Why Do Cats Lick Humans?

Cat parents often have a query as to why their cats lick them, ain’t it? You are not the only one who feels so. There are many who go through this dilemma. The reason can be anything – they might be trying to show you some affection, are stressed or more. We know adult cats lick themselves or their kittens to groom and clean themselves. But why do they lick their humans?
Let’s find out:

Your cat might be trying to show you some affection.

When you try to show affection to your furry pal, you pet it. Don’t you? Now, they try to return the same affection by licking you. The way we hug our loved ones to ease ourselves and others, our kittens do that by licking us. If they love doing that, you know your feline pal, loves you to the core. And, it is one of the best parts of adopting a kitten.

Licking for kitties can be a way of marking their territories.

Kittens often urinate on stuff if they want to announce that it’s their territory. However, licking is also one of the activities that suggests that your cat is claiming you as its property. That’s their way of showing you’re important to them and everyone else must be aware of that. They basically leave their smell on ya!

Cats might lick you to make you feel like you’re its family.

The kitty remembers how its mother groomed it when he was a kid. So, by licking you, it will keep reminding you to groom yourself. Neat! If you’re sick or exhibit anxiety or distress, these furry pals will try to calm you down by licking you down. Cats often lick each other when they’re anxious. So, if you seem stressed, your kitty will be there by you side, licking you.

However, a cat’s lick isn’t comfortable. It hurts.

Cats’ tongues have papillae, which feel like a sandpaper on skin. They hurt. But hey, it’s just your kitten trying to show some love. If they hurt a lot, you can try distracting her with healthy and interactive play but do not stress her out. Welcome her licking with love, always!