5–6 of them, and switch them around every few days. As well as alternative hiding places, give your cat access to vertical spaces like cat trees and perches, and spend at least 15 minutes playing with it three times per day.
Your cat should be examined by your veterinarian if it licks frequently or excessively to make sure there are no underlying medical or psychological issues.
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