1. Introduction:
The Art of the "Sandpaper Kiss"
You know that moment when your cat starts licking you—have you ever wondered why they do it? It’s a moment all cat owners have experienced. Your kitty is purring on your lap, and as you are petting them, you suddenly feel that rough, prickly tongue on your hand. This unique sensation is often called a "sandpaper kiss," and it’s one of the most common and beloved feline behaviors.
As a certified cat behavior consultant, I am here to help you understand what it means when a cat licks you. This behavior is so much more than a simple sign of affection; it is a complex form of communication. From social bonding and marking territory to seeking attention and showing anxiety, your cat's licks tell a story. In this guide, we will explore the different reasons for this behavior, and I will show you how to decode the message behind each lick.
2. Decoding the Top Reasons Your Cat Licks You
I can assure you that what a cat licks with their tongues is often a clue to their physical and emotional well-being. Knowing the meaning of this behavior is crucial for owners to bond with their pets and to identify any underlying issues.
Licking as a Sign of Affection
Licking is a deeply ingrained social behavior for cats. The most common reason why your cat licks you is as a sign of affection. This act, known as allogrooming, is typically seen when a mother cat grooms her kittens or when two cats bathe each other. When your cat does it, it's their way of showing they love and accept you as a member of their inner circle or family group. You should let them, as it strengthens your bond.
Licking to Mark Their Territory
While many people think of scratching or spraying as the only ways a cat marks territory, licking is also a key method. Saliva contains a unique scent that your cat uses to claim you as their owner. When a cat licks your face, your hand, or your arm, they are leaving their scent behind. This is a subtle yet powerful signal to other animals that you belong to them.
Licking to Get Your Attention
Cats are smart, and they will quickly learn what behaviors get them what they want. If your cat licks you and you respond by giving them attention, treats, or a pat, they’ve learned a successful tactic. They will constantly try to get a response from you, and this is often why your cat keeps licking you so much. It can become a learned behavior that you might have unintentionally encouraged.
The Lick-and-Bite: A Sign of Overstimulation
Have you ever wondered why your cat licks you and then bites you? It happens all the time. This is typically not an aggressive action; instead, it's often a sign of overstimulation. A cat's tongue has small, backward-facing barbs that can feel like sandpaper. After so much petting, a cat's skin can become sensitive. The small bite is a clear signal that they’ve had enough and want you to stop. It is their way of telling you to respect their boundaries and to give them a break.
The Taste Sensation
Sometimes, your cat is simply licking you because they like the taste of something on your skin. This could be anything from the salt left by sweat to lotions or food residue. Cats have a very sharp sense of smell and they will investigate anything that seems interesting to them.
3. An Expert's Insight: Licking Objects
As a Veterinarian (DVM) Expert, I often encounter questions about feline behavior that go beyond the usual. One of the most overlooked behaviors, and a significant gap in most online resources, is when a cat licks things other than you. It's a behavior that can sometimes seem random, but it often has a deeper meaning. So, let's explore what it means when a cat keeps licking inanimate objects, like blankets or clothes.
Why Do Cats Lick Blankets or Objects?
It's easy to understand why a cats lick you—it’s a direct interaction. But why does a cat constantly lick blankets or objects? This is a behavior that, while less common, is just as important to recognize. The reasons for this behavior can range from simple to serious and should not be ignored by a responsible owner.
Causes of Object Licking
Licking things can be a sign of many different underlying issues, and as a DVM, I always recommend a thorough look at the situation to determine the root cause.
Boredom or Stress: Just like a human might chew their nails when they're nervous, cats may use licking as a self-soothing or displacement behavior. If your cat is feeling lonely, stressed, or is not getting enough mental stimulation, they may bathe their blanket or clothes to calm themselves.
Pica: As a vet, I’ve seen cases of Pica, a condition where a cat is obsessed with licking and eating non-food items. They would try to eat fabric, plastic, or other materials. This can be a symptom of a nutritional deficiency, but it is a serious concern that needs immediate medical attention to prevent intestinal blockage.
Medical Issues: On occasion, this obsessive licking can be a sign of a medical issue. A cat will bathe itself excessively or keep licking a specific area if it is in pain from dental problems, stomach issues, or skin allergies. They may be trying to clean or soothe an area that is causing them discomfort.
4. When Licking Becomes a Problem
As a Veterinarian (DVM) Expert, I want to stress that while a cat licking you is normal most of the time, excessive licking can be a sign of a problem. It can signal an underlying medical issue or emotional distress. If your cat suddenly starts to lick you excessively, or if they constantly bathe themselves to the point of causing hair loss or skin sores, it's a red flag.
Understanding Excessive Licking
An increase in licking can be a sign of both physical and psychological issues. For a human, stress can make you bite your nails, and for a cat, it can cause them to bathe themselves obsessively. They will groom themselves until they hurt themselves. This can happen if they are feeling anxious about a change in their routine or environment. The licking becomes a compulsive, self-soothing behavior.
Recognizing Signs of Stress
Excessive licking is often accompanied by other behavioral changes that indicate a cat is stressed. You might notice that your cat keeps to itself, wont let you hold them, or seems to be hiding more. You might notice they purr less or they lay on your chest but won't look at you. Pay cat lick behavior close attention to their actions and consult a professional if you see a combination of these signs.
How to Gently Redirect the Behavior
If your cat is constantly licking your hands, you should not try to punish them. Instead, the goal is to gently redirect their attention.
What to Do: Gently move your hand and give them a favorite toy to play with. You can also provide a puzzle feeder or a scratching post to engage them. This helps them associate a different activity with getting your attention.
What NOT to Do: Never scold, yell at, or push your cat aggressively. This will only increase their stress and fear, which can damage your bond and make the behavior worse. A cat doesn't understand punishment in the same way a dog does.
5. When to Consult a Professional
I want to share some critical guidance with you about when to seek professional help. While most licking is a normal sign of affection, some of it can be an indicator of an underlying medical or behavioral problem. Knowing when to visit a professional is crucial for your cat's health and your peace of mind.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to consult a veterinarian:
Sudden or Excessive Licking: A sudden change in your cat's behavior where they start constantly licking themselves, you, or other things.
Physical Harm: Obsessive licking that leads to hair loss, skin sores, or self-inflicted wounds. They may be trying to soothe pain from an injury or an internal problem.
Change in Behavior: Licking accompanied by other alarming behaviors. You might notice they won't eat, they will cry for no reason, they are more aggressive with other animals or people, or they are always hiding from you.
Licking Your Wounds: If your cat likes to lick your open wounds or cuts, you should stop it immediately as their mouth is not clean. This can lead to a serious infection.
Obsessive Object Licking: If your cat is obsessed with licking non-food items like plastic, clothes, or blankets, it could be a sign of Pica, a serious condition.
Remember: your cat is your responsibility, and they are relying on you to recognize when they need help. A visit to the vet can give you the answers you need and help your pet get the right treatment.
Conclusion:
Strengthening Your Bond
In the end, a cat's lick is a powerful and complex form of communication. It can mean a variety of things, from a groom to a sign of love. It’s their way of saying they love you and consider you to be part of their family. By learning to understand their language, you can build an even stronger, more trusting relationship. It is an incredible feeling to have a cat groom you and give you kisses, as it means that they feel safe and secure with you.
Remember: the reason why a cat licks is often a clue to what they are feeling. Whether it's a soft kiss on the forehead or an aggressive lick that won't stop, paying attention to their actions is the best way to ensure they are happy and healthy. You are their human, and they are trusting you to care for them.