Why does my cat lick me?

Cats spend a lot of their time grooming themselves, using their rough tongue with hook-shaped barbs to remove loose hair and debris from their coat. Sometimes they’ll also lick your skin. If so, you might be wondering: why does my cat lick me?

Reasons why your cat licks you

‘Cats lick us for lots of different reasons, from showing affection to getting your attention to being anxious,’ explains Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection. ‘But it’s important cat owners know the reasons why their cats might be licking them, to ensure they are happy and healthy.’

Here are the most common explanations.

Showing affection

For cats, licking is a form of bonding. If you have multiple cats you might often see them lick each other. From their earliest days, your cat will have been licked by their mother. Once your cat grows up, shared grooming and licking is an extension of this and a natural way to recreate a behaviour that makes them feel good.

Sharing scent

Just as mothers lick to bond with their kittens, they also do it to share their scent among the litter. Transferring their saliva to the young kittens is an immediate way to help them recognise they’re all part of the same group. Grown cats might continue this behaviour and lick you as a simple way to mark their territory and claim you as their own.

Happy hormones

When cats groom themselves, it releases endorphins or feel-good hormones in their brain. This makes them feel happy and calm, so it’s no surprise they lick so often.

To get your attention

Maybe your cat would like you to pet them or they fancy a tasty treat. This means they might be licking you to focus your attention on them.

Anxiety

Some cats will over-groom themselves or lick things a little bit too much if they are feeling stressed. If you’re wondering why does my cat keep licking me, knowing that they’re doing it to help themselves stay calm can help you understand their behaviour better. If you think there’s something causing your cat stress or anxiety, it’s worth checking with your vet.Cat insurance can also help your cat get the best care.

Why does my cat lick me then bite me?

Sometimes an overstimulated cat will follow licks with a little nip or bite when you are playing with them. They might be over-excited and it’s easy for their natural hunter instincts to kick in and take over. Just make sure you always have a toy nearby to distract your cat’s attention away from biting you.

Alternatively, you might notice that your cat will lick you first, and then follow it with a bite or scratch. This might be because they don’t like being handled or they’re feeling stressed. Look out for other body language clues, for example, their ears facing back or a swishing tail, and be careful not to cause any further stress.

Meanwhile, if you’re thinking, why does my cat bite and then lick me, they could be trying to tell you something, maybe they want to play or they could feel threatened or uncomfortable. Always make sure your cat feels safe and secure. If you're concerned about your cat’s biting, speak to your vet or a qualified cat behaviourist for tailored advice.

Is it safe to let my cat lick me?

Your cat’s tongue is covered in little barbs, called papillae. These are made of keratin and are essential for cleaning their fur, but can feel like sandpaper on your skin. As long as you don’t mind the feeling, it’s absolutely fine to let your cat lick your arms and hands. Make sure you haven’t applied any products to your skin that might be harmful to your cat, such as heavily scented moisturiser or even medical creams or ointments.

How to stop a cat licking you

While some of us might enjoy an occasional lick from our feline friend, sometimes it becomes excessive. In that case, you might want to think about discouraging your cat. Here are some simple tips:

• Don’t push your cat away or punish them. This could lead to behavioural issues, as your cat won’t understand what they have done wrong
• Distract them with a toy or groom them with a brush
• Wear long sleeves so your cat can't reach your skin

Other things to remember

Your cat might be licking you simply because they like the taste of your skin. This might be because you spilt something on it, applied moisturiser or they’re attracted to the salty sweat on your skin. If you do wear moisturiser, sunscreen or other products, make sure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Sometimes, instead of licking you, your cat will lick a toy or a favourite blanket. As you get to know your cat’s behaviour, you’ll be more aware of what they like to lick.