Why Does My Cat Lick Me? What's The Normal Amount Of Licking?

Cats do a lot of weird things — like, a lot. Whether it's storming down the hallway at top speed in the middle of the night or hissing at the neighborhood birds out the window, your cat's behavior is entertaining at the very least. Amongst the weird things cats do is taste us with their sandpaper tongue! Which may make you wonder why your cat licks you.

 

 

Is It Normal That My Cat Licks Me?

Yes! It's very normal for cats to lick themselves, other cats, and even you! For many cats, tasting is a natural instinct. Their mothers licked them when they were kittens, so it's always been a part of their life. Other reasons include:

 

• Cleaning: Cats eliminate dirt, debris, and odors by licking. In the wild, cats will clean themselves after a kill to remove scents that might attract other predators to their location. You'll often notice cats licking themselves after you pet them to eliminate your scent from their body.
• Coping: Cats will groom themselves as a form of comfort when they feel stressed or nervous. You'll sometimes notice your cat licking themselves during an otherwise tense encounter with another pet.
• Maternal: Mother cats that have just given birth will immediately lick their kittens to clean them and stimulate breathing. She will do this for the kitten's first several weeks of life, especially. Kittens learn to groom themselves around three weeks and will clean themselves on their own by six weeks.
• Bonding: Kittens who have learned to groom properly will then start grooming each other. This is called "allogrooming." Cats that have grown up together will especially lick each other, even as adults and seniors.
• Heat regulation: Licking their coat helps cats maintain a steady body temperature. Smoothing their coat with their tongue will trap warmth. During the summer, licking can also keep them cool.

 

 

Should I Go To The Vet For a Cat That Licks Too Much?

If your cat is grooming each day, that is perfectly normal and healthy. But if you feel your cat is obsessive in the way they clean — focusing on a specific spot or licking constantly — it's probably safe to assume that they are experiencing discomfort, stress, or a health complication. A veterinarian will be able to evaluate their behavior and health with a variety of tests, helping you find the source of the problem and a possible solution or treatment plan.

 

Related: Restless Cat: Causes & Solutions

 

 

Why Do Cats Lick You?

The reasons for cats licking their owners are a bit more varied and complex. It's often a blend of instinctual behavior and concern for you and your incompetence. Read on to see what we mean:

 

• They Are Affectionate: Cats show love in various unique ways, including rubbing against you, showing you their stomach (and sometimes their butt), and licking. For many cats, licking is a way to show you they are being friendly and looking for some affection in return.
• They Pity You: Cats will often view their owners as part of their family, maybe even as a fellow cat. But they can tell something is off. You clearly can't hunt on your own. And you can't even lick yourself. For many cats, licking you is a nurturing behavior.
• They Sense That You are Anxious: Cats lick themselves and lick other cats to help them stay calm. Your cat might lick you if they sense you are feeling anxious or worried. Cats are very attentive to your feelings — more than you might realize.
• They Are Marking Territory: Cats use pheromones to mark their territory. Some cats do this by peeing on things or scratching surfaces. But cats will also mark their property by rubbing on things and licking things. When your cat licks you, they are most likely saying that you are important to them, and they want other cats to know it — and stay away!
• You Taste Good: Did you just eat something delicious? Your cat may be licking at your hand because they can still taste that BBQ chicken on your fingers. Did you just spray yourself with perfume? Your cat may be licking your arm because they enjoy the taste or smell a bit too much.
• You Just Got Out of the Shower: When you come out of the shower, cats will often start licking your hair if it's still wet. They know how it feels to get their fur wet. Well, your hair is often your only fur, and your cat is terrified that you would let it get so uncomfortably wet.

 

 

Why Does it Hurt When My Cat Licks Me?

Cats have a unique tongue full of backward-facing hooks called "papillae." These hooks help cats pull and clean their fur, similar to a comb. The hooks are made of keratin, which is the same material as a human fingernail. Just remember that cats aren't doing this on purpose. They have no idea that this process is hurting you and most likely think you enjoy it.

 

 

How Do I Stop My Cat From Licking Me?

Cat licking is an instinctual behavior that they aren't thinking about. It can be tough at first to train a cat to stop licking when it's such a natural response for them. If you don't like your cat being affectionate with you, there's luckily a few things you can do to lessen this behavior without insulting them.

 

 

Give Them an Alternative

Whenever your cat goes to lick you, offer them a toy or material to lick instead. Cats won't understand that licking is wrong until you show them. If you provide them with an alternative every time, like catnip spray, your cats will soon learn to avoid licking you altogether. 

 

 

Give Them a Distraction

When your cat goes to lick you, immediately bring out a toy. Start shaking it excitedly in front of them or moving a ribbon enticingly. Your cat will most likely be distracted from their plans to lick you when they see the toy. That's hard to resist!

 

 

Give Them Comfort

Cats will obsessively lick themselves, and you, when they are feeling anxious or stressed. To soothe them and cut back on obsessive behavior, give your cat CBD treats or drop CBD oil on their cat food. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp that supports the reactors in your cat's endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping balance their mood and overall well-being. CBD will get them feeling comforted and relaxed.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Cats are strange. But that's why we love them! We love that cats play with scrunched-up paper balls instead of expensive cat toys. And we love that they like to race around under the covers at night. It's those quirky antics that make cats a constant source of entertainment and affection. Sometimes cats show that affection by licking us. For some of us, that can hurt! So why the heck are they doing it?

 

Some cats will start licking themselves (or you) out of stress or in an attempt to soothe a painful area of their body. If you suspect that your cat is licking way too much or you see missing fur, it's time to immediately call in a vet and the proper care they need. But most Cats are most often tasting you out of love. They are cleaning you (or teaching you how to clean), comforting you, or just showing you affection.

Related: Benefits of Taurine for Cats